Launch Your Career: Advanced Medical Support Assistant at the VA

Are you seeking a career that combines administrative expertise with the profound mission of serving America’s Veterans? The Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, is currently seeking an Advanced Medical Support Assistant (AMSA) to join their interdisciplinary team. This role is a critical component of the Patient-Aligned Care Team (PACT) model, ensuring that Veterans receive the highest standard of care through seamless coordination and efficient clinic operations.

Job Responsibilities

The Advanced Medical Support Assistant acts as a vital link between clinical providers and patients. You will be responsible for a wide range of administrative and coordination tasks, including:

• Facilitating communication between interdisciplinary teams (doctors, nurses, social workers) and patients.
• Managing clinic schedules and tracking systems for consults, tests, and follow-up care.
• Educating patients on their care plans and notifying them of lab results.
• Resolving scheduling issues and managing electronic wait lists to ensure fair access to care.
• Participating in team huddles to plan and manage the daily patient flow.

Comparison: Standard vs. Advanced MSA Roles

Feature	Standard MSA	Advanced MSA
Scope	General administrative support	Interdisciplinary PACT integration
Scheduling	Basic appointment management	Complex interdisciplinary coordination
Communication	Internal team focus	Patient, provider, and community liaison
Operational Role	Task-oriented	Strategic process/flow improvement

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following federal requirements:

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Proficiency: Must be fluent in written and spoken English.
• Security: Ability to pass a background/security investigation.
• Vaccination: Participation in the annual influenza vaccination program is mandatory for all VHA health care personnel.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $45,409 to $59,031 per year. Beyond the salary, the federal government provides an industry-leading benefits package:

• Paid Time Off: 13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave, plus 11 federal holidays.
• Retirement: Federal pension plan and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with employer matching.
• Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave for birth, adoption, or foster care placement.
• Insurance: Extensive options for health, vision, dental, and life insurance that can be continued into retirement.

Application Tips

Securing a federal job requires attention to detail. Use the following tips to boost your application:

1. Tailor Your Resume: Use the specific language from the job announcement to describe your past duties. The hiring committee looks for clear, quantifiable examples of your skills.
2. Use the Required Template: Ensure you download and upload the standard Clinical Resume Document provided in the job posting.
3. Explain Your Experience: Do not leave gaps in your work history. Include total hours worked per week for every position listed.
4. Submit Early: Don't wait until the final hour before the closing date. Technology can be unpredictable, and you want to ensure your package is complete.

Becoming an Advanced Medical Support Assistant is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the men and women who have served our country. If you possess strong organizational skills and a desire to work in a collaborative healthcare environment, this position at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center is an excellent opportunity to build a long-term federal career.