Launch Your Healthcare Career as a Medical Support Assistant with the VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class care to those who have served our country. To achieve this, we rely on dedicated administrative professionals who serve as the backbone of our clinical operations. If you are a detail-oriented professional with a passion for helping others, the Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) role within our Mental Health team in Corpus Christi, Texas, offers a unique opportunity to build a meaningful career while making a tangible difference in the lives of our Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As an Advanced Medical Support Assistant (AMSA), you will act as a bridge between clinical staff and the Veterans we serve. Your primary responsibilities will include:
- Managing complex appointment schedules for mental health clinics.
- Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams during daily BHIP huddles.
- Maintaining patient safety through rigorous identification protocols.
- Managing sensitive administrative documents within the electronic health record system.
- Communicating with tact and diplomacy with patients who may be facing difficult health challenges.
Requirements
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Must be proficient in English.
- Ability to pass a background check and complete a probationary trial period.
- Willingness to participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Skills Comparison
| Skill Category | Key Competency |
|---|---|
| Clinical Support | Scheduling and Clinic Access |
| Communication | Patient Advocacy and Diplomacy |
| Technical | Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Entry |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from $45,630 to $59,318. Employees also benefit from regular performance-based salary increases as they progress in their federal career.
Benefits
- Generous paid time off (up to 50 days including leave and holidays).
- Full suite of health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Robust retirement savings via the Federal 401(k) (TSP) and pension.
- Paid parental leave for growing families.
- Childcare subsidies for eligible employees.
Application Tips
To stand out, ensure your resume highlights your direct experience with medical scheduling software and your ability to navigate high-pressure healthcare environments. Use the specific template requested by the VA to ensure your application passes initial screenings.
Serving as a Medical Support Assistant for the VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the mission of caring for Americaβs Veterans. Apply today to bring your skills to the Corpus Christi healthcare community and begin a fulfilling career with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Why This Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)-Mental Health Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on Veterans' lives by providing expert administrative support in a dynamic mental health clinical setting.
Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)-Mental Health Job Overview
The VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System is seeking a dedicated Advanced Medical Support Assistant (AMSA) to join our Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP). In this vital role, you will be the front-line contact for our Veterans, facilitating patient access, managing complex clinic schedules, and contributing to a compassionate, team-based care environment in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Requirements for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)-Mental Health
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed if no qualified citizens are available per VA policy).
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Must be able to successfully complete a background and security investigation.
- Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Completion of a 1-2 year trial period as a condition of employment.
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)-Mental Health
- One year of experience in a clinical environment coordinating schedules for healthcare providers.
- Demonstrated experience using medical appointment software within an interdisciplinary team model.
- Proficiency with medical terminology in a clinical or mental health setting.
- Experience managing patient communications, including phone and email, in a healthcare context.
- Demonstrable skill in documenting information accurately into an electronic medical record system.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- β13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year.
- β11 paid Federal holidays.
- βComprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans.
- βTraditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
- βFederal 401(k) (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching.
- βUp to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
- βChildcare subsidy for eligible full-time employees.
π‘ How to Apply Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)-Mental Health Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)-Mental Health Job
- Create or log into your account on the official federal careers website.
- Download the standard Clinical Resume Document provided in the job announcement.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload your customized clinical resume and all required supporting documents (e.g., transcripts, SF-50 if applicable).
- Review your application package for accuracy before final submission.
π‘ General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; do not assume the recruiter knows your day-to-day duties.
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience with medical scheduling and electronic record systems.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents are legible and the correct file types.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to account for any technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this position is based in Corpus Christi, Texas. It is not a virtual position, though ad-hoc telework may be available after completing training and establishing an agreement.
What level of experience is required for this role?
This is a GS-6 position, requiring one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
Is there educational substitution for this role?
*A: No, there is no educational substitution for the GS-06 level.*
Can I apply if I have prior military experience?
*A: Absolutely. Military service experience is highly valued at the VA and may be credited toward your annual leave accrual.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System (VATVCBHCS) is an innovative healthcare network providing essential services, including Mental Health, Primary Care, Geriatrics, and Specialty Medicine. Serving over 53,000 Veterans, our network operates across multiple outpatient clinics in Texas. We pride ourselves on a team-based approach to care, ensuring every Veteran receives compassionate, whole-health support.
External Resources
- β USAJobs Application Link
- β VA Qualification Standards
- β Apply Online Portal
- β Application Status
- β Education Accreditation Verification
- β Foreign Qualifications Recognition
- β I-9 Acceptable Documents
- β Preview Questionnaire
- β Standard Clinical Resume Template
- β VA Benefits Information
- β Fair Chance Act Information
