Launch Your Career in Healthcare Administration with the VA

Are you looking to pivot into a mission-driven career where your daily work directly impacts the well-being of our nation's Veterans? The Wilmington VA Medical Center is currently recruiting for an Advanced Medical Support Assistant. This role is a cornerstone of the healthcare experience for the thousands of Veterans served in the Delaware area.

Job Responsibilities

The Advanced Medical Support Assistant (MSA) plays a pivotal role in clinic operations. Key responsibilities include:

Patient Scheduling: Coordinating, rescheduling, and tracking medical consults and appointments.
Administrative Support: Managing incoming calls, updating patient insurance data, and verifying medical records.
Collaboration: Working closely with doctors, nurses, and pharmacists to facilitate seamless patient flow.
Data Management: Maintaining accurate tracking for community-based medical care.

Core Competency Comparison

Skill Set	Junior MSA	Advanced MSA
Scope of Duties	Routine Tasking	Complex Scheduling/Policy
Clinical Interaction	Limited	High/Interdisciplinary
Autonomy	High Supervision	Independent/Problem-Solver

Requirements

To be eligible for this role, candidates must meet specific federal standards, including:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Education: Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
Language: Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory.
Assessment: Completion of an online competency-based assessment.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $52,073 – $67,695 per year. Beyond the paycheck, federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health, life, and retirement programs. With a stable Monday through Friday schedule, this position is ideal for professionals seeking a career with consistent hours and long-term security.

Application Tips

Standing out in a federal job application requires precision. Follow these steps for success:

Use the Template: Download and utilize the specific VA Clinical Resume Document link provided.
Be Detailed: Federal HR specialists cannot make assumptions. Detail your previous responsibilities, including dates (month/year).
Review Frequently: Use the 'Track this application' feature in USAJOBS to stay updated on your status.

The role of a Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) is challenging, fast-paced, and incredibly rewarding. If you have the organizational skills and the passion to support our Veterans, apply through USAJOBS to begin your career journey with the VA.

Why This Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our nation by joining the dedicated healthcare support team at the Wilmington VA Medical Center.

Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a highly organized Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) to provide critical administrative and clinical support. Working within either Care in the Community or Health Administration Service, you will act as a vital point of contact, ensuring Veterans receive timely, compassionate, and seamless access to medical services. This role is essential for maintaining efficient patient flow and operational excellence.

Requirements for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

Must be a U.S. Citizen
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent certificate
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Subject to a background and security investigation
Ability to complete an online assessment
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
Compliance with the seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level
Advanced knowledge of medical terminology
Experience in coordinating patient care and clinical scheduling
Strong interpersonal skills for collaborating with interdisciplinary medical teams
Ability to manage complex administrative workflows and high-volume patient support

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Paid federal holidays and vacation time
✓Structured career development programs
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Stable work-life balance with standard Monday-Friday scheduling

💡 How to Apply Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job

Log in or create an account at USAJOBS
Prepare your federal resume and gather required documentation (DD-214, transcripts, etc.)
Download and complete the mandatory Clinical Resume Document
Submit your application, questionnaire, and documents before the deadline
Monitor your email for a link to complete the required online assessment
Track your application status via your USAJOBS account

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes the month and year for all previous employment.
Do not assume the hiring team knows your skills; be clear and specific in your descriptions.
Set aside at least 3 hours for the online assessment; you can save your progress if needed.
Download the official VA Clinical Resume Document template provided in the vacancy announcement.
Submit your materials well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)?

The MSA (Advanced) manages complex administrative tasks, including scheduling appointments, verifying insurance, communicating with clinical staff, and ensuring smooth patient flow in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Can I work remotely for this position?

No, this is not a virtual position and telework is not available.

What is the trial period?

As a new federal employee, you will be required to serve a 1 to 2-year trial period to evaluate your fitness for the position and contribution to the agency's goals.

What is the 'Care in the Community' program?

*A: This program ensures Veterans receive care from local, non-VA providers when necessary, and the MSA is responsible for managing these medical records and appointments.*

Is a degree required for this role?

*A: No, a high school diploma or GED is the minimum education requirement.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to providing compassionate, world-class healthcare to those who have served in the military. Working for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) means joining a vast, mission-focused network that prioritizes the dignity and health of every Veteran. As a Medical Support Assistant, you aren't just filing paperwork; you are the bridge between clinical expertise and patient care.