Summary
The Patient Transportation Assistant position is responsible for the approval and verification of all actions authorizing Beneficiary Travel. This position coordinates the scheduling of VA Station cars, vans, ambulances, medical flights, commercial flights and other contract transportation for patients.
This job is open to
Internal to an agency
Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.
Clarification from the agency
Current and Permanent VA & VHA Employees
Duties
Duties include, but are not limited to:
Eligibility: Independently interprets and applies regulations and procedures to determine legal eligibility for travel. Obtains and interprets patient's means and co-pay tests to verify veteran's eligibility status.
Dispatching: Upon receipt of request for travel, incumbent determines the most cost efficient mode of travel for the patient considering factors such as special mode, distance, time of appointment or discharge, urgency, equipment or if an extra attendant is required. Incumbent is relied upon to keep travel costs down by questioning costly or unnecessary travel requests and suggests alternative arrangements. Trips are coordinated the day before, confirming with each patient their address, time of pick-up based on appointments, and eligibility for travel. Manifests are faxed or input into the database for ambulances, wheelchair, taxi, staff cars and contracted trips. Additional add-ons for unplanned trips are called in or communicated in various ways on a daily basis. This may be due to unplanned discharges, the unpredictable amount of time a patient must spend at his/her appointment or sudden need of an emergent nature. This usually causes changes in original dispatch orders. Transportation must be arranged to meet urgent needs of other departments such as radiology, SPD, fiscal, laboratory and pharmacy. Routinely works with other VA Medical Centers in VISN 3 area and New York State to coordinate patient travel needs.
Billing: Incumbent posts daily in the database, the travel costs for each trip to be paid such as ambulance trips, wheelchair vans, taxi trips and other special modes as necessary. Monthly, this information is used to reconcile the bills submitted to us for reimbursement. A daily reviewing of the AOD Logs to identify after-hours and weekend contract activity is done. Bills are checked for accuracy and any discrepancies are researched for proper payment. In addition to the routine billing, incumbent regularly receives individual bills from both contract and non-VA contract sources of transportation. These bills must be researched to determine approval or denial of payment. This consists of bus company, airlines, med-flight company and viewing AOD Logs. A determination is made also for possible payment through fee basis. The employee independently gathers data, prepares reports used for statistical purposes for local and VISN usage, and makes recommendations consistent with normal practice, using experience in solving problems and handling unusual occurrences. The supervisors and users of the data are available to provide advice if significant changes in operations or data requirements occur.
Data Entry: Input all travel information for posting purposes and reports and to input trip information.
Communications: Incumbent will go to discharging wards to assure medications, clothing and discharge procedures and instructions have been completed to ensure seamless travel arrangements and pick-ups. Incumbent is required to communicate daily through personal contacts, telephone contacts, and by use of E-mail or FAX, with patients, their families, visitors and staff. Serves as the Liaison Officer with the representatives of ambulance companies, taxi companies and other agencies both VA and private sector to assure patient travel is completed successfully and most efficiently. Assist patients and staff with off-contract and alternative non-VA travel.
Other Duties: Provide advisory assistance to patients and staff regarding any/all transportation needs. Responsible for participation in risk management/QA activities, safety programs, and other such quality management activities related to patient travel.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Transportation Asst (OA)/PD00957A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
Conditions of employment
-
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/02/2026.
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 next lower grade GS-4 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: thorough knowledge in all VA laws and regulations pertaining to beneficiary travel; knowledge with the geographic area served; ability to read maps; knowledge of tolls charged locally; knowledge regarding the prevailing rates for various types of travel; ability to perform mathematical computations accurately; Knowledge of typing is required; skills and abilities for data entry to include DHCP, Microsoft Excel, MS Access, and MS Outlook; Technical knowledge of and expertise in all VA regulations governing the Travel Unit; and skill in oral and written communication and interpersonal relations, to appropriately and courteously relate to internal and external customers. OR,
- Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have at least four (4) years of education above high school level. This education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university. One year of full-time academic study is defined as 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent in a college or university, or at least 20 hours of classroom instruction per week for approximately 36 weeks in a business, secretarial, or technical school. (TRANSCRIPT 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 beyond Possess an equivalent combination of successfully completed post-high school education and experience to meet total experience requirements at GS-5 grade level. For GS-5 level positions, only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours (i.e., beyond the second year) is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement. One full academic year of study (30 semester hours) beyond the second year is equivalent to 6 months of specialized experience. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED).
You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:
- Computer Skills
- Creative Thinking
- Customer Service
- Flexibility
- Follow Directions
- Integrity/Honesty
- Interpersonal Skills
- Learning
- Oral Communication
- Reading Comprehension
- Reasoning
- Teamwork
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: Work is sedentary with some walking, bending, and stooping. The work is performed on the wards and in an office setting within a secure area.
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/.
Education
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
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.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
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)
- License
- Other (1)
- PCS Orders
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Documents Required:
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.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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 03/31/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12847531.
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. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed. Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement. Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started. Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume:
- Prioritize most relevant and recent experience
- Use concise, results focused language
- Align language from the job announcement
- Focus on demonstrating skills and competencies
- Remove outdated or unrelated experience
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder
Additional guidance on this new requirement and resume building tools can be found at:
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.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications 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. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.