Veterans Affairs Columbus GA Jobs 2026: Careers, Benefits, and How to Apply
The VA is actively hiring in Columbus, Georgia, in 2026 for positions at the Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic and the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System. Openings include Physician (Regular FT), Physician Assistant (Orthopedics), Primary Care/Mental Health Integration Social Worker, and Psychologist. Many positions offer Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) benefits up to $200,000 in student loan repayment. VA aims to complete hiring in 30 days under its new hiring model.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Facility | Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic, part of Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) |
| Address | 6910 River Road, Columbus, GA 31904 |
| Main Phone | 706-257-7200 |
| Current Openings | Physician (FT), Physician Assistant (Orthopedics), Social Worker (PCMHI), Psychologist |
| Salary Ranges | Physician: $124,308–$315,000/yr; PA: $89K–$121K/yr; Social Worker: $65,271–$102,669/yr |
| Education Debt Reduction | Up to $200,000 over 5 years (tax-free) for qualifying positions |
| Paid Time Off | 37–50 days per year (13–26 annual leave, 13 sick leave, 11 federal holidays) |
| Veterans Preference | 5 or 10 points added to passing exam scores; DD-214 required |
| Hiring Timeline | 30-day hiring model goal |
| Official Application Site | USAJOBS.gov |
| Updated For | September 2026 |
What Is the Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic?
The Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic is a state-of-the-art outpatient facility in Columbus, Georgia, providing primary care and a wide range of specialty health services to veterans. It is part of the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS), a consolidated health care system that includes VA Medical Centers in Montgomery and Tuskegee, Alabama, and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in Dothan, Monroeville, Fort Rucker, Montgomery, Alabama, and Columbus, Georgia.
The clinic is located at 6910 River Road, Columbus, GA 31904-2316, and operates from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The main phone number is 706-257-7200.
The facility is classified as a 2-Medium Complexity facility and serves veterans throughout the Columbus, Georgia, area. Services include mental health services, laboratory services, and specialty health services. The clinic replaced the older Community Based Outpatient Clinic on 13th Avenue and was named after Colonel Bob Poydasheff, a former mayor of Columbus and decorated veteran, through legislation signed into law in November 2021.
Why this matters for veterans in Columbus: Working at the Poydasheff Clinic means providing direct care to the veteran community in and around Columbus, a community with a strong military presence due to nearby Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning). VA employees at this facility are part of the Veterans Health Administration’s Southeast Network (VISN 7).
What veterans should do next: Visit USAJOBS.gov and search for “Columbus, GA” combined with “Veterans Affairs” to find current openings. Set up saved searches to receive email alerts when new positions post.
Current VA Job Openings in Columbus, GA (September 2026)
The VA has multiple active job announcements for Columbus, Georgia, as of September 2026. The following positions represent current openings. All positions are listed on USAJOBS.gov unless otherwise noted.
| Position | Facility | Salary Range | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician (Regular FT) | CAVHCS – Columbus, GA | $124,308 – $315,000/yr | 09/30/2026 |
| Physician Assistant (Orthopedics) | CAVHCS – Columbus, GA | $89,000 – $121,000/yr | 09/30/2026 |
| Primary Care/Mental Health Integration Program Social Worker | CAVHCS – Columbus, GA | $65,271 – $102,669/yr | 09/14/2026 |
| Psychologist | CAVHCS – Montgomery, AL (with Columbus CBOC) | Competitive | 09/30/2026 |
| Optometrist (Disability Exams) | MRG Exams – Columbus, GA | Competitive | Open |
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityAll salary figures are based on USAJOBS listings and may vary based on grade, locality, and qualifications. Clinical positions often include recruitment or relocation incentives and Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) eligibility.
What veterans should do next: Check USAJOBS.gov weekly for new postings. Job announcements can close quickly — some close after receiving 50 applications. 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. When scores are used, preference eligibles receive 5 or 10 additional points above their earned rating on a 100-point scale.
Who qualifies:
| Preference Type | Points | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 5-point preference | 5 points | Served on active duty during specified periods or in a campaign for which a badge was authorized; separated under honorable conditions |
| 10-point preference | 10 points | Includes veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more, Purple Heart recipients, spouses of certain deceased or disabled veterans, and others |
| 10-point (30% or more) | 10 points | Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more receive additional consideration, including the right to be placed at the top of the hiring certificate |
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:
Upload your DD-214 to your USAJOBS profile now. It will be saved and attached to future applications.
Complete SF-15 if you qualify for 10-point preference.
Select the “Veterans” hiring path filter on USAJOBS to find jobs where preference applies.
Read each job announcement’s “How You Will Be Evaluated” section to understand the specific hiring authority being used.
| Program | Eligible Veterans | Key Benefit | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterans’ Preference | Honorable discharge, active duty service | 5 or 10 points added to exam score | Upload DD-214 to USAJOBS |
| Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) | Veterans with service-connected disability or who served in specific campaigns | Direct appointment without competition | Apply through USAJOBS VRA announcements |
| 30% Disabled Veteran Appointing Authority | Veterans with 30%+ service-connected disability | Direct appointment, no competition | Contact VA HR directly |
| Schedule A | Persons with disabilities, including veterans | Non-competitive appointment | Provide Schedule A letter from VA or licensed professional |
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:
13–26 days of annual leave per year (based on service length)
13 days of sick leave per year
11 paid federal holidays per year
Total: 37–50 days of paid time off annually
Retirement Benefits (3-Pronged Support):
Federal pension (FERS) — A defined benefit pension based on years of service and high-3 average salary. Employees vest after 5 years.
