Advance Your Career: Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) at the VA Greater Los Angeles
Are you a detail-oriented professional looking to make a meaningful impact? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is currently seeking five dedicated individuals to serve as Advanced Medical Support Assistants (MSA) at the West Los Angeles Outpatient Clinic. This position offers a unique opportunity to provide vital administrative support within a clinical, team-based environment, directly contributing to the well-being of those who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As an Advanced MSA, you will be the primary point of contact for Veterans and medical staff. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Clinical Coordination: Managing patient appointments, tracking electronic consults, and facilitating communication between providers.
- Patient Interaction: Serving as a helpful, professional point of contact for patients in-person and via telephone.
- Data Management: Maintaining accurate electronic health records, updating demographics, and processing insurance information.
- Administrative Support: Preparing reports for clinical teams, assisting with clinic huddles, and helping to resolve patient complaints.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Experience: One year of specialized administrative experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level in a clinical setting.
- Compliance: Ability to pass a background check, physical exam, and adherence to influenza vaccination mandates.
Grade Comparison Table
| Criteria | GS-5 Equivalent (Required) | GS-6 Advanced MSA (Target) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Foundational Administrative | Expert Clinical Flow Support |
| Complexity | Routine Clerical Support | Interdisciplinary Coordination |
| Supervision | Higher degree of oversight | Independent/Minimal Oversight |
Salary Overview
This position is graded at the GS-6 level, with a current salary range of $56,247 to $73,121 per year. Compensation is based on standard federal pay scales and reflects the specialized nature of the role.
Benefits
Employees of the VA enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Credit for prior federal or military service toward annual leave accrual.
- Opportunities for professional growth and training.
- The satisfaction of working in a patient-centered, mission-driven environment.
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Download the Clinical Resume Document from the VA Careers website to ensure your formatting matches agency standards.
- Be Specific: Detail your experience with patient care software, scheduling systems, and medical terminology.
- Include Details: Always list the hours worked per week for every position to help the HR team calculate your eligibility accurately.
If you have the skills to manage complex administrative workflows and a heart for helping Veterans, we encourage you to apply. This is a chance to grow your federal career while providing critical support to those who need it most. Submit your application today to join our team in Los Angeles.
Why This Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Matters
Join the Greater Los Angeles VA team as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant and play a pivotal role in delivering compassionate, whole-health care to those who have served our nation.
Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking five dedicated Advanced Medical Support Assistants to join the West Los Angeles Outpatient Clinic. In this role, you will be the administrative backbone of an interdisciplinary care team. You will handle patient scheduling, manage clinical records, and serve as the primary point of contact for Veterans navigating their health care journey. This position is ideal for an organized professional with a background in clinical administrative support, focused on enhancing patient flow and ensuring exceptional service standards.
Requirements for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Successful completion of a background/security investigation
- Completion of a pre-employment physical examination
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Registration with Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)
- Experience in an advanced or complex clinical setting using patient care systems
- Proven ability to coordinate scheduling across multiple clinics
- Advanced knowledge of medical terminology and clinical policy
- Demonstrated expertise in managing interdisciplinary care coordination
- Strong skills in resolving patient concerns and administrative problem-solving
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary within the GS-6 pay scale
- ✓Annual leave accrual based on prior federal or military service
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities
- ✓Mission-driven work environment dedicated to Veteran wellness
- ✓Access to a Comprehensive Federal Benefits Package
💡 How to Apply Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy questionnaire for details.
- Download and complete the required Clinical Resume Document from the provided link.
- Upload your customized resume, transcripts, and any applicable supporting documents (e.g., DD-214, SF-50).
- Submit your full application package online before the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status notifications and potential interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly includes job titles, start/end dates by month/year, and hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Avoid leaving gaps in your work history without explanation; be specific regarding your duties.
- The VA cannot make assumptions about your skills; if a required duty is not clearly stated in your resume, you may not receive credit for it.
- Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard.
- Ensure your documentation is fully legible before uploading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Open Continuous Announcement (OCA)?
An OCA allows the agency to accept applications and refer them to hiring managers on an as-needed basis, rather than on a single fixed deadline.
Can I substitute education for the one year of specialized experience?
No. For this specific GS-6 role, education cannot be substituted for the mandatory one year of specialized experience in a complex clinical setting.
Is this a remote or telework-eligible position?
No, this is an onsite position located in Los Angeles, California.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed 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." By joining the VA Desert Pacific Health Care Network, you become part of a Whole Health System that prioritizes personalized care, healing environments, and community integration for our Veterans.