Veterans Preference VA Hiring: How to Get Hired in Virginia 2026

VA Virginia Jobs Hiring 2026: Careers, Benefits, and How Veterans Get Hired

The VA is actively hiring across Virginia in 2026, with openings at the Hampton VA Medical Center, Central Virginia VA Health Care System in Richmond, Salem VA Medical Center, and Fredericksburg VA Health Care Center. Clinical roles include registered nurses, physicians, nursing assistants, and pharmacists. VA aims to complete hiring in 30 days under its new hiring model. Veterans receive preference in federal hiring and must submit a DD-214 to claim it.

Quick Facts

What Is VA Virginia Jobs Hiring?

VA Virginia jobs hiring refers to employment opportunities at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. The VA is one of the largest employers in Virginia, operating major medical centers, outpatient clinics, benefits offices, and cemetery administration facilities across the state.

Virginia is home to three VA health care systems within Veterans Integrated Service Network 6 (VISN 6) and VISN 5:

• Hampton VA Health Care System — Serves Eastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina, with the main campus in Hampton and community-based outpatient clinics in Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and Elizabeth City, North Carolina. This is a 1-C teaching facility.

• Central Virginia VA Health Care System (Richmond) — The primary tertiary care referral center for Central Virginia, located in Richmond.

• Salem VA Health Care System — Serves veterans in Western Virginia from its base in Salem.

• Fredericksburg VA Health Care Center — Affiliated with the Richmond VA Medical Center, providing primary and specialty care to veterans in the Fredericksburg area.

The VA employs physicians, nurses, nursing assistants, pharmacists, psychologists, social workers, police officers, medical support assistants, engineers, IT specialists, and administrative professionals at these facilities.

Why this matters for veterans: Working for VA means continuing your mission of service. About 25% of VA’s workforce are veterans. Federal law gives veterans preference in hiring, and VA offers benefits that are difficult to match in the private sector.

What veterans should do next: Visit USAJOBS.gov and use the “Veterans” filter under “Hiring Path” to find jobs specifically open to veteran candidates. Prepare a two-page federal resume and have your DD-214 ready to upload.

Current VA Job Openings in Virginia (September 2026)

The VA has multiple active job announcements for Virginia facilities as of September 2026. The following positions represent a sample of current openings. All positions are listed on USAJOBS.gov unless otherwise noted.

All salary figures are based on USAJOBS listings and may vary based on grade and locality. Clinical positions often include recruitment or relocation incentives and Education Debt Reduction Program eligibility.

What veterans should do next: Check USAJOBS.gov weekly for new postings. Job announcements can close quickly — some open and close within 10 days. Set up saved searches for your occupation and preferred location.

Veterans Preference in VA Hiring

Veterans’ Preference is a federal law that gives eligible veterans an advantage in competitive hiring for most federal jobs, including VA positions. It is not a guarantee of employment, but it does provide a measurable edge.

What it is: A formal policy under 5 U.S.C. § 2108 that prioritizes eligible veterans in federal job applications. Preference is applied differently depending on whether numerical scores are used. When scores are used, preference eligibles receive 5 or 10 additional points above their earned rating on a 100-point scale.

Who qualifies:

Required documentation: To claim veterans’ preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other acceptable documentation. For 10-point preference, you may also need SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and supporting documentation such as a VA disability letter.

Important caveat: Some VA positions use Direct-Hire Authority, which bypasses traditional veterans’ preference rules. In those cases, qualified veterans still receive full consideration but are not guaranteed the same point advantage. Always read the job announcement carefully to understand which hiring authority applies.

What veterans should do next:

1. Upload your DD-214 to your USAJOBS profile now. It will be saved and attached to future applications.

2. Complete SF-15 if you qualify for 10-point preference.

3. Select the “Veterans” hiring path filter on USAJOBS to find jobs where preference applies.

4. Read each job announcement’s “How You Will Be Evaluated” section to understand the specific hiring authority being used.

The 30-Day Hiring Model Explained

The VA implemented a 30-day hiring model in 2026 to dramatically reduce the time it takes to bring new employees on board. The goal is simple: once a job announcement closes, qualified candidates should be screened, interviewed, onboarded, and on duty in no more than 30 days.

How VA is achieving faster hiring:

• Strengthening partnerships between HR and hiring managers — HR specialists work directly with the managers who need to fill positions, reducing back-and-forth delays.

• Reducing administrative redundancies — Eliminating duplicate steps in the screening and onboarding process.

• Two-page resume maximum with supplemental assessments — Instead of lengthy resumes, VA asks for a concise two-page resume and uses competency assessments to verify skills.

• Tightening job announcement deadlines and applicant counts — Some announcements close after receiving a certain number of applications, accelerating the review process.

• Initiating pre-security documents sooner — Background check paperwork begins earlier in the process to prevent delays after a conditional offer is made.

What applicants can expect:

• An automatic notification when your application is received.

