Program Support Assistant (PSA)
What you'd do
The Program Support Assistant works as a member of one of the Teams in the Centralized Support Division located in Overland, MO. The Program Support Assistant serves a s a primary contact for the Veteran and his/her representative or advocate for Freedom of Information (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) requests. The PSA also serves as the primary liaison for Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and Department of Defense (DOD).
Major duties
Major Duties: Responsible for the care and maintenance of the claims folders and ensures that all pertinent records and documents are preserved and are neatly and orderly filed in chronological order in the correct compartment.. Analyzes claim and determine if disposition of claim and control action has been appropriately identified. Establishes or updates control action, to include all tuxedobased applications to include Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS), Personnel Information Exchange System (PIES), CAPS and COVERS. Has a thorough understanding of the operation of CAPRI, COVERS, VACOLS, PCGL, PIES, SHARE, ARCIS, RRS, VBMS, Adobe, eMilrecs centralized mail portal and WORD. Fully utilizes these systems to input and/or access information needed in connection with the duties of the position. Requests information from Single Point of Entry (SPoE) units within the Department of Defense or National Archives and Record Administration pertaining to veteran's claim or determines that no such action is required. Makes independent determinations regarding the release of information via the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Privacy Act, and both Federal and State court ordered release of information. Explains VA FOIA/Privacy Act programs and entitlement criteria to veterans and their dependents. Assists the claimant with the resources for applications and forms. Acts as a liaison between Regional Offices and other Government Agencies such as Department of Defense and NARA. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. The full performance level of this position is grade GS-6. Work Schedule: Regular office hours, Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM. Alternate work schedules may be available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Telework: This position is eligible for situational (ad hoc) telework only. The selectee is required to report to the official duty station each scheduled workday. Telework may be approved only on a case-by-case basis with supervisory approval. Routine or recurring telework is not authorized for this position. Position Description/PD#: Program Support Assistant (PSA);PD37974A and PD37975A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required Bargaining Unit: Yes 1272
What you need to qualify
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/14/2026. GS-5 level: 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: (1) Using various software to produce and transmit documents, reports, and correspondences; (2) Utilizing automated computer systems to enter data and maintain case files; (3) Performing standard clerical duties to include maintaining suspense and follow up systems; AND (4) Reviewing forms and documents for completeness and accuracy. OR Education Substitution: Completion of a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours) or possession of a bachelor's degree. OR Combining Education & Experience: If you do not fully meet the length of experience and education described for a specific grade level (e.g. have six months of experience and some coursework but not a degree), the two can be combined to total 100% of the requirement. Click here for more information. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-05. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. GS-6 Level: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least to 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: (1) Maintaining controls of and preparing designated reports and priority mail; (2) Assisting in the management of the unit mail management system to include diagnoses of equipment malfunctions, operating problems, and performs corrective adjustments; (3) Ensuring adequate supplies are maintained within the division to support continuous RO operations; (4) Analyzing supply levels on a recurring basis to determine the rate of utilization, and advises the Support Services Specialist when supply orders are required; (5) Providing guidance and assistance on procedures, report requirements, deadlines and related matters to assure compliance with Support Services policies. Education Substitution: Education can not be substituted for experience at the GS-06 grade level. Volunteer Experience: 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. Full vs. Part-Time Employment: Full-time employment is considered to be at least 35 hours per week. Part-time experience will be credited on a pro-rated basis; when including part-time employment in your resume you must specify the average hours worked per week. Physical Requirements: The work normally involves mental rather than physical exertion. The work is mostly sedentary. Typically, the employee sits comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking; standing; bending; and carrying of light items, such as papers or books. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/ Note: 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 you document, to include volunteer experience.
Before you apply
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