6 Ways the Right Staffing Partner Helps You Land the Perfect Role
If you’ve ever considered working in healthcare for the federal government, now is the perfect time. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is increasing its budget by almost 10%, meaning more jobs, better pay, and bigger opportunities—but at the same time, there’s a major staffing shortage that needs to be addressed.
That’s good news because it means healthcare workers are in high demand. But securing a federal job isn’t always easy. The application process can be slow and complicated, which is why many professionals turn to staffing agencies to make the process smoother and faster.
In this guide, we’ll explain why federal healthcare jobs are in demand, which positions are hired the most, and how a staffing agency can help you land a federal job faster and with less stress.
The VA’s Budget Increase—What Does That Mean for You?
The VA’s new budget for 2025 is set at $369.3 billion—a significant increase from last year.¹ This funding will go toward expanding healthcare services, improving hospitals and clinics, investing in telehealth, and—most importantly—hiring more healthcare workers to care for veterans.
For job seekers, this means more job openings and better job security. The VA is actively hiring, and with the increased funding, they’re likely to offer competitive salaries, benefits, and incentives to attract skilled healthcare workers.
However, the VA still faces severe shortages in key healthcare roles, and money alone will not solve the staffing crisis.
The VA Has a Major Staffing Shortage—Which Jobs Are in High Demand?
Towards the end of 2024, reports showed that nearly 3,000 positions were severely understaffed across VA hospitals and clinics.² Some facilities were hit harder than others—one reported shortage in 97 different jobs, while a few had no issues at all.
The most significant gaps are in Medical Officers and Nurses, with 86% and 82% of facilities reporting severe shortages, respectively. The VA has hiring policies designed to speed up recruitment for these roles, but it’s still not enough to keep up with demand.
It’s not just doctors and nurses who are hard to fill—more than 60% of VA facilities don’t have enough Psychologists, making it the most frequently reported clinical shortage. Meanwhile, nearly 59% need more Custodial Workers, who are vital in keeping hospitals clean and running smoothly.
While there’s been a slight improvement from last year, the problem isn’t going away anytime soon. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) continues to push for stronger hiring efforts to ensure veterans receive the care they need.
For healthcare workers, this means your skills are in high demand. But landing a federal healthcare job isn’t always easy. While VA positions offer excellent benefits and job security, hiring can be slow and complicated. That’s why many healthcare professionals turn to staffing agencies—to navigate the system, speed up hiring, and connect with the right opportunities.
What is the Purpose of a Staffing Agency?
One of the common misconceptions people have about staffing agencies is that they only offer temporary jobs. However, many federal healthcare jobs are filled through staffing firms, whether direct hire, contract, or temp-to-hire.
Here’s why working with a recruitment agency can give you an advantage:
1. They Speed Up the Hiring Process
One of the biggest frustrations with federal jobs is the long hiring process. Some positions can take six months or longer to fill because of multiple review stages, credential verification, and background checks.
A staffing agency can cut through the red tape and help you get hired faster. Instead of waiting in a long queue, they match you directly with openings, ensuring your paperwork is processed quickly and efficiently. They also handle many administrative tasks, so you’re not stuck in a loop of resubmitting documents or chasing down HR departments for updates.
If you’re also looking for immediate work, staffing agencies offer contract roles that let you start working sooner, with the possibility of transitioning into a permanent federal position later on.
2. They Give You Access to “Hidden” Jobs
If you’ve ever searched for a federal job on USAJOBS.gov, you know how overwhelming it can be. Thousands of listings, endless paperwork, and a slow response time—it’s hard to see where you stand most times. Even more frustrating is that many of the best jobs aren’t publicly listed.
On the other hand, staffing agencies often directly connect with VA hospitals, military treatment facilities, and other federal healthcare employers. These staffing agencies work with hiring managers to fill critical roles quickly, meaning they often know about openings before they’re posted publicly—or sometimes even before they’re created.
When you work with a staffing agency, you skip the long job search and get matched with openings that fit your skills and career goals. And because these employment agencies already have relationships with these employers, they can fast-track your application, getting you hired faster than if you applied on your own.
3. They Help You Get Better Pay & Benefits
Federal healthcare jobs come with competitive salaries and substantial benefits, but many job seekers don’t realize they can negotiate for even better compensation. Things like relocation assistance, signing bonuses, or flexible schedules aren’t always advertised—but they’re often available if you know how to ask.
A staffing agency advocates for you, making sure you get the best possible salary and benefits package. Because they work directly with federal healthcare employers, they understand job market trends and salary benchmarks, ensuring you don’t settle for less than you’re worth.
4. They Offer More Work Options
Not everyone wants a full-time government job right away. Some people prefer short-term work, while others want a permanent position. A staffing agency gives you options to choose what works best for you.
Staffing agencies usually offer:
Short-term contract roles if you want to gain experience first
Temp-to-hire jobs where you can work as a contractor before committing to a full-time role
Permanent placement if you’re ready for a long-term federal career
Having these choices gives you more control over your career.
5. They Handle the Paperwork for You
Federal healthcare jobs require a lot of licensing and credential verification. If your paperwork isn’t complete, your job search process can be delayed for months—or worse, your job offer could be withdrawn.
A staffing agency takes care of this process for you by:
Checking all required credentials ahead of time
Making sure you meet federal healthcare compliance standards
Keeping your certifications up to date so you’re always ready for the next opportunity
This means less stress and no last-minute surprises when applying for jobs.
6. They Help You Stay Ahead of the Job Hiring Trends
Staffing agencies track which roles are in the highest demand and can help you strategically position yourself for these openings. Whether it’s mental health services, telehealth, or specialized nursing, they’ll let you know where the greatest need is and how to make yourself the best candidate for those positions.
If you’re looking to advance in your career, a staffing agency can also help you map out a long-term plan so you’re always in the right place at the right time to move up the career ladder.
Get hired faster with Matrix Providers’ specialized staffing solutions.
At Matrix Providers, we make it easier for healthcare professionals like you to secure well-paying, stable jobs in federal healthcare. We work directly with the VA, Department of Defense, and other government agencies, connecting you to exclusive opportunities you won’t always find on public job boards.
If you’re ready to cut through the red tape and start making a real impact, we’re here to help. Explore our job openings, submit your resume, or reach out to us with any questions.
Whether you’re looking for flexibility, better pay, or a long-term career in federal healthcare, Matrix Providers has the expertise and connections to get you there—without the hassle.
References:
1. Department of Veterans Affairs. FY 2025 Budget in Brief. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Mar. 2024, department.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/fy-2025-va-budget-in-brief.pdf.
2. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. OIG Determination of Veterans Health Administration’s Severe Occupational Staffing Shortages. 7 Aug. 2024, www.vaoig.gov/reports/national-healthcare-review/oig-determination-veterans-health-administrations-severe-0.