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%.
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.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full-time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs, up to a monthly maximum of $416.66.
Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP):
| EDRP Details | Amount |
|---|---|
| Maximum per year | $40,000 |
| Maximum lifetime | $200,000 over 5 years |
| Tax treatment | Tax-free |
| Eligible positions | Direct patient care roles in hard-to-recruit and retain occupations |
| How to know if a job offers EDRP | Noted in the vacancy announcement and final offer letter |
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. EDRP applications must be submitted within four months of appointment. Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply again.
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
Flexible work schedules and telework options for some positions (not all clinical roles)
CME reimbursement up to $1,000 per year for some positions
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 Columbus, GA
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. Note: The 2-page resume requirement does not apply to some positions, including the Primary Care/Mental Health Integration Program Social Worker.
Step 3: Search for jobs. Use the search filters on USAJOBS:
Location: Enter “Columbus, GA”
Hiring Path: Select “Veterans” to see jobs where preference applies
Agency: Select “Veterans Affairs” to filter to VA positions
Occupational Series: Use codes like 0602 (Physician), 0603 (Physician Assistant), 0185 (Social Worker), 0180 (Psychologist)
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
| Form | Purpose | Who Needs It |
|---|---|---|
| DD-214 | Proof of military service and discharge characterization | All veterans claiming preference |
| SF-15 | Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference | Veterans with service-connected disabilities |
| SF-50 | Notification of Personnel Action | Current or former federal employees |
| VA Form 10-2850 | Application for Physicians, Dentists, Podiatrists, Optometrists, Chiropractors | Clinical applicants for these roles |
| Resume | Federal-style resume | All applicants |
Common Mistakes Veterans Make When Applying for VA Jobs
Mistake 1: Submitting a private-sector resume. Federal resumes require specific information, including hours worked per week, supervisor names, and detailed duties. A private-sector resume will likely be rejected as incomplete.
Mistake 2: Forgetting to upload the DD-214. Without a DD-214, veterans’ preference cannot be applied. Upload it to your USAJOBS profile once and attach it to every application.
Mistake 3: Missing the application deadline. Some announcements close after receiving a set number of applications (e.g., 50). Apply as soon as the position opens.
Mistake 4: Not reading the “How You Will Be Evaluated” section. This section tells you whether veterans’ preference applies and what documentation is required. Skipping it can result in disqualification.
Mistake 5: Assuming Direct-Hire Authority works like standard hiring. Some VA positions use Direct-Hire Authority, which bypasses traditional veterans’ preference. Read the announcement carefully.
Mistake 6: Not following up. After submitting your application, monitor your status on USAJOBS. If you are referred to a hiring manager, be prepared for a quick interview turnaround.
Mistake 7: Not contacting a Veterans Service Organization. VSOs like the American Legion, VFW, and DAV provide free assistance with federal job applications and can review your resume for completeness.
Common Questions
1. How do I find VA jobs in Columbus, GA?
Visit USAJOBS.gov and search for “Columbus, GA” combined with “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 in Columbus?
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 in Columbus?
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 Columbus, GA?
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. 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. Applications must be submitted within four months of appointment.
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 in Columbus?
VA offers 37–50 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, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and EDRP for qualifying clinical positions. Military service credit may be added to retirement calculations.
8. What types of jobs are available at the Poydasheff VA Clinic?
VA hires physicians, physician assistants, registered nurses, practical nurses, nursing assistants, pharmacists, psychologists, social workers, and support staff at the Poydasheff Clinic. Clinical and nonclinical positions are available.
9. Do I need to be a veteran to work at VA in Columbus?
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 for a VA job in Columbus?
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 in Columbus?
Contact the Human Resources office at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System. Veterans Service Organizations and military transition offices at Fort Moore can also provide resume assistance and application guidance.
Key Takeaways
VA is actively hiring in Columbus, Georgia, in 2026 at the Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic, part of the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System.
Current openings include Physician (FT), Physician Assistant (Orthopedics), Primary Care/Mental Health Integration Social Worker, and Psychologist.
Physician positions pay $124,308–$315,000 per year. Physician Assistant positions pay $89,000–$121,000 per year. Social Worker positions pay $65,271–$102,669 per year.
Many positions offer Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) benefits up to $200,000 in tax-free student loan repayment over five years.
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.
VA offers 37–50 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.
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 Columbus, GA
VA Careers: vacareers.va.gov — Career information, benefits details, and hiring process explanations
Robert S. Poydasheff VA Clinic: va.gov/central-alabama-health-care/locations/robert-s-poydasheff-va-clinic — Facility information, services, and contact details
Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System: va.gov/central-alabama-health-care — Parent health care system information
VA Workforce Dashboard: department.va.gov/employees — Monthly workforce data and hiring trends
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
Georgia Department of Veterans Service: veterans.georgia.gov — State-level veteran employment and benefits assistance
VA Benefits Hotline: 1-800-MyVA411 — General VA information and assistance
🇺🇸 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Veterans Benefits Information
This site provides general information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for educational and informational purposes only.
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📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
