Special Assistant

Summary

This position is located at the National Cemetery Administration in Washington, District of Columbia.

Duties

This position serves as a Special Assistant in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), National Cemetery Administration (NCA), Office of the Chief of Administration (CoA), located in Washington, DC. The incumbent contributes to a wide variety of assignments, including those of a sensitive and confidential nature. The incumbent completes evaluative studies, provides confidential advice, technical counsel, and assistance on various issues that impact the NCA. Works with other staff (Special Assistants, Staff Assistants, Administrative Officers, and Program Analysts) to provide exceptional service to NCA executive leadership for VA and NCA. This position works under the general supervision of the Deputy Chief of Administration (DCoA). As Special Assistant, the incumbent performs special projects on behalf of the Under Secretary of Memorial Affairs (USMA), Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs (PDUSMA), Chief of Staff (CoS), Chief of Administration (CoA), involving topics related to VA and NCA's mission. Conducts research, analyzes issues, gathers facts, and considers a broad spectrum of factors when drawing conclusions and making recommendations, including public, congressional, and public policy stances. Coordinates closely with the DCoA to facilitate appropriate attendance by the USMA and PDUSMA at NCA public events. Accompanies the USMA and PDUSMA on official travel and captures action items for future follow-up. Works with key officials to ensure that all aspects of USMA travel meet the USMA's expectations. Coordinates with NCA PDUSMA, CoS, CoA, and within NCA to provide the USMA with specific topics, issues, concerns, and mission-specific data required for preparation before engaging with internal and external stakeholders. Develops briefing presentations and other associated materials as requested. Assists the CoS and CoA in preparation and support of special conferences, meetings, briefings, and discussions to include public engagements. Coordinates visits from agency officials involving key staff members and synchronizes staff efforts. Travels to District offices and/or cemeteries to attend meetings and/or conferences. Provides quality control for the USMA, PDUSMA, CoS, and CoA travel schedule, prepares itineraries, travel folders, logistical support, and prepares vouchers. Offers key advice and consultation on USMA, PDUSMA, CoS, and CoA briefing presentations and associated aspects of engagements. Develops, implements, coordinates, and monitors functions essential to the management and control of activities required to support and ensure the accurate portrayal of NCA's vision, mission, long-term goals, and programs to the public. Coordinates closely with the CoS, CoA, and Speech Writer, frequently attending meetings, briefings, and other significant forums. Assignments are based on close coordination and input from subject matter experts, often gathering information from a variety of sources and choosing appropriate information based on the audience, strategic messages, and themes. Performs other duties as assigned. Work schedule: Required to work Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not available Telework: Ad hoc Remote/Virtual: This is not a virtual or remote position. Position Description Title/PD#: Special Assistant/PD1699107 The full performance level of this position is GS - 14. Relocation Expenses: May be authorized The Department of Veterans Affairs offers Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocation services. Permanent Change of Station is the relocation of a household due to government convenience in connection with a transfer between duty stations or facilities. For more information go to http://vaww.fscdirect.fsc.va.gov/pcs.aspRelo. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required If interested in applying for this position you ay preview the online application: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13099884

Qualifications and evaluation

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 11/02/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13099884. 1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. 2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Application page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Resume Please note that resumes must be provided in English to be considered. If your resume includes photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, or personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., you will not be considered for this vacancy. Please limit your resume to 2 pages with the font size no smaller than 10 points. The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information. Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (Schedule A) Disability Letter (VA) References Other (2) Performance Appraisal Proof of Marriage Status Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility): You must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50(s) that verify your eligibility for consideration as a current or former federal applicant; and Your SF-50 must verify your highest competitive grade, time-in-grade, your current promotion potential or full performance level and proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an interchange agreement. DO NOT submit an award SF-50 or pay adjustment SF-50 as these often do not verify grade or eligibility. For consideration for a promotion, Box 4 of the SF-50 must show a date that is at least 52 weeks prior to the job announcement closing. Recommend submitting your last promotion SF-50 or within-grade increase SF-50. Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled Veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit www.fedshirevets.gov/job-seekers/veterans/veterans-preference/#content.

Additional information

Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/. Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members. For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.