Launch Your Healthcare Career as a Medical Support Assistant with the VA
Are you looking for a career that combines administrative expertise with a deep sense of purpose? The Veterans Health Administration (VA) in Erie, Pennsylvania, is currently seeking compassionate, detail-oriented individuals to join our team as Medical Support Assistants (MSA). This role is more than just a job; it is a vital link in the continuum of care for our nation’s Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Medical Support Assistant, you are the face of our clinics and inpatient units. Your daily tasks will be essential to smooth operations:
- Patient Coordination: Greeting patients, verifying demographics, and ensuring insurance information is accurate.
- Scheduling: Managing, canceling, and rescheduling appointments in accordance with VHA guidelines.
- Communication: Relaying messages to clinical staff and serving as the first point of contact for patient inquiries.
- Data Management: Accurately entering sensitive patient information (PII) into electronic health records.
- Team Collaboration: Participating in staff huddles to identify the daily needs of the clinic.
Skills Required vs. Desired
| Skill Category | Requirement Level |
|---|---|
| Data Entry | High |
| Customer Service | High |
| Medical Terminology | Moderate/High |
| Scheduling Software | Proficient |
Requirements
To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet the English language proficiency requirements. Candidates need at least six months of clerical or customer service experience, or one year of education above high school. Additionally, you must be capable of working independently and navigating computerized medical systems.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $43,046 to $55,961 annually. Beyond the paycheck, you gain access to the robust federal benefits package, which includes:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- A generous retirement plan with government matching.
- Substantial annual and sick leave accrual.
- Opportunities for career advancement within the federal government.
How to Apply
Applying for federal jobs requires precision. Ensure your resume is detailed, including specific dates of employment and the number of hours worked per week. Follow the instructions to upload the required Clinical Resume document and submit your application through the official portal before the closing date.
Working for the VA allows you to turn your administrative skills into a force for good. If you are ready to serve those who served us, we encourage you to submit your application to the Erie VA Healthcare System today.
Why This Medical Support Assistant (Msa) Job Matters
Launch a meaningful career supporting those who served our nation by joining the Veterans Health Administration as a Medical Support Assistant in Erie, PA.
Medical Support Assistant (Msa) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking dedicated professionals to serve as Medical Support Assistants (MSA) within the Erie VA Healthcare System. In this role, you will be the bridge between clinical teams and our nation's heroes, ensuring that Veterans receive timely, compassionate, and efficient healthcare services. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to impact lives while working within a highly collaborative, mission-driven clinical environment.
Requirements for Medical Support Assistant (Msa)
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed if qualified citizens are unavailable).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Completion of a background and security investigation.
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
- Selective Service Registration (for males born after 12/31/1959).
- Must possess valid government-issued identification that is REAL ID compliant.
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant (Msa)
- One year of specialized administrative or clerical experience equivalent to the GS-4 level.
- Experience in patient scheduling, medical record management, or healthcare customer service.
- Demonstrated ability to use complex computerized systems for patient data entry and retrieval.
- Proficiency in medical terminology sufficient to communicate clinical instructions.
- Advanced interpersonal skills for resolving patient inquiries and complaints.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement
- ✓Accrual of annual leave based on federal service years
💡 How to Apply Medical Support Assistant (Msa) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Support Assistant (Msa) Job
- Create or update your account on the USAJobs portal.
- Prepare your federal resume, ensuring it includes specific dates (mm/dd/yyyy), hours worked per week, and detailed duties.
- Download the required Clinical Resume Template from the provided VA career site.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package, including transcripts and applicable certifications, via the USAJobs online portal before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific: Use your resume to provide concrete examples of how your past experience matches the position requirements.
- Do not guess: Ensure your resume explicitly states your start and end dates for every position held.
- Check your status: Log in to your USAJobs account regularly to monitor your application progress.
- Follow formatting rules: Use the provided Clinical Resume document as your primary resume upload.
- Quantify your experience: Highlight metrics or specific tasks that demonstrate your proficiency in medical scheduling or customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Medical Support Assistant?
MSAs perform vital administrative tasks including scheduling patient appointments, managing electronic health records, answering inquiries, and coordinating between clinical staff and patients.
Is this position open to the public?
Yes, this position is open to the public under the 'Public' hiring path.
What is the salary range for this position?
The salary range for this GS-5 position is $43,046 to $55,961 per year.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." We operate under the "I CARE" core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Joining the VA means becoming part of an organization that prizes innovation and dedication.