Program Support Assistant

Job TitleProgram Support AssistantJob DescriptionThis is a bargaining unit position. This position is represented by NAGE. Please note that as provided for in the NAGE/VA Master Agreement the FIRST area of consideration for this position will be permanent employees of the local facility in which this position is being filled, the SECOND area of consideration will be employees at other VA facilities, and the THIRD area of consideration will be all other eligibles. This position is located at the Hampton National Cemetery Complex at Hampton VA. The incumbent frequently will act as the initial and primary contact with veterans, visitors, funeral directors, and family members and confirm the eligibility for interment by evaluating discharge information, accessing agency computer records, or pursuing other verification resources. This is a multi-tasking position whose primary duties include assisting in the administrative management of the national cemetery. Primary duties will include responsibilities pertaining to Cemetery Representative duties, administration of VATAS, and budget responsibilities of a government purchase card. Correspondence, reports, public relations, and outreach. Incumbent will check in funeral and obtain necessary papers, such as burial transit permit, military escort orders or other special forms as required, checks forms for completeness and accuracy. He/she may need to make on the spot changes to cemetery representative's funeral assignment as necessary to expedite interments. Meet with the deceased's next of kin to explain the various regulations pertaining to the burial benefit program and to confirm information for the marker. Coordinate movement of military ceremonial detachment and clergy to various committal service locations as required. Escorts funeral corteges to committal shelter and controls parking of funeral cortege and traffic control by assisting and giving instruction to the funeral Supervisor. If needed, may assist in moving the casket in and out of the committal sites for services. Attends funeral services held in the National Cemetery to eliminate mishaps or confusion, aid next of kin and family of deceased and to answer questions about National Cemetery programs and operations. Prepare funeral attendees for the military honors tribute to prevent startling the attendees who may be in a highly emotional state. Assures the flag is properly folded and presented to the next of kin. Handle various funeral cortege activities at the same time. ADMINISTRATIVE Incumbent will serve in an administrative capacity during non-interment hours. Using a personal computer, enters information for burial of deceased veterans and dependents into the Burial Operations Support System (BOSS), reviews interment requests for completeness of information and correct scheduling, and assures that verification of veteran's military service is obtained from appropriate records center to determine eligibility for national cemetery burial benefits. Uses personal computer with State and Municipal Agency telecommunications software to access veterans' records to determine burial benefit entitlement. Assists in assuring that cases are authorized prior to interment, monitors unverified cases nearing scheduled interment time and advises supervisor of verification status. Upon verification of service, notified funeral Supervisor or next of kin, as appropriate, and confirms interment schedule and finalizes any remaining arrangements or special desires made by the next of kin. Maintain telephone contact with VA National Cemetery Administration, National Scheduling Office and other governmental agencies as required when resolving problem cases in an expeditious manner. Incumbent will screen cases when identification is not conclusive and uses ingenuity in obtaining facts which may substantiate identification of decedent as a person who performed honorable military service. Performs public outreach as needed.Work schedule: Required to work Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. May include occasional weekends. Due to the mission of the National Cemetery, the cemetery cannot be closed for more than 2 consecutive days at any given time. Additionally, when a Federal holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, staff may be required to work on that holiday or a Saturday. All staff is required to work Memorial Day and Veteran's Day each year. Staff will be required to work overtime, weekends and holidays when necessary to meet the needs of the cemetery. Occasionally staff may be called back to the facility to perform emergency overtime work.Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not AvailableTelework: Not AvailablePosition Description Title/PD#: Program Support Assistant/PD1641556Relocation Expenses: Not AuthorizedRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not AuthorizedFinancial Disclosure Report: No Required