The Partnership for Public Service ranked VA sixth among the 17 largest federal agencies considered the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government for the second year in a row. VA has received many other awards and distinctions, such as the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals (Sammies). The Sammies’ Management Excellence Medal went to VA for streamlining and simplifying online processes for Veterans to apply for and receive benefits, changes that led to consolidating VA’s numerous online portals into a more user-friendly platform. Over the years, VA’s health and medical research efforts have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Lasker Award and Nobel Prize. Nationwide, individual VA health and medical facilities have received awards for health care, management and environmental sustainability achievements. 

A VA career comes with many rewarding benefits. Start your career with a competitive salary and generous benefits package that includes comprehensive health insurance and retirement plans. Advance your career with mentoring programs, workforce and leadership development programs, tuition assistance, scholarships and education loan repayment programs. Create work-life balance with telework opportunities, flexible work schedules and plenty of time off — which could include as much as 36 to 49 days of paid time off per year. Save for retirement with a 401(k)-type plan with matching contributions of up to 5%, in addition to a pension and Social Security. Throughout your career, stay motivated and inspired by VA’s mission of serving those who have served and improving the lives of our nation’s heroes.

VA is committed to achieving and sustaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. Several special-emphasis programs within the VA Office of Diversity and Inclusion focus on specific populations, including black/African American, Hispanic, LGBT and individuals with disabilities. The Diversity and Inclusion in VA Council, an independent, executive-level body, advises the VA Secretary about issues related to diversity and inclusion. The Council includes representatives from each of VA’s major organizations, staff offices and stakeholders. VA also created the Secretary’s Diversity and Inclusion Excellence Awards Program to further the goals of diversity and inclusion in a high-performing workforce that reflects all segments of society and values all aspects of human diversity.

VA’s vision is to provide Veterans with the world-class benefits and services they have earned — and to do so by adhering to the highest standards of compassion, commitment, excellence, professionalism, integrity, accountability and stewardship.