Clarification from the agency

OPEN TO CURRENT PERMANENT VA EMPLOYEES ONLY

Serves as the official point of contact for timekeeping queries for the service, responsible for creating, processing, and maintaining attendance and leave records for assigned Time and Leave (T&L) Units for employees located in Nursing Service.

• Responds to questions from employees concerning the application of pay, leave, and benefit policies and procedures, also explaining the rationale behind the procedures and solutions to pay and leave problems.
• Provides orientation to the Time and Leave system to all new alternate timekeepers, and new supervisors to ensure continued competency in the use of the VATAS system. Incumbent also acts as a reference/mentor for alternate timekeepers.
• The Incumbent is responsible for accurately setting up, posting, and maintaining time and leave records for each employee on a biweekly pay schedule for Nursing Service including, Nurses, LPNs, NAs, general schedule and wage grade employees. This includes entry of all regular time, shift differential, Sunday and holiday pay, overtime/compensatory time, unscheduled hours, sick and annual leave, and all other leave for full-time and part-time employees using AcuStaf schedules or another time and attendance scheduling system used in the VA. Obtains information for irregularities from employee's supervisor and records on time cards. In addition, incumbent ensures that necessary remarks for special time and leave posting are entered onto each computerized record in VATAS. Any necessary corrected timecards are completed in a timely basis.
• Works effectively with all levels of service personnel to ensure accuracy of work and to resolve any problems related to time and leave records.
• Maintains current and accurate data within the computerized system and maintains an approved, current, and accurate "tour of duty" data base for each T&L Unit.
• Meets all deadlines for submission of data including regular and early turn-in times.
• Reviews all unit schedules. Assures the use of appropriate terms, abbreviations and codes for certified time. Sees that schedules follow applicable regulations regarding holidays, days of, leave, etc. Tracks all LWOP, sick leave/FFLA and FMLA hours for Staff. Maintains file of annual and sick leave balances. Assures employee has sufficient leave when posting time. Notifies supervisor of deficiencies.
• Maintains files of complete time schedules for each T&L unit. Keeps T&L Unit supervisors informed as to the leave status of employees assigned to his/her unit, including employees on leave restrictions.
• Reviews all directives and instructional material pertaining to time keeping practices and procedures to guarantee continued compliance in the use of the VATAS system.
• Maintains confidentiality of all employees' personal information from the Leave system, and information on work-related traumatic injuries and illnesses. Maintains all records required for efficient and accurate timekeeping.
• Responsible for clerical support to the Administrative Officer Nursing and the Management team.
• Completes biweekly time schedules for Nursing, if needed as a back-up for the Program support assistants. Completes a new master time schedule on a four week cycle and/or as needed to reflect the rotation of assignments for nursing employees.
• Monitors various administrative functions necessary for the successful operation of the nursing Program, such as performance indicators/monitors, production reports and secretarial/office administrative assistant functions in the absence of the administrative officer.
• Prepares reports in AcuStaf or another time and attendance system used in the VA needed for timekeeping such as leave usage, overtime reports and other needed reports as requested these reports will be generated electronically.
• Monitors actions when needed on various recurring statistical and narrative reports, such as monthly staffing guidelines report, biweekly unscheduled hours report, extended leave report, lost/restricted time tracking report, annual nursing narrative report. Compiles summaries, assembles data, determining format and best means of portraying statistical information for periodic or special reports.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Time And Leave Clerk (OA)/PD01661A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: N/A

Conditions of employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• Subject to background/security investigation
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/05/2026.

Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-4 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-4. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.

Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.



You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:

• Specialized Experience:

You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include but are not limited to: knowledge of a body of standardized rules and regulations relating to entitlement and use of various categories of time and leave and the various types of special pay in order to accurately and appropriately post time and resolve discrepancies in accordance with regulations.

• Knowledge of Nursing Service policies, procedures, key personnel to be able to follow up on needed information and answer questions regarding time and leave , attendance, leave without pay, and workman's compensation.
• Knowledge of an automated data system such as VISTA, DHCP, PEV, and Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to input a range of standard information or adjustments, understand recurring error reports and take corrective action, and generate a variety of standard reports.
• Knowledge of VA VAMC, and service administrative and clerical policies and procedures to create, format, and proofread documents; reproduce and distribute materials; and maintain files.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of computer equipment with a variety of software such as Word, Outlook, and VHA databases to complete day-to-day assignments. Ability to communicate with a variety of employees and supervisors.

OR,

• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have 4 years above high school. (Transcripts required)

OR,

• Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education as stated above.

OFFICE AUTOMATION (Screen Out) This position requires use of Office Automation and applicants must be able to type at least 40 WPM words per minute.

You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:

• Arithmetic/Mathematical Reasoning
• Customer Service
• Flexibility
• Integrity/Honesty
• Interpersonal Skills
• Reading Comprehension

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.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements: The employee performs sedentary work; however, there may be some walking, standing, bending, or carrying of light items. The employee works in an adequately lighted and ventilated office environment and exercises normal safety precautions. The position requires occasional travel.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

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.

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Resume
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.

• Cover Letter
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Disability Letter (Schedule A)
• Disability Letter (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• PCS Orders
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcript

SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):

• Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
• An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade
• Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
• Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
  • Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
  • Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
  • SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.

Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

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