Not all federal healthcare jobs follow the same path—and that’s by design.
From General Schedule (GS) positions to direct hire opportunities and contract roles, each classification has its own structure, pay system, hiring process, and long-term implications.
For healthcare professionals exploring careers in VA hospitals, military treatment facilities, or federal clinics, understanding the difference between these paths is essential.
Why? Because each path influences how fast you’re hired, what kind of benefits you receive, and how your role may grow over time.
Now let’s take a closer look at each classification—beginning with GS jobs, which many people associate with traditional federal employment, but aren’t the only option.
What are General Schedule (GS) Jobs?
GS positions are permanent federal jobs where you’re hired directly by the U.S. government as a civilian employee of a federal agency. “GS” stands for General Schedule, the pay system most commonly used for white-collar government roles—including many in healthcare.
Under the GS system, job grade and salary are determined by a standardized scale, ranging from GS-1 (entry-level) to GS-15 (senior leadership and technical positions). This classification sets both compensation and promotion structures across federal agencies.
Here’s what to expect in a GS role:
Hiring Process
GS jobs are typically posted on USAJOBS, where candidates go through a structured application process. This often includes detailed questionnaires, documentation, background checks, and credentialing. Hiring can take several weeks—or longer—depending on the agency’s internal timelines.
Pay and Promotion
Salary is based on your grade and step within the GS scale. Step increases are tied to time in service or performance, and salaries are adjusted based on location through locality pay. Promotions are available through formal processes or “career ladder” pathways, giving employees opportunities to advance.
That said, advancement can sometimes be bureaucratic or slow. Promotions often depend on agency funding or available openings, and most higher-level positions require reapplying and competing—unless your role includes automatic progression.
Benefits and Job Security
GS employees receive a full package of federal benefits—including health insurance, paid leave, retirement plans, and access to professional development programs. These roles are known for their long-term stability, particularly after completing the initial probationary period.
However, that stability can come with trade-offs. Internal mobility between GS roles may be slow, and transitioning to new federal jobs can require patience and paperwork.
Is it the right fit for you? GS positions may appeal to healthcare professionals looking for long-term security, structured advancement, and full federal benefits. However, the process to get in can be lengthy and competitive. For those seeking faster entry or more flexibility, other classifications—like direct hire or contract roles—may offer a better fit.
What Are Direct Hire Jobs?
Direct hire jobs are federal government positions filled through a special hiring authority known as Direct Hire Authority (DHA). This process allows agencies to fill critical roles more quickly, often bypassing some of the more time-consuming steps used in traditional hiring.
These are still federal jobs—often GS-classified—but the application and selection process moves faster than standard competitive hiring.
Here’s what you should know:
Hiring Process
With direct hire, agencies can skip certain steps—like ranking candidates or applying veteran preference rules—which can speed up timelines significantly. Instead of waiting months for updates, qualified applicants may move from application to offer in a matter of weeks.
Jobs filled through this method are typically marked as “direct hire” on USAJOBS or posted through agency hiring events. If you’re qualified and apply early, you may be considered on a rolling basis.
Pay and Promotion
Most direct hire roles follow the same pay and promotion structures as GS positions—using the General Schedule scale. Your salary, step increases, and promotion potential will mirror that of someone hired through the traditional process. Some roles may fall under alternative federal pay systems depending on the agency.
Benefits and Job Security
Once hired through direct hire authority, you’re considered a full federal employee. That means you receive the same benefits as any other federal hire—including health insurance, paid leave, retirement plans, and job protections.
Is it the right fit for you? From the agency’s perspective, direct hire authority is used to fill critical vacancies quickly. From the candidate’s perspective, if you are in a field that offers direct hire opportunities (many healthcare roles are, due to nationwide shortages), taking advantage of these postings can be a great entry point.
For instance, if a hospital in the VA has 15 nurse openings under direct hire, they might interview and hire nurses on the spot at a hiring fair or within days of an application – a process much quicker than usual. New graduates or those without veteran status might prefer direct hire postings because you won’t be sidelined by others having preference points; it’s first-come, first-qualified, first-served.
What Are Contract Roles?
Contract roles are federal healthcare positions filled through private companies—also known as government contractors. In this model, you’re employed by the contracting company, not directly by the government, but you provide care in a federal facility such as a VA hospital, military clinic, or other agency-run site.
Matrix Providers is one example of a staffing firm that places healthcare professionals in these roles under long-term federal contracts.
Here’s how contract jobs typically work:
Hiring Process
Contract roles are not listed on USAJOBS. Instead, they’re posted by staffing firms who hold government contracts. The application process is generally faster and more flexible than federal hiring—often involving just a resume review, credentialing, and interviews conducted by the staffing firm.
According to the Partnership for Public Service, federal agencies take an average of 98 days to complete the hiring process. In comparison, private companies—including federal contractors—can often fill roles in nearly half that time.1
This makes contract roles a valuable entry point for professionals who want to work in federal settings without navigating the longer GS hiring process.
Pay and Flexibility
Unlike GS positions, contract roles don’t follow a fixed pay scale. Compensation is set by the staffing company and may vary based on experience, job type, location, and contract terms. In many cases, contract roles offer higher immediate pay than comparable GS jobs.
Contract assignments can also vary in length—from short-term needs to multi-year placements—which makes them ideal for professionals seeking flexibility or change without compromising on impact.
Benefits and Support
Benefits in contract roles depend on the company you work for. Some firms provide health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off; others offer more limited packages. What remains consistent is the professional support contractors receive throughout the assignment—from onboarding and credentialing to role-specific guidance.
Working with a reputable staffing partner can make a significant difference in how smooth and supportive your contract experience is.
Is it the right fit for you? Contract roles may be a strong fit for healthcare professionals who want to work in mission-driven federal environments while maintaining career flexibility. They also offer an accessible, often faster path into government healthcare—especially for clinicians who are navigating licensing differences, relocation, or entry into a new specialty. Plus, they’re also more readily available than direct hire positions, making them easier to find and apply for.
If you’re open to a flexible, supported path into federal care—contract roles might be exactly what you need.
Find the right federal healthcare contract role with Matrix Providers
Matrix Providers connects healthcare professionals with meaningful contract opportunities in VA hospitals, military clinics, and other federal facilities across the country.
Whether you’re seeking more flexibility, a faster hiring process, or a role where your work truly makes a difference, we’ll help you find the right fit. Our team supports you every step of the way—from application through placement—so you can focus on what matters most: delivering care.
Explore current openings or reach out with questions. We’re here to support your next move in federal healthcare.
References:
- Partnership for Public Service. A Time for Talent: Improving Federal Recruiting and Hiring. Aug. 2020, https://ourpublicservice.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/A-Time-for-Talent.pdf.
