Health System Specialist (Executive Assistant to the Associate Director)
Department of Veterans Affairs
Summary
This position serves as the Executive Assistant (EA) to the Associate Medical Center Director for Operations at the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. The EA performs duties directly contributing to the administrative management of the facility. Duties require the incumbent to apply the specialized principles and practices of health care management in directing or supporting a health care delivery system.
Duties
- VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) is an integrated tertiary health care system comprised of two hospitals, the Alvin C.
- York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro and the Nashville VA Medical Center, as well as 21 outpatient clinics located in middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky.
- TVHS provides ambulatory care, primary care, and secondary care in acute medicine and surgery, specialized tertiary care, transplant services, spinal cord injury outpatient care, and a full range of extended care and mental health services.
- More than 146,000 Veterans in middle Tennessee, southern Kentucky, and northern Georgia trust VA TVHS for their health care needs.
- TVHS is the seventh largest VA medical center system in the nation serving roughly 75 counties with robust research and development, health care innovation, and more.
- Middle Tennessee offers an abundance of entertainment such as historic music venues, NFL Titans and NHL Predators, recreational activities, and natural sceneries ideal for any individual.
- Additionally, Tennessee does not have state taxes making the area more attractive to high-quality candidates.
- The incumbent is the liaison between the Associate Directors and others, providing advice and guidance for a wide spectrum of managerial areas regarding administration at the Healthcare System.
- In this capacity, the incumbent is a professional who comprehends the objectives and functionality of clinical, administrative, and financial components of the Healthcare System and the interrelationship of these to the operation of the services provided in the Healthcare System.
- The core duties of this position include but are not limited to: Provides full staff assistance on administrative matters for the Executive Leader.
- Advises and assists management responsible for planning, organization, development, direction, and evaluation of administrative programs.
- Maintains full awareness of the objectives of the VA, VHA, VISN, and Facility objectives in a manner to ensure successful implementation of the goals and to keep management aware of potential problem areas before they escalate into major issues.
- Represents executive team members and the facility in various committee meetings and public forums including interacting with all levels of the public, local, state, national officials, and all levels of VA leadership.
- Directs and coordinates all administrative matters relative to services under the oversight of the Executive Leader.
- Conducts and reports on audits and inspection activities through "white papers" and reports.
- Prepares correspondence to local and national inquiries by collecting and analyzing information and preparing responses for final signature.
- Performs staff support work to develop comprehensive short-range and long-range medical center plans, goals, and objectives.
- Conducts qualitative and quantitative analysis and summarizes significant results and recommendations to improve services and to promote quality care.
- Develops methodology to assess the function of assigned areas and assists management in problem identification of services and components.
- Knowledge of the objectives and functions of the administrative, clinical, and financial components of the VA Health Care System Translates the Executive Office objectives in a manner conductive to the successful implementation of the health care system goals.
- Participates in various constituent meetings to promote an understanding of the health care delivery system's mission and to create an atmosphere conducive to quality patient care.
- Work Schedule: Monday – Friday | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM CST Telework: Ad Hoc Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
- Position Description/PD#: Health System Specialist (Executive Assistant to the Associate Director)/PD706050 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Requirements
You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
Effective May 7, 2025, driver’s licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Education
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Required Documents
Prepare the documents below before applying. Always confirm the exact requirements on the official announcement, since they vary by position:
- Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50s (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).
- Cover Letter DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) Other (1) Performance Appraisal Professional Certification Resume Separation Notice (RIF) SF-15 SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply.
- Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
- 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.
- It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
- NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons.
- Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted.
- HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
- HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties.
About this role
The Health System Specialist (Executive Assistant to the Associate Director) position with the Department of Veterans Affairs is based in Nashville, Tennessee. This position serves as the Executive Assistant (EA) to the Associate Medical Center Director for Operations at the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System. The role pays $89,508 to $138,370 per year.
Day to day, the work involves advising and assists management responsible for planning, organization, development, direction, and evaluation of administrative programs. The full list of duties, conditions, and required documents appears in the official announcement linked on this page.
Who should apply
This role calls for United States citizenship, the relevant certifications named in the posting, and a valid driver's license. Be prepared for physical or medical requirements as part of the hiring process. Match your federal resume directly to the announcement's wording so a reviewer can confirm each requirement in writing. For this Health System Specialist (Executive Assistant to the Associate Director) position with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Nashville, Tennessee, confirm you meet each requirement before applying.
How competitive it is
The posted pay of $89,508 to $138,370 per year places this in a competitive but attainable range for qualified applicants. Because it is a supervisory or senior position, expect experienced candidates and a strong emphasis on a documented leadership and performance record. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, it competes within that local market, which can mean lighter competition than major metropolitan postings. The announcement closes on June 29, 2026, and federal postings can close early once enough applications arrive, so applying promptly is wise.
This overview is general guidance from Job Army to help you understand the role. Always read the official announcement for exact duties, qualifications, and requirements before applying.
