Transcription Program Assistant

Full Job Description

This position is located within the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS), Central Texas Veterans Health Care System (CTVHCS), Temple, TX.

The purpose is to provide transcription support for staff pathologists in the clinical and anatomical pathology areas of P&LMS, as well as tracking surgical and cytological slides and reports that are transferred between P&LMS and other medical and research facilities.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 02/27/2026.

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-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: Perform typing, office automation and data transcription work from voice recordings or written material in an accurate, efficient and timely manner; Use specialized terminology in preparation of patient reports; Utilize basic software and printing functions; Perform general filing using alphabetical, numerical and/or chronological methods; Prepare gross and microscopic components of patient reports; Accurately type 50-70 wpm.

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 in excess of 60 semester hours (2 years) is creditable.

If you qualify by a combination, your experience must be detailed in your resume (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED).AND Selective Placement Factor: Skill in operating an alphanumeric data transcribing machine and ability to type at least 25 words per minute is required.

You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Clerical Computer Skills Technical Competence 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 include, but are not limited to: Typing/Word Processing Performs, prints typing work using word processing software and equipment.

Edits for clarity without altering the meaning of the raw, dictated material.

Uses specialized medical terminology as found in special reference materials such as medical terminology dictionaries, web sites, technical manuals, or comparable items.

Operates voice dictation system to listen to recorded information to be transcribed.

Verifies patient information for accuracy by comparing the identification information on the recording with that on any hard copy documents.

Correspondence Preparation Prepares, composes and/or reviews correspondence prepared for the purpose of obtaining or supplying information pertaining to surgical and/or cytology procedures.

Replies to correspondence are clear statements of facts using model letters or templates, standard paragraphs, forms, certificates, worksheets, or similar material.

Replies to vague, incomplete, or confused inquiries by independently recognizing issues, topics, or problems.

Administrative Arranges pathology records for storage/reference, scheduled disposition, and retrieval.

Performs general filing, using alphabetical, numerical, or chronological filing systems to file reports, correspondence, records, publications, regulations, directives, and similar material.

Determines file retention and disposal requirements using applicable authorities such as per VA policy and accrediting agency requirements. Receives and directs callers and visitors.

Provides general telephone and visitor referral services. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am -4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Transcription Program Assistant/PD00312A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized