Program Support Assistant (Temporary Not to exceed 2 Years) Job in Tucson, AZ

Vacancy No. CBSX-12658967-25-EB Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $45,812.00 to $59,553.00 Grade 6 to 6
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/6/2025 Close Date 1/15/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Tucson, AZ


Summary

The Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System (SAVAHCS) is recruiting for a Program Support Assistant (PSA) located in the Office of the Chief of Social Work Service (SWS). The PSA provides administrative and technical support to the Chief of Social Work (CSW) and Assistant Chief of Social Work (ACSW). The PSA must have good communication skills and under limited supervision manages front office operations ensuring the main phone line is answered during business hours.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.

Duties

This position requires the PSA to serve as a recipient and point person for questions regarding the Social Work Service, including Veteran eligibility, enrollment, vesting, catchment area and reporting procedures. The PSA works closely with the Chief and Assistant Chief of SW, providing predominately administrative support by maintaining office records, compiles data information for reports, tracks suspense's prepares for meetings, coordinates schedules, tracks correspondence, and provides information to veterans and families about the Social Work Services. The incumbent obtains any relevant HIPPA clearances to allow transmittal of facility data to the VISN 22 or VACO for trending and quality assurance purposes, including transmission of the data following cyber security requirements as applicable.

The PSA supports office practices, principles, and procedures, and adheres to all SAVAHCS and VACO policies and regulations. The PSA performs functions with accuracy of spelling, grammar, and punctuation in corresponding both orally and in writing.

This PSA independently plans, develops, maintains and reviews service data collection methodologies, records and techniques; prepares corrective action plans and makes appropriate recommendations for improvements in data collection/maintenance and work flow processes. The incumbent searches, gathers, collects, retrieves, extracts, compiles and/or displays reporting statistical data. The incumbent participates in monitoring and managing evaluation forms and follows up on action items with appropriate staff members independently.

The PSA possesses advanced computer skills (e.g., word processing, CPRS, VISTA, VATAS, Excel, Access, PATS, etc.) and communication tools such as MS Outlook and VA Pulse. PSA will work with SAIL data and display the data in graphic representation.

Tracks and maintains a database for all SW across the SAVAHCS footprint relating to Scopes of Practice, and social work interns assigned throughout SAVAHCS with monthly updates and bi-annual reports. Supports Quality Management Goals and on-going monthly chart reviews.

The PSA will track service line trainings and will complete all required trainings in TMS in a timely manner, and attend other mandatory trainings assigned. Will complete training in TMS related to VATAS, time keeping, and time certification. He or she will be expected to perform these duties as required by the supervisor, Chief or Assistant Chief of Social Work.

Maintains necessary records, files and publications for the SW Service line, including ordering and monitoring supplies and equipment. The PSA answers questions concerning policies and procedures related to support/office services and new projects, requests, and shifts in priorities and commitments.

Schedules space, participants, time, etc., for conferences and meetings, assists in preparation of agenda and any handout material required; records and transcribes minutes and maintains files for future references; notifies service supervisors when matters discussed or decisions made in meetings will affect them. Serves in a liaison capacity between the AO, social workers, CSW and the ACSW, SW supervisors in the service line, other staff as needed at the CBOC sites as well as with other service lines where social workers are assigned.

Schedules and tracks staff training as directed by CSW and ACSW. Works independently and directly with staff and payroll clerks in Fiscal Service for completion of daily timekeeping.

Monitors clinical coverage for leave and absences of providers, canceling clinics, and inputs electronic work orders for Facility Management Service and OI&T action.

Receives incoming telephone calls, determines identity of caller, nature of call and appropriate distribution of the call; answers inquiries from other employees/or the public seeking information relative to medical and administrative matters.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Position Description Title/PD#: Program Support Assistant (Temporary Not to exceed 2 Years)/PD12555O
Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit in a comfortable area to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, and carrying of light items like papers or books. No special physical demands are required to perform the work. The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts and requires normal safety precautions typical of such places as meeting and training rooms, libraries, or commercial vehicles. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. Primarily, work is performed in an office, but errands are required, daily, to other departments and services through the medical center.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
  • Subject to a background/suitability investigation
  • May serve a probationary period
  • Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
  • A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
  • Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

GS-06 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-05 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Performing a variety of administrative and support type duties in such areas as administration, budget, records and files management, property accountability and reports. Monitor/track credentials and licensing requirements for professional staff assigned to Home Based Primary Care, revises, analyzes and evaluates the accomplishments of various office administrative functions, such as records management, reports control, forms control and administrative standard operating procedures.

There is no educational substitution for the GS-06 level.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.

A supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.

Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.

Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Applicants will be referred in the order in which they were received.

Required Documents

Documents Accepted:

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • Proof of Marriage Status
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

Documents Required:
  • Resume

Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.

Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.

Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online.

To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/15/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12658967.

1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Agency contact information

Eileen Barreras
Address
Tucson VA Medical Center
3601 South Sixth Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85723
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.