• A notification when VA has reviewed your application for eligibility and qualifications.

• A notification if you are referred to the hiring manager for further review.

• A notification if you are selected or not selected.

If you are deemed ineligible, you will not receive subsequent communications. This is standard practice.

Current hiring timeline reality: While the 30-day model is the goal, VA’s average time-to-hire was 43 days as of July 2026, down from 55 days in February 2026. The department aims to bring this to 30-40 days.

What veterans should do next: Prepare a two-page federal resume that clearly states your duties, accomplishments, and the competencies required by the job announcement. Use the exact language from the announcement where applicable. Apply as soon as a job opens — some announcements close after 50 applications.

VA Total Rewards: Pay, Benefits, and Loan Repayment

VA employment offers a comprehensive total rewards package that includes competitive pay, generous paid time off, federal retirement benefits, and one of the most valuable student loan repayment programs in the federal government.

Paid Time Off:

• 26 days of annual leave per year (vacation)

• 13 days of sick leave per year

• 11 paid federal holidays per year

• Total: 50 days of paid time off annually

Retirement Benefits (3-Pronged Support):

1. Federal pension (FERS) — A defined benefit pension based on years of service and high-3 average salary. Employees vest after 5 years.

2. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) — The federal government’s 401(k)-style retirement plan. VA automatically contributes 1% of your salary and matches dollar-for-dollar on the first 3% and 50 cents on the dollar for the next 2%. Total employer match: up to 5%.

3. Social Security — VA pays 6.2% of taxable wages into Social Security on your behalf.

Military Service Credit: As a VA employee, you may carry over your military service time and have it added to your total years of work for retirement purposes. This can increase your pension payments.

Health Insurance: The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program offers a wide range of health plans. VA generally pays 72-75% of total health care premiums. Federal vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance programs are also available. Many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement.

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP):

EDRP is available for physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other allied health professionals. Positions offering EDRP are marked in the job announcement.

Other Benefits:

• Annual performance awards and bonuses for some positions

• Leadership development programs at local, network, and national levels

• Recruitment and relocation incentives for highly qualified candidates in some positions

• Child care subsidies at some locations

• Flexible work schedules and telework options for some positions (not all clinical roles)

What veterans should do next: When reviewing a job announcement, look for the “Total Rewards” or “Benefits” section. If EDRP is listed, note that in your application. If you have qualifying student loan debt, EDRP can make a significant difference in your financial situation.

How to Apply for VA Jobs in Virginia

Applying for a VA job follows the federal hiring process. The application is submitted through USAJOBS.gov, and each job announcement provides specific instructions.

Step 1: Create a USAJOBS account. Go to USAJOBS.gov and create a profile. Upload your resume, DD-214, and any other required documents.

Step 2: Build a federal resume. Federal resumes are different from private-sector resumes. Include:

• Job title and employer

• Dates of employment (month/year)

• Hours worked per week

• Duties and accomplishments (be specific and use numbers)

• Education and certifications

• Any relevant training

VA now requests a two-page resume maximum for most positions. Be concise but comprehensive.

Step 3: Search for jobs. Use the search filters on USAJOBS:

• Location: Enter Hampton, Richmond, Salem, Fredericksburg, or “Virginia”

• Hiring Path: Select “Veterans” to see jobs where preference applies

• Agency: Select “Veterans Affairs” to filter to VA positions

• Occupational Series: Use codes like 0610 (Nurse), 0602 (Physician), 0620 (Practical Nurse)

Step 4: Read the entire announcement. Pay close attention to:

• Qualifications — Your resume must demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications.

• Required Documents — This section lists everything you must submit.

• How You Will Be Evaluated — This tells you whether veterans’ preference applies and how.

• Conditions of Employment — Citizenship, drug testing, selective service registration.

Step 5: Apply online. Complete the online application and upload all required documents. You will receive an email confirmation when your application is received.

Step 6: Monitor your status. Log into USAJOBS to track your application status. You may also receive email notifications.

Step 7: Prepare for an interview. If referred to the hiring manager, you may be contacted for a phone or in-person interview. Prepare examples of how your military and civilian experience match the job requirements.

Step 8: Complete pre-employment requirements. If selected, you will need to complete a background check, drug test (for testing-designated positions), and credentialing (for clinical positions).

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Submitting a private-sector resume instead of a federal resume

• Failing to include hours worked per week

• Not uploading your DD-214 to claim veterans’ preference

• Missing the application deadline

• Using vague language instead of specific accomplishments

Common Questions

1. How do I find VA jobs in Virginia?

Visit USAJOBS.gov and search by location (Hampton, Richmond, Salem, Fredericksburg) and agency (Veterans Affairs). Set up saved searches to receive email alerts when new jobs post. You can also visit vacareers.va.gov for career information.

2. Do veterans get preference for VA jobs?

Yes. Veterans’ Preference gives eligible veterans 5 or 10 points added to their passing exam scores in competitive hiring. About 25% of VA’s workforce are veterans. Some positions use Direct-Hire Authority, which bypasses traditional preference rules.

3. What documents do I need to apply for a VA job?

You need a federal resume, DD-214 (for veterans’ preference), and any position-specific forms. Clinical positions may require VA Form 10-2850. Current federal employees need SF-50. Read each job announcement’s “Required Documents” section carefully.

4. How long does VA hiring take in 2026?

VA aims to complete hiring in 30 days under its new hiring model. The average time-to-hire was 43 days as of July 2026, down from 55 days earlier in the year. Some positions, especially clinical roles requiring credentialing, may take longer.

5. What is the Education Debt Reduction Program?

EDRP provides up to $40,000 per year — $200,000 over five years — in tax-free student loan repayment for employees in hard-to-recruit direct patient care positions. Positions offering EDRP are marked in the vacancy announcement.

6. Can I work at VA if I have a disability?

Yes. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under Schedule A. Schedule A allows non-competitive appointment for persons with disabilities. A VA or licensed professional can provide a Schedule A letter.

7. What benefits does VA offer employees?

VA offers 50 days of paid time off per year, a federal pension (FERS), Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% employer match, federal health insurance with 72-75% premium subsidy, and EDRP for qualifying clinical positions. Military service credit may be added to retirement calculations.

8. What types of jobs are available at VA in Virginia?

VA hires physicians, registered nurses, practical nurses, nursing assistants, pharmacists, psychologists, social workers, police officers, medical support assistants, engineers, IT specialists, food service workers, and administrative staff. Clinical and nonclinical positions are available.

9. Do I need to be a veteran to work at VA?

No. VA hires veterans and non-veterans. Veterans receive preference in competitive hiring, but non-veterans are hired for many positions. About 75% of VA’s workforce are non-veterans.

10. How do I claim veterans’ preference?

Upload your DD-214 to your USAJOBS profile and attach it to each application. For 10-point preference, complete SF-15 and provide supporting documentation such as a VA disability letter. Select “Veterans” under Hiring Path when searching for jobs.

11. What is the 30% Disabled Veteran Appointing Authority?

Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more can be appointed directly to federal positions without competition. Contact the VA facility’s Human Resources office directly to inquire about available positions under this authority.

12. Where can I get help with my VA job application?

Contact the Human Resources office at your preferred VA facility. For Hampton VA, call 757-722-9961. For physician recruiting at Hampton, contact Holly Morris at Holly.Morris2@va.gov or 948-205-1783. Veterans Service Organizations and military transition offices can also provide resume assistance.

Key Takeaways

• VA is actively hiring across Virginia in 2026 at Hampton VA, Central Virginia VA (Richmond), Salem VA, and Fredericksburg VA, with openings for nurses, physicians, nursing assistants, pharmacists, and support staff.

• Veterans’ Preference adds 5 or 10 points to passing exam scores in competitive federal hiring. Upload your DD-214 to USAJOBS to claim it.

• The VA 30-day hiring model aims to screen, interview, onboard, and place qualified candidates within 30 days of a job announcement closing. Average time-to-hire was 43 days in July 2026.

• The Education Debt Reduction Program offers up to $40,000 per year — $200,000 over five years — in tax-free student loan repayment for qualifying clinical positions.

• VA offers 50 days of paid time off per year, federal pension, TSP with up to 5% match, and health insurance with 72-75% premium subsidy.

• About 25% of VA’s workforce are veterans. Federal law gives veterans a meaningful edge in competitive hiring.

• Apply through USAJOBS.gov with a two-page federal resume. Read each announcement’s “Required Documents” and “How You Will Be Evaluated” sections carefully.

• Some positions use Direct-Hire Authority, which bypasses traditional veterans’ preference rules. Qualified veterans still receive full consideration.

• VA Form 10-2850 is required for physicians, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, and chiropractors.

• Contact facility HR offices directly for questions about specific openings, recruitment incentives, or veterans hiring authorities.

Official Resources

• USAJOBS: USAJOBS.gov — Official federal job application site; search VA openings in Virginia

• VA Careers: vacareers.va.gov — Career information, benefits details, and hiring process explanations

• VA Workforce Dashboard: department.va.gov/employees — Monthly workforce data and hiring trends

• Hampton VA Health Care System: va.gov/hampton-health-care — Facility information and job openings

• Central Virginia VA Health Care System: va.gov/central-virginia-health-care — Richmond VA information

• Salem VA Health Care System: va.gov/salem-health-care — Salem VA information

• Office of Personnel Management (OPM): opm.gov — Veterans’ Preference information and federal hiring rules

• Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS): dol.gov/vets — Employment resources for veterans

• Virginia Department of Veterans Services: dvs.virginia.gov — State-level veteran employment and benefits assistance

• VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-MyVA411 — General VA information and assistance

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