Apply now: Over 200 positions open under COVID-19 direct-hire authority

Recent reports indicate that nearly two-thirds of workers in the United States are on the hunt for a new job or have left the workforce, in large part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing need for many critical staff, VA has opened numerous positions under a direct-hire authority, which allows agencies to more quickly hire qualified applicants. It expedites hiring by referring all qualified candidates directly to the hiring manager, without consideration for ranking, rating and other typical selection procedures.

“If you have ever dreamed about having a steady job with good benefits and a retirement plan, now is probably one of the best times in the last decade to secure such positions,” said Darren Sherrard, associate director of recruitment marketing and workforce solutions at VA. “From housekeeping to police officers, air conditioning mechanics to health technicians, program support assistants and more, there are over 200 job opportunities open to the public now.”

Changing priorities

Research has shown that people tend to reevaluate their jobs after experiencing a major life event. These events don’t have to be negative; a new baby or the opportunity to pursue new education may certainly spur reevaluation. However, the universal nature of the pandemic is a major reason so many are considering their options.

“Most people don’t evaluate their job satisfaction every one of 365 days in a year,” said Brooks Holtom, a professor of management and senior associate dean at Georgetown University. “Those shocks usually happen idiosyncratically for people. But with the pandemic, it’s happened en masse.”

What workers want

The biggest reason for the job search for many is a better salary. But after salary, workers cited better benefits and career advancement as the other top motivators. Jobs at VA provide all that and more.

• Competitive starting salaries. We offer our employees strong starting salaries based on education, training and experience. We also offer steady growth, with periodic pay raises that address inflation and local market changes.
• Education and leadership. We offer ongoing leadership development through every level of employment, whether it is mandatory programs or competitive opportunities. All leadership programs align the organization around a set of core competencies that facilitate career development through continuous learning, coaching/mentoring and assessment throughout your career.
• Flexible schedules. Our employees receive 13 to 26 paid vacation/personal days, as well as 13 sick days annually with no limit on accumulation, and we celebrate 11 paid federal holidays each year.
• Robust insurance options. You can choose from a variety of health maintenance organizations or fee-for-service health plans, and all cover preexisting conditions. Additionally, we pay up to 75% of health premiums, a benefit that can continue into retirement.

Work at VA

Now is the time to join our team by taking advantage of one of these COVID-19 hiring opportunities.

• LEARN more about what VA has to offer.
• READ job search advice on VAntage Point.
• JOIN our communities on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Glassdoor.
• APPLY for jobs at VA.

NOTE: Positions listed in this post were open at the time of publication. All current available positions are listed at USAJobs.gov.