Telephone Operator

30 Day Hiring Model

The Department of Veterans Affairs is implementing a streamlined 30-Day Hiring Model designed to accelerate hiring while maintaining the highest standards of merit-based selection. This improved process reduces traditional hiring timelines by integrating early coordination faster assessments and efficient pre-employment actions. Applicants can expect a more transparent predictable and efficient hiring journey from announcement to entry on duty.

What Applicants Can Expect

• Expedited Candidate Review Once the announcement closes Human Resources will quickly review applications issue certificates of eligible candidates the day after the announcement closes and refer applicants for hiring manager consideration.
• Quick Interviews & References

HR may arrange interviews and will request references within 3-5 days after being referred to the hiring manager.

• Streamlined Pre-Employment Requirements: Following a tentative offer applicants should be prepared to complete required steps such as fingerprinting and background check credentialing and medical examination within 3 days of the offer.
• Clear and Timely Communication: Applicants will receive clear communication at key milestones including referral tentative offer and onboarding instructions.

After meeting pre-employment requirements candidates will receive a final job offer and start date. Onboarding tasks may continue after starting with HR ensuring timely completion for a smooth transition into VA service.

If selected applicants should be prepared to come onboard within 30 days of the announcement closing.

Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Placing and receiving local calls.
• Providing directory assistance to callers by retrieving organizational information from computerized directory databases.
• Placing personal calls for senior employees physicians bed-restricted patients and visiting dignitaries and other personnel at the facility.
• Preparing and recording long distance and local information regarding the facilitys communications management system and other special telephone studies utilizing toll tickets and summary sheets as required.
• Monitoring vital circuits and incoming emergency type calls such as those to security the police the fire department etc. to assure call completion and proper disposition.
• Retrieving and/or updating relevant information in computerized databases using detailed procedural instructions and established guidelines pertaining to customers assistance record keeping and call receiving placing and monitoring.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Service Chief.

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday 09:30 A.M. to 06:00 P.M.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Telephone Operator/PD12704A
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Authorized.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• 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 ( Effective May 7 2025 drivers 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 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public 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 or trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

To qualify for this position applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement 08/21/ may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:

• General Experience: Progressively responsible clerical office or other work that indicates ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position to be filled.
• OR
• Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have 2 years above high school. (Transcript Required)
• OR
• Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education beyond (Transcript Required)

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.

Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Physical Requirements: The work is usually sedentary but may involve some standing and walking to consult directories and manuals.

For more information on these qualification standards please visit the United States Office of Personnel Managements website at