The position serves as a Program Support Assistant assigned to the Survivors Assistance and Memorial Support (SAMS) Program under the Chief, Social Work or Social Work Executive at the VA medical facility as a primary person responsible for the facility SAMS Program.
SAMS's focus is to provide personalized, supportive services to families, caregivers and survivors at the end of a Veteran's life and ensure Veterans without identified family receive dignified burials to honor their service
Duties include but not limited to: Developing VA medical facility SAMS (Survivors Assistance and Memorial Support) standard operating procedure which includes written procedures for clinical staff or health care provider to notify SAMS staff or the Health Administrative Specialist on Duty (HOD), chaplain, and social work staff of Veteran deaths.
Ensuring the offer bereaved family member(s) information on funeral, interment and survivors' benefits, and referral to VBA or NCA to access benefits. Ensuring remains are assessed for unclaimed determination and recommending the appropriate disposition to the VA medical facility Director Ability to schedule and prepare for appointments, briefings, and/or conferences.
Determines the nature of the needs of callers and walk-in customers pertaining to questions about the SAMS,VHA, VBA. Ability to provide excellent customer service to Active Service Members and others in need of program assistance. Develops rapport and maintains effective relationship with medical center personnel at all levels.
Work Schedule: 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday - Friday, subject to change depending on the needs of the agency Telework: This position may be authorized for Ad Hoc telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Position Description/PD#: Program Support Assistant/PD115700 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Deborah.Niebauer@va.gov · 228-523-4217
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $50460 – $65599/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
This position requires a Other security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-11-06.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-29 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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