Advanced Medical Support Assistant: Serving Our Veterans in Erie, PA
Are you looking for a career that combines administrative excellence with a mission-driven purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs is hiring a Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) in Erie, Pennsylvania. This role is a vital component of the VA healthcare team, ensuring that those who have served our country receive the care and support they deserve.
Job Responsibilities
As an Advanced Medical Support Assistant, your duties are diverse and critical to operational efficiency:
- Managing clinical appointment scheduling, including cancellations and rescheduling.
- Facilitating communication between Veterans and interdisciplinary care teams.
- Utilizing patient health portals and tracking community care referrals.
- Monitoring appointment status and ensuring medical records are accurately transferred.
Comparison: Standard vs. Advanced Support
| Feature | Standard Support | Advanced Support |
|---|---|---|
| Complexity | Routine | High-level judgment |
| Clinical Integration | Limited | Interdisciplinary focus |
| Referral Management | Basic | Advanced Community Care |
Requirements
Applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet basic educational or experience requirements. Successful candidates must be proficient in English and undergo a thorough background investigation. Participation in the annual influenza vaccination program is mandatory for all personnel working in VA healthcare environments.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $47,453 to $61,689 per year, commensurate with qualifications and the specific grade level determinations.
Benefits
Working for the federal government provides robust benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and generous leave accrual programs. You may also qualify for service credit based on your prior federal or military experience.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of selection:
- Use the provided Clinical Resume template.
- Be specific and detailed in your experience descriptions.
- Verify all documentation is attached before submitting.
- Apply well before the cut-off dates to be considered in the earliest referral rounds.
Serving as a Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) at the Erie VA Healthcare System is an rewarding opportunity to apply your administrative skills in a high-impact clinical environment. Start your application today to join a team that values your commitment to excellence.
Why This Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the Veterans Health Administration as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant.
Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Overview
The Erie VA Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) to provide expert administrative support in an interdisciplinary clinical environment. This role is essential to ensuring Veterans receive timely and compassionate care. You will serve as a key point of contact, managing complex appointment scheduling, patient records, and coordinating care across various community and VA clinical departments.
Requirements for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Completion of a pre-employment physical examination
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Successful completion of a background and security investigation
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959
- Possession of a REAL ID compliant identification document
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)
- Prior experience in medical clerical or administrative roles
- Advanced knowledge of medical terminology and clinical workflows
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex scheduling and patient referrals
- Proven experience collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Paid annual and sick leave
- ✓Retirement savings plans with government matching
- ✓Career advancement and professional development opportunities
- ✓Service credit for annual leave accrual based on prior experience
💡 How to Apply Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job
- Create or update your profile on the official federal hiring portal.
- Prepare your resume, specifically downloading the suggested Clinical Resume template provided by the VA.
- Complete the required online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary supporting documents, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience as it relates to medical support.
- Do not leave gaps in your work history without explanation.
- Be sure to use the specific VA clinical resume format provided in the announcement.
- Double-check that all required documents are attached before submission.
- Monitor your email regularly for status updates after you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an open continuous announcement?
This means the vacancy is open for a long period, and applications are reviewed periodically as positions become available, rather than waiting for a single closing date.
Can I work remotely for this position?
No, this is not a virtual or remote position. It requires presence at the physical medical facility.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Driven by the core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence (I-CARE), the VA provides comprehensive services to millions of Veterans. Joining this team means contributing to a legacy of care that honors the sacrifices of our military personnel.