Lead Veteran Healthcare Administration as a Supervisory Medical Support Assistant (GS-8)

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a cornerstone of healthcare for our nation's heroes, committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care. We are currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our team as a Supervisory Medical Support Assistant (MSA) at the GS-8 level. This critical leadership position offers a unique opportunity to significantly impact the lives of veterans by overseeing essential administrative support functions within our New Jersey healthcare facilities. If you are a proven leader with a passion for service and a knack for efficient operations, we encourage you to explore this rewarding career path.

About the Department of Veterans Affairs

As the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) upholds President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military and their families. The VA operates an extensive network of hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, providing a wide range of medical, surgical, and extended care services. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), a part of the VA, is dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare services, fostering medical research, and providing education for healthcare professionals. Joining the VA means becoming part of a mission-driven organization that values integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect, and excellence (I CARE).

Job Responsibilities: Leading the Charge in Patient Support

The Supervisory Medical Support Assistant (MSA) plays a pivotal role in the seamless functioning of patient services within the New Jersey Healthcare System. You will serve as the primary supervisor for Medical Support Assistants, ensuring the efficient delivery of administrative support across various sections, including Ambulatory Care, Admission and Discharge, Clinic Control, Beneficiary Travel, and more. Your responsibilities will encompass:

• Supervision and Leadership: Directly supervise Medical Support Assistants and potentially Team Leaders, overseeing their daily activities, performance, and professional development. You will be responsible for work assignment, performance appraisals, staff selection, and recommending awards or disciplinary actions.
• Program Management: Plan, organize, and direct the work of the MSA team, ensuring alignment with the VA's mission and facility goals. This includes managing programs at medical centers and satellite outpatient clinics.
• Operational Oversight: Monitor scheduling and admission activities, which directly impact facility funding and operational efficiency. Identify and resolve operational bottlenecks or delays to ensure timely veteran care.
• Liaison and Coordination: Act as a key liaison between the Medical Administration Service (MAS) and other healthcare services, ensuring effective coordination of patient care and administrative processes. This includes collaborating with professional staff at all levels.
• Budget and Resource Management: Advise on budget planning, recommend staffing levels, and identify space and equipment needs. Forecast resource requirements and assist in developing long- and short-range operational goals.
• Quality Assurance and Improvement: Review operational trends, prepare reports, and participate in systematic review programs to enhance efficiency and quality of services. Evaluate new products, equipment, and systems to recommend improvements.
• Problem Resolution: Address and resolve complex patient service issues, complaints, and inquiries, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction and adherence to policies and regulations.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Extract and analyze data to prepare reports for senior management, supporting informed decision-making regarding operational performance and resource allocation.
• Staff Development: Identify training needs and provide briefings, orientations, and staff development opportunities to enhance the skills and capabilities of your team.

As a Supervisory MSA, you will spend at least 25% of your time performing administrative and technical supervision, engaging in duties that require significant scope, independence, complexity, and variety beyond the full performance level of a non-supervisory MSA.

Requirements for Success

To be considered for this vital role, candidates must meet the following essential requirements:

• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
• English Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Selective Service: Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.
• Background Investigation: Must successfully pass a background and security investigation.
• Onboarding: Completion of an online onboarding process is required.
• Identification: Must provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements (e.g., REAL ID compliant documents after May 7, 2025).
• Physical Evaluation: Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
• Vaccination: Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
• Trial Period: A 1 or 2-year trial period will be required upon acceptance of employment.

Experience and Grade Determination (GS-8)

To qualify for the GS-8 level, candidates must possess one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-7). This experience should demonstrate the following:

• Advanced Leadership Knowledge: Demonstrated ability to manage or lead patient support staff in a clinic setting, including independent decision-making and empowering teams to resolve complex issues within a sophisticated systems environment.
• Supervisory Acumen: Capability to perform the full range of administrative and supervisory duties for at least one subordinate MSA supervisor or team leader, encompassing work assignment, performance evaluations, staff selection, and award recommendations.
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Ability to collaborate effectively, communicate clearly, and exhibit strong customer service and interpersonal skills with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure quality care and regulatory compliance.
• Training and Development: Competence in providing briefings, orientations, and staff development programs within a patient support setting.
• Fiscal Management: Aptitude for managing fiscal matters, forecasting resource and equipment needs, and identifying budget requirements.

Note: Education alone cannot substitute for the required experience for this position.

Salary Overview

This Supervisory Medical Support Assistant position is classified at the GS-8 grade level. The annual salary range is $65,855 to $85,608, with opportunities for regular salary increases based on federal pay scales and performance.

Benefits: Investing in Our Employees

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of its employees:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy 37 to 50 days of paid time off per year, including 13 to 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays.
• Parental Leave: Eligible employees receive up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child, after completing 12 months of employment.
• Child Care Subsidy: Full-time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy of up to 25% of eligible costs, with a monthly maximum of $416.66, after 60 days of employment.
• Retirement: Benefit from a traditional federal pension plan with a 5-year vesting period, alongside a federal 401(k) plan where the VA contributes up to 5%.
• Insurance: Access to a wide array of federal insurance programs, including health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance. Many of these can be continued into retirement.
• Telework: This position offers Ad-Hoc telework options.

Application Process: Your Path to a Fulfilling Career

To apply for the Supervisory Medical Support Assistant position, please follow these steps:

1. Visit USAJOBS: Go to www.usajobs.gov.
2. Create or Log In: Create a new USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.
3. Apply Online: Locate the announcement and follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and complete the occupational questionnaire.
4. Preview Questionnaire: You can preview the occupational questionnaire before starting at the provided link.
5. Submit Application: Ensure your complete application package, including all required documents, is submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on August 17, 2026.

It is your responsibility to ensure all information and documentation is submitted by the closing date.

Application Tips for a Strong Submission

• Tailor Your Resume: Carefully review the job announcement and tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments that directly address the requirements and duties listed.
• Be Specific: Clearly and precisely describe your experience. Avoid vague statements and provide concrete examples of your responsibilities and achievements.
• Document Submission: Ensure you upload all required documents, such as your resume, transcripts (if applicable), SF-50s (for federal employees), and any other supporting documentation mentioned in the "Required Documents" section.
• Review Your Questionnaire: Before final submission, carefully review your answers to the occupational questionnaire for accuracy and completeness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question	Answer
What are the basic eligibility requirements?	You must be a U.S. citizen, