Launch Your Healthcare Career as a Medical Support Assistant at the VA
Are you looking for a career that combines administrative excellence with a heart for public service? The James H. Quillen VA Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee, is currently hiring a Medical Support Assistant to join our inpatient business office. This is a vital position that directly influences the care and comfort of our nation’s veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Medical Support Assistant, you will act as the frontline support for our inpatient care units. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Verifying provider orders and coordinating patient discharges.
- Managing unit scheduling for X-rays, labs, and specialty clinics.
- Serving as a point of contact for patients, families, and interdisciplinary clinical staff.
- Performing data entry into VISTA and CPRS electronic health record systems.
- Coordinating bed management and administrative documentation.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-05 position, you must be a U.S. citizen, proficient in English, and meet basic education requirements. We require a high school diploma or GED as a minimum. Candidates should also demonstrate strong customer service skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced medical environment.
Comparison of Qualification Paths
| Qualification Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Experience | 1 year of equivalent GS-4 level experience |
| Education | 2 years of education above high school |
| Hybrid | Combination of relevant experience and education |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $42,973 to $55,866 per year, reflecting the importance of this role within the clinical team. Employees are eligible for regular salary increases based on performance and tenure.
Benefits
Beyond salary, the VA offers a robust benefits package, including:
- Generous Paid Time Off (13-26 days annual, 13 days sick).
- Comprehensive Federal insurance options.
- Retirement planning via the Federal 401k (TSP) and Pension.
- Paid Parental Leave programs.
- Work-life balance in the beautiful setting of Johnson City, TN.
If you are ready to make a difference, we encourage you to apply. Johnson City offers an exceptional quality of life with a low cost of living and vibrant cultural scene. Join the team that honors our veterans every single day.
Why This Medical Support Assistant Job Matters
Launch your career in healthcare administration at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center—where you can turn your compassion into a meaningful profession serving those who served our country.
Medical Support Assistant Job Overview
The James H. Quillen VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Medical Support Assistant (MSA) to join our inpatient business office team in Johnson City, Tennessee. In this essential role, you will be the heartbeat of the patient experience, coordinating care across various units including surgical, psychiatric, and intensive care. You will provide critical administrative support, manage complex scheduling, and serve as a primary point of contact for veterans, families, and clinical staff. This is an excellent opportunity for detail-oriented individuals to make a tangible impact on the quality of care provided to our nation's veterans.
Requirements for Medical Support Assistant
- U.S. Citizenship (exceptions may apply under specific 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a) conditions).
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Must be able to pass a background and security investigation.
- Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant
- Experience in scheduling or rescheduling patients in a clinical or hospital setting.
- Advanced knowledge of medical terminology and clinical diagnostic procedures.
- Demonstrated ability to manage patient sensitive information (PII) within electronic health records.
- Strong interpersonal skills for conflict resolution and customer service.
- Ability to work independently while managing a high volume of administrative tasks.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year.
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- ✓Federal 401k (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan.
- ✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
- ✓Childcare subsidy for qualifying families.
💡 How to Apply Medical Support Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Support Assistant Job
- Create a profile on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare your resume using the suggested VA Clinical Resume format.
- Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including diplomas, transcripts, or SF-50 forms if applicable.
- Submit your application package before the closing date of September 30, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific: Describe your experience in detail including duties, start/end dates, and hours worked per week.
- Check your status: Log in to your USAJOBS account regularly to monitor your application progress.
- Use the template: Download and utilize the provided VA Clinical Resume document to ensure you meet format expectations.
- Don't wait: Submit well before the deadline to account for any potential technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is experience required for this role?
No, you can qualify based on education (two years of education above high school) or a combination of education and experience.
What is the shift schedule?
The work schedule is 3:30 PM - 12:00 AM, with rotating weekends and holidays.
Can I work remotely?
This is not a virtual position and requires on-site presence at the facility.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to fulfilling the promise of President Lincoln: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military." By joining the VHA team, you are becoming part of a High Reliability Organization (HRO) that prioritizes Whole Health, connecting our patients with the care that matters most to them.