Launch Your Healthcare Career as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant

Are you searching for a stable, fulfilling career that allows you to give back to those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is looking for a skilled professional to join the team at the Marion, Illinois VA Medical Center. As an Advanced Medical Support Assistant (AMSA), you will be the backbone of clinic operations, ensuring that Veterans receive the high-quality care they deserve.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will perform complex administrative tasks within an interdisciplinary care model. Your daily duties will include:

Clinic Coordination: Managing appointment schedules and provider availability to ensure efficient patient flow.
Patient Advocacy: Serving as a primary point of contact for patients, handling inquiries, and resolving concerns.
Administrative Support: Managing consults, tests, and follow-up care, and maintaining accurate electronic health records.
Collaboration: Working closely with doctors, nurse practitioners, and social workers to coordinate care plans.

Comparison: Standard vs. Advanced Medical Support Assistant

Feature	Standard MSA	Advanced MSA
Complexity	Routine administrative	Expert, specialized judgment
Coordination	Basic scheduling	Interdisciplinary care flow
Autonomy	Supervised	High level of independent decision-making

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet specific federal requirements, including:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
Language: High proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory.
Education: A high school diploma or GED is the minimum educational requirement.
Experience: One year of experience at the GS-5 level, demonstrating advanced technical health care administrative skills.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $52,368 to $68,078 annually. The VA offers regular pay increases and the potential for a higher step rate for candidates with unique qualifications or specialized needs.

Comprehensive Benefits

Federal employment with the VA comes with an unmatched benefits package, including:

Insurance: Access to top-tier health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance.
Retirement: A dual-track retirement system featuring a traditional pension and a 401K-style Thrift Savings Plan with agency matching.
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual and sick leave, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
Family Support: Paid parental leave and child care subsidies for eligible employees.

Application Tips

To stand out, be extremely precise when documenting your experience. Do not rely on generic descriptions; explicitly link your past achievements to the skills requested in the job posting. Ensure your documentation—especially your resume—is uploaded in the exact format required to avoid technical disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the work schedule? A: The position follows a standard Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm schedule.

Q: Is there a trial period? A: Yes, employees are subject to a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate fitness for the role.

Q: Can I apply if I have prior military service? A: Absolutely. The VA actively supports Veterans and transitioning service members in finding meaningful careers within our agency.

Serving our Veterans is a profound honor. If you possess the organizational expertise and administrative skill set to thrive in a clinical environment, we invite you to apply. Start your journey with the VA today and contribute to a mission that changes lives.

Why This Advanced Medical Support Assistant Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on Veterans' lives by providing critical, expert administrative support in a fast-paced medical environment.

Advanced Medical Support Assistant Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Advanced Medical Support Assistant for the Marion, Illinois VA Medical Center. This role is perfect for detail-oriented professionals who thrive in interdisciplinary teams. You will play a vital role in ensuring Veterans receive seamless care by managing patient flow, scheduling, and administrative communication. If you are organized, compassionate, and looking for a stable federal career with excellent benefits, this position offers a unique chance to serve those who have served our country.

Requirements for Advanced Medical Support Assistant

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must undergo and pass a background and security investigation.
Successful completion of a probationary trial period is required.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Possession of a high school diploma or GED.

Preferred Qualifications for Advanced Medical Support Assistant

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level.
Advanced knowledge of technical health care processes and medical terminology.
Proven ability to manage appointment cycles, referrals, and provider availability.
Exceptional interpersonal skills to collaborate with clinicians, doctors, and nursing staff.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to set priorities independently under deadline pressure.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
✓Defined benefit retirement pension plan.
✓Federal 401K (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching.
✓13-26 days of annual leave based on tenure.
✓13 days of sick leave annually.
✓11 paid Federal holidays per year.
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service.
✓Childcare subsidy programs available for qualifying families.

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

Application Steps for Advanced Medical Support Assistant Job

Create or log into your account at the USAJOBS portal.
Review the specific questionnaire provided in the job announcement.
Prepare your resume and all required supporting documentation, including SF-50s if applicable.
Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document.
Submit your full application package online before the closing date of July 27, 2026.
Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume—do not leave room for assumptions regarding your experience.
Ensure you document all relevant volunteer experience, as it counts toward your qualifications.
Double-check that you have uploaded the required Clinical Resume Document in the correct upload field.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Verify your credentials and education using the official U.S. Department of Education database before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of an Advanced Medical Support Assistant?

You will manage administrative patient support, coordinate clinic schedules, communicate with interdisciplinary teams, and ensure smooth patient flow through the healthcare system.

Is telework available for this position?

No, this is an onsite position requiring daily attendance at the Marion, IL VA Medical Center.

Can non-citizens apply for this role?

Generally, U.S. citizenship is required. Non-citizens may only be appointed if it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens under specific VA policy guidelines.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for our Veterans, their families, and survivors. Beyond everyday care, the VA serves as a leader in national emergency preparedness, demonstrating a commitment to our nation's safety and public health.