Secretary (OA)

Full Job Description

The incumbent is a secretary for Dental Service. In this capacity he/she provides a wide range of essential management and independent administrative support for the Service.

These activities include data collection for the Dental Service, performance improvement programs and fee-basis dental programs.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 02/18/2026.

You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: GS-5 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: Knowledge and ability to use automated office equipment, including personal computers, as well as relevant peripherals, for data input, scheduling, electronic mail, forms preparation, word processing, and data storage and retrieval; Maintain files and reports; Timekeeping; Knowledge of the administrative policies and procedures of VHA, the Medical Center, and the Dental Service as a whole, sufficient to identify and communicate deficiencies; Review and direct incoming documentation/inquiries and take personal action when applicable or direct to appropriate staff as needed; and, Execute and prepare responses to routine correspondence and reports.

Typing skill of 40 words per minute is necessary. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience.

To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have four years above high school.

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 a combination of specialized experience and education beyond the first 60 semester hours (i.e., beyond the second year) to be 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: Clerical Communications Computer Skills Customer Service Manages and Organizes Information 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 work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work.

Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site.

Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds.

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/.

Major Duties:

Major Duties: The incumbent supports administrative obligations of the Chief of Dental Service: Maintains Dental Service Policy and Procedure Manual by identifying memoranda due for update, drafting preliminary changes in existing policies and drafting preliminary text in areas for which new policies are indicated.

Collects and follows continuous quality improvement monitors and monitors Service suspense inquiries.

Prepares recurring reports such as performance appraisals, quality assurance, annual budget requests, fee basis correspondence, and management briefings by keeping abreast of deadline and assists in preparation of documents for recommending promotion, discipline, training for staff and obtains additional input and signatures as required.

Utilize a range of software applications (i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) to prepare correspondence. Take meeting minutes. Monitor and ensure timecards are posted and meet guidance.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:45pm Telework: This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Secretary (OA)/PD801400 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized