Posted on Nov 5, 2024
Why is the GS system with the VHA capped at step 10?
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I work for the VHA and have been in the same position for 20 years, which is an oddity these days, in December. I am currently a GS6-9 and will be stepping up in the next year or so to GS 6-10. However, that is as far as I can go as there is a cap with the VA. Why is that? It seems like someone who has stayed in 1 position for that long should be able to advance to GS 7-1, given the wealth of knowledge and expertise gained over the years.
Posted 22 h ago
Responses: 5
All positions within the General Schedule have 10 steps, not just the VHA*.
The short answer is that the position you are is in rated as a GS-6 position (I assume), and unless that position undergoes a review and is changed to a higher graded position due to the demands/requirements of the required standards, it will remain as a GS-6 position.
"Rolling over" to the next higher grade when the step increase is maxed isn't an option because it doesn't work like that. You have to be in a higher graded position to be paid as such. "Why?" is along the lines of asking why a military service member who has maxed out the pay for their grade doesn't get paid as a higher grade with less time. Because they aren't.
Organizations are authorized to give performance-based cash bonuses based on evaluations (up to 10% for "fully successful" or up to 20% for "exceptional"), but many times the employee's management/leader is unfamiliar with the process (assuming they would agree that the employee deserves a cash bonus).
You might want to have a discussion with your supervisor during your performance appraisal meeting. Express that you want to earn that bonus and find out what they require from you in order to do so.
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* General Schedule Overview - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-systems/general-schedule/
The short answer is that the position you are is in rated as a GS-6 position (I assume), and unless that position undergoes a review and is changed to a higher graded position due to the demands/requirements of the required standards, it will remain as a GS-6 position.
"Rolling over" to the next higher grade when the step increase is maxed isn't an option because it doesn't work like that. You have to be in a higher graded position to be paid as such. "Why?" is along the lines of asking why a military service member who has maxed out the pay for their grade doesn't get paid as a higher grade with less time. Because they aren't.
Organizations are authorized to give performance-based cash bonuses based on evaluations (up to 10% for "fully successful" or up to 20% for "exceptional"), but many times the employee's management/leader is unfamiliar with the process (assuming they would agree that the employee deserves a cash bonus).
You might want to have a discussion with your supervisor during your performance appraisal meeting. Express that you want to earn that bonus and find out what they require from you in order to do so.
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* General Schedule Overview - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/pay-systems/general-schedule/
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PO1 Terri Stults
But why? If a person has remained in the same position, because they actually enjoy their job for 20 years they should be able to move up.
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LTC Kevin B.
PO1 Terri Stults - Step increases are not "moving up"; step increases are a reward for longevity and continuity in your current grade (and all longevity and continuity rewards stop at level 10). If someone wants to "move up", they need to pursue a more complex job at a higher GS grade.
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That would be a conversation for your HR and Supervisor. If your position is truly multi stage GS6-9 there should be clear progression. I am currently a GS-11 with USDA and many of our staff members are brought in as GS9-11 and they are 9's while on probation and they are bumped to 11 after a period of time.
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SP5 Peter Keane
I believe he is referencing steps within the GS 6 grade, not being in a position that has multiple grades based on longevity or responsibility.
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