Lead Medical Support Assistant: Serving Veterans in Harlingen
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated and experienced Lead Medical Support Assistant to join the team at the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System. This position is a cornerstone of the Office of Community Care, where your leadership and organizational skills will directly impact the quality of care provided to our Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Lead Medical Support Assistant, you are the link between clinical staff and the Veterans who rely on us. Your daily duties will include:
- Coordinating patient access across multiple clinics and specialties.
- Managing Community Care consults and ensuring authorization timeliness.
- Delegating tasks and balancing workloads for staff.
- Mentoring and training new hires.
- Maintaining efficient office workflows and resolving operational bottlenecks.
Requirements
To be eligible for this role, candidates must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Hold a High School diploma or GED.
- Pass a federal background check.
- Participate in the mandatory annual influenza vaccination program.
Salary Overview
This position is rated at the GS-7 grade level. Candidates can expect a competitive salary range based on the current pay scale.
Compensation Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Grade Level | GS-7 |
| Salary Range | $50,460 - $65,599 |
| Retirement | Pension + 5% 401K Match |
| Leave | 37-50 Days PTO/Year |
Benefits
Employees of the VA enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
- Paid federal holidays and generous annual/sick leave.
- Paid parental leave for new parents.
- Child care subsidies for qualifying families.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, tailor your resume to reflect your specific experience in healthcare leadership. Use the provided clinical resume template and be sure to upload all required documentation, such as your SF-50 if you are a current federal employee.
If you are ready to advance your career while supporting those who defended our freedom, the Lead Medical Support Assistant role at the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System is an ideal fit. Apply today to become a part of our mission-driven team.
Why This Lead Medical Support Assistant-(Office Of Community Care) Job Matters
Join the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System as a Lead Medical Support Assistant and play a pivotal role in optimizing healthcare access for our nation's heroes.
Lead Medical Support Assistant-(Office Of Community Care) Job Overview
The Lead Medical Support Assistant (LMSA) position in the Office of Community Care is an essential leadership role within the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System. You will act as a key liaison between Veterans, clinical teams, and community providers, ensuring seamless patient care coordination and administrative excellence. This role demands a candidate who can balance high-level workload management with compassionate, patient-centered service, ensuring that every Veteran receives timely and high-quality care across our outpatient and specialty clinics.
Requirements for Lead Medical Support Assistant-(Office Of Community Care)
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may be considered only if no qualified citizens are available per VA policy).
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation.
- Must undergo a 1- or 2-year trial period.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a mandatory condition of employment.
Preferred Qualifications for Lead Medical Support Assistant-(Office Of Community Care)
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-6 level or equivalent.
- Advanced knowledge of medical terminology and clinical flow processes.
- Demonstrated ability to delegate tasks, set priorities, and train staff.
- Experience managing Community Care consults, authorizations, and tracking systems.
- Proven track record of resolving workplace conflicts and managing interdisciplinary workflows.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary with regular increases
- ✓37-50 days of paid time off per year (Annual leave, sick leave, and 11 Federal holidays)
- ✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave
- ✓Federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401K with up to 5% agency matching
- ✓Child care subsidy for eligible families
💡 How to Apply Lead Medical Support Assistant-(Office Of Community Care) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Lead Medical Support Assistant-(Office Of Community Care) Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Download and upload the standard Clinical Resume document.
- Submit your full resume, cover letter, and supporting documents (SF-50, transcripts, etc.) via the USAJOBS portal.
- Ensure all documentation is submitted by 11:59 PM ET on July 24, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; do not leave the hiring team to make assumptions about your experience.
- Highlight your experience with Community Care processes and interdisciplinary teams.
- Ensure your resume clearly reflects the KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) mentioned in the job announcement.
- Check your USAJOBS dashboard frequently for application status updates.
- Ensure your identification is REAL ID compliant as per current federal requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of a Lead Medical Support Assistant in the Office of Community Care?
The LMSA serves as a coordinator and leader, managing daily operations, assigning workflows, and ensuring that Veterans receive timely care through community providers and VA specialty clinics.
Is telework available for this position?
No, this is an onsite position located in Harlingen, Texas, and is not eligible for telework.
Are there opportunities for professional growth?
Yes, the VA offers ongoing training, staff development opportunities, and internal promotion potential within the Veterans Health Administration.
Is there a travel requirement?
No, this position is local to the Harlingen facility.
Can I submit my application after the deadline?
No, the system closes automatically at 11:59 PM ET on July 24, 2026.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System provides compassionate, whole-health care to a population of over 55,000 Veterans. With clinics across various cities, including Harlingen, our system is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served. We are an innovative system, affiliated with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Medical School, serving as a hub for clinical excellence.