Each year, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) treats nearly 9 million patients enrolled in VA care. These Veterans undergo surgeries, recover from injuries and receive care for chronic conditions with the help of VA’s world-class physicians, nurses and healthcare staff.
Behind the scenes of that cutting-edge medical care are thousands of support services staff members who keep VA medical centers and outpatient clinics clean and safe for Veterans. This Veterans Day, VA announced a new initiative to fill these vital roles supporting patient care. Veterans, existing VA employees and other federal workers are particularly sought after.
“Here at VA, our housekeeping staff keeps facilities safe for our patients, and Veterans and their families rely on them,” said Darren Sherrard, associate director of VA recruitment marketing. “We are actively looking to fill these positions with the quality employees who help Veterans get better, fast.”
Housekeeping aides maintain and promote a healthy environment for Veterans. They address spills quickly, discard trash, install light bulbs in halls and rooms, and vacuum and scrub floors. This work is essential to Veterans’ patient care because sanitary environments are healthy environments.
Choose VA for excellent benefits
VA housekeeping aides receive paid vacation time that accrues right away, unlimited accumulated paid sick leave and 10 paid federal holidays. They also qualify for health insurance plans, including dental and vision, which may become effective on the first full pay period after the job starts. Child care and transportation assistance programs may also be available.
“Housekeeping aides are eligible for a wide variety of VA benefits, including annual and sick leave,” said Terri L. Coon, deputy director of the Recruitment and Staffing Service at VA. “VA housekeeping aides are offered varying shifts that provide flexibility to plan around family life and other obligations.”
VA housekeeping staff can plan ahead by taking advantage of the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS), a three-tier retirement plan composed of Social Security, FERS basic benefits and the Thrift Savings Plan. VA employees who have previously served in the military or another federal government role continue to accrue retirement benefits.
Choose VA to serve with and for Veterans
VA careers are well suited for transitioning military and Veterans. “As a housekeeping aide, you’ll be working alongside other Veterans, who make up 85 percent of the custodial staff,” Sherrard said.
Housekeeping aide positions are open at VA facilities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and the Philippines. In addition, when VA employees transfer to a new location, they take all of their benefits, including accumulated paid time off.
Choose VA today
See if a VA career as a housekeeping aide is the right choice.
- EXPLORE VA support staff careers and apply for an open position near you.
- Check out opportunities in these locations with high needs: Albuquerque, New Mexico; Topeka, Kansas; and Madison, Wisconsin.
- LEARN about the benefits of a VA career.
- VISIT www.va.gov/jobs for more information.
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