Program Support Assistant

Summary

This position supports the Fisher House Lodging Program at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, which operates two Fisher Houses on the medical center campus. Fisher Houses provide temporary lodging for Veterans, service members and their accompanying family members or caregivers during episodes of care. The Program Support Assistant performs administrative coordination, guest services, scheduling, purchasing support and house operations in a non‑clinical environment.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement – 06/25/2026. Applicants may qualify based on the following experience: specialized experience at the GS‑6 or above level, including at least one full year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS‑5) in the Federal Service. Specialized experience includes but is not limited to maintaining a records database;

coordinating schedules such as for bed availability and/or reservations; performing various administrative duties (e.g., coordinating lodging, maintaining a purchase card, mailing information); providing customer service to various groups; and assisting with orientation and training for new employees or volunteers. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management website.

Physical requirements:

Applicants will be asked to participate in a pre‑employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre‑employment process. Work is primarily sedentary with periods of walking, standing, bending, and carrying light materials such as laptops, records, and orientation supplies. Frequent computer and keyboard use is required.

Work environment:
The position is performed in an adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated office/medical facility environment. Typical office risks include frequent interruptions, time‑sensitive deadlines, and standard safety, infection‑control, and ergonomic practices apply.

• Greets guests, orients them to Fisher House policies, amenities, and lodging rules and expectations.
• Maintains a safe, clean, and orderly environment.
• Restocks kitchens daily.
• Organizes and catalogs donated items and completes the annual equipment inventory.
• Monitors guest comfort and house conditions, identifies issues affecting safety or operations and escalates concerns to the Fisher House Manager.
• Prepares and mails information to guests and providers about the Fisher House Program.
• Supports coordination of Fisher House events.
• Oversees projects assigned to Fisher House volunteers.
• Assists with orientation and training of new employees and volunteers under the direction of the Fisher House Manager.
• Maintains the calendar of bed availability and reservations to maximize occupancy.
• Registers guests, confirms reservations, documents cancellations or missed reservations, and contacts future guests to provide reservation reminders.
• Orients guests to lodging procedures and explains available community resources.
• Coordinates with clinicians based on appointment schedules to ensure eligible patients have lodging and coordinates lodging for family members referred from other facilities.
• Communicates with clinical and administrative staff to facilitate a smooth stay.
• Work schedule:
  
  Monday–Friday 7:30 am–4:00 pm or 9:30 am–6:00 pm (not a virtual position).

• Position Description/PD# Program Support Assistant/PD60857A
• Relocation/Recruitment
  
  Incentives:
  
  Not Authorized
• Critical Skills Incentive (CSI):
  Not Approved
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS):
  Not Authorized
• The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers.
• This approach empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well‑being, and live their lives to the fullest.
• As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements—seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran—done in the context of healing relationships, healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran’s community.
• This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to honor America’s Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well‑being.