Advance Your Career as a Medical Support Assistant at the Hershel 'Woody' Williams VA Medical Center
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a highly motivated and organized individual to serve as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant (AMSA) in Huntington, West Virginia. This position is a critical component of the Health Administration Service, tasked with ensuring that our Veterans receive seamless, efficient, and compassionate healthcare. If you have a background in medical administration and a desire to serve those who have served our country, this is an excellent opportunity to join a mission-driven organization.
Job Responsibilities
As an AMSA, your day-to-day work will be dynamic and impactful. Key duties include:
- Serving as the first point of contact for patients and their families.
- Managing complex scheduling for outpatient clinics, including cancellations and re-bookings.
- Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including doctors, nurses, and social workers.
- Monitoring electronic wait lists to optimize patient flow.
- Verifying demographics, insurance information, and eligibility for non-VA community care.
- Maintaining detailed, accurate records in the electronic patient management system.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-6 level position, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- A minimum of one year of experience at the GS-5 grade level, involving clinical administrative support.
- Ability to pass a background security investigation.
- Commitment to complying with the VA's seasonal influenza vaccination requirements.
Salary Overview
The compensation for this position is competitive, falling between $47,449 and $61,684 annually. The VA also provides clear paths for career progression and regular salary increases based on the General Schedule (GS) system.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $47,449 - $61,684 |
| Pay Grade | GS-6 |
| Location | Huntington, WV |
| Job Type | Full-Time |
Benefits
Working for the federal government offers one of the most comprehensive benefits packages available:
- Insurance: Health, dental, vision, and long-term care options.
- Retirement: Federal pension and 401(k) matching program.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- Support: Parental leave and potential child care subsidies.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience in scheduling, clinical workflows, and patient support.
- Use the Template: The VA provides a specific Clinical Resume Document; using it ensures your application is formatted correctly for our tracking system.
- Stay Accurate: Ensure all dates and hours of employment are clearly listed to avoid disqualification due to missing data.
- Apply Early: Don't wait until the August 3, 2026 deadline. Submitting early allows time to troubleshoot technical issues.
If you are ready to apply your administrative skills in a setting that truly matters, we encourage you to submit your application for the Medical Support Assistant role at the Hershel 'Woody' Williams VA Medical Center today. Your work will directly enhance the access and quality of care for our nation's heroes.
Why This Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Matters
Join the team at the Hershel 'Woody' Williams VA Medical Center and play a vital role in coordinating care for those who served our nation.
Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Overview
The Advanced Medical Support Assistant (AMSA) serves as a critical point of contact within the Health Administration Service. In this role, you will provide expert administrative support for outpatient clinics, ensuring that Veterans receive timely access to care by managing appointment scheduling, clinic workflows, and interdisciplinary communications.
Requirements for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)
- Must be a United States Citizen.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level.
- Must complete an online assessment during the application process.
- Subject to background and security investigation.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)
- Demonstrated ability to schedule and manage complex patient appointments.
- Advanced knowledge of medical terminology and clinical care delivery models.
- Proven capability to resolve patient concerns tactfully across multiple platforms.
- Proficiency in using electronic health record systems for patient management.
- Experience coordinating care between interdisciplinary teams and external medical facilities.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance programs.
- ✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
- ✓Federal 401K-style savings plan with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓Generous paid time off including annual, sick, and federal holidays.
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
- ✓Potential for child care subsidies for qualifying families.
💡 How to Apply Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job
- Create a USAJOBS account if you do not already have one.
- Prepare a detailed resume including start/end dates and hours worked per week.
- Use the provided Clinical Resume Document template for your primary upload.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of August 3, 2026.
- Monitor your email for status updates regarding your application.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; avoid generic descriptions and quantify your experience where possible.
- Ensure your resume includes the job title, dates of employment, and average hours worked.
- Double-check that all required supporting documentation, such as transcripts or SF-50s, is uploaded.
- Test your internet connection and verify that you can access the online questionnaire well before the deadline.
- Review your resume for clarity to ensure it aligns with the required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities mentioned in the job description.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of an Advanced Medical Support Assistant?
AMSA staff act as the administrative backbone of the clinic, coordinating patient appointments, managing electronic wait lists, and serving as a bridge between patients and clinical staff.
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, relocation expenses and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.
Is telework available for this position?
*A: No, this position requires onsite presence at the medical center.*
What is the trial period?
*A: New federal employees must complete a 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and professional conduct.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Hershel 'Woody' Williams VA Medical Center is part of the prestigious Veterans Integrated Service Network 5 (VISN 5). We are dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Our facilities span across West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky, providing high-quality healthcare and medical research opportunities. By joining our team, you become part of a culture that emphasizes "Whole Health," which prioritizes the overall well-being of both our Veterans and our staff.