Program Support Assistant (PSA)

US Veterans Benefits Administration; Overland (MO); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Program Support Assistant works as a member of one of the Teams in the Centralized Support Division located in Overland, MO. The PSA serves as the primary contact for the Veteran and his/her representative or advocate for Freedom of Information (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) requests, coordinating with VBA and partner agencies.

This position requires the ability to manage case files, use office software, and understand federal records processes in a compliant manner.

Qualifications

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-4.
• Using various software to produce and transmit documents and reports.
• Utilizing automated computer systems to enter data and maintain case files.
• Reviewing forms and documents for completeness and accuracy.

Skills

Specialized experience

Clerical duties

Data entry

Document review

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Office software

Job description

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). 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.

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.