Secretary (OA)
What you'd do
This position is located within the Medicine Service Line at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center located in Charleston, South Carolina. The position performs duties to assist one individual, and in some cases, the subordinate of that individual, by performing general office work auxiliary to the work of the organization. The position is the principal clerical or administrative support position in the office, operating independently of any other such position in the office.
Major duties
Receives visitors and incoming calls, resolves problems of both general and specific nature and referring matters to appropriate staff on the basis of knowledge of the various organizational components and individual responsibility. Personally takes care of many matters, including answering questions not requiring specialized technical/professional knowledge, either from personal knowledge or as available in the filing system. Provides assistance for a variety of problems and inquiries which are received in person, telephonically, or by referral from other secretaries or receptionists in the organization. Responds to requests for information and/or develops one-of-a-kind reports covering organizational or technicallyoriented matters when information is available in office records and/or files. This duty requires the incumbent to know where material is located, which data is appropriate for inclusion and how to compile and present the information to satisfy the request. Screens incoming correspondence for matters which can be acted on personally and takes necessary action. Refers to supervisor those cases which the incumbent is aware supervisor will want to act on personally or be made aware of. This correspondence may be of a sensitive or confidential nature to include medical records & information, personnel actions, committee or board findings, etc. Drafts letters of acknowledgment, commendation, and reply to general inquiries not requiring a specialized knowledge of programs and projects under supervisor's control. Signs routine correspondence of a non-technical nature in the supervisor's absence. Reviews outgoing correspondence for format, policy conformance, and typographical and grammatical accuracy and ensures that all necessary background material is attached as circumstance requires. Obtains information required by management from various sources within the VA, requiring a comprehensive knowledge of the VA's complex organizational structure. Collects such information, presenting in its original form or editing and revising as necessary. While reading incoming correspondence, determines that portion requiring personal attention or policy decision by supervisor. Researches regulations applicable to the subject for presentation in one package along with any previous correspondence on the same subject. Screens incoming documents from staff members to insure compliance with depot regulations or for discussion at staff meetings. Composes correspondence on own initiative, based on a knowledge of superiors views and desires. Typical subjects include administrative matters, letters of acknowledgement, general office and installation policies, acceptance of invitations, and cancellation of conferences. Prepares regular and special reports such as but not limited to time/attendance, leave, and degree of use of filing space, etc. Takes meeting minutes. Composes letters, endorsements, messages, office instructions, and reports, with responsibility for sentence structure, grammar, and spelling. On own initiative, follows up on projects resulting from conferences to insure that schedules are met and reports progress to managers. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 7:30 am - 4:00 pm or 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Compressed/Flexible: May be Authorized Telework: This position may be authorized for Ad-Hoc telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Secretary (OA)/PD079510 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
What you need to qualify
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/17/2026. 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-07 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-06. 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 next lower grade GS-06 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Administrative concepts, principles,`1` and practices such as preparing memorandums, reports, spreadsheets, and other documents and forms of correspondence; Skill in operating a personal computer. , using databases, word processing, spreadsheets, and other applications (i.e., Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Outlook, Publishing, etc.) Screens calls and visitors as necessary and independently handles any matters, including concerns and requests. NOTE: Experience must be fully documented on your resume and must include job title, GS level (if a federal position), duties, month & year starting and ending dates AND hours worked per week. Proficiency Requirements: Applicants must be able to type 40 words per minute. Applicants may meet this requirement by passing the appropriate performance test, presenting a certificate or proficiency from a school or other organization, or by self-certifying their proficiency.. 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/. Physical Requirements: Physical demands include above-average ability, dexterity, and strength to perform the work. There will be walking, standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, carrying of items, driving of an automobile, etc. May be required to sit or stand for the majority of a normal tour of duty. Will lift and move equipment up to 20 pounds and will reach above shoulder level for technology installation or in assistance with technology installation. Fieldwork may involve travel for training activities, attendance at meetings, and conferences.
Before you apply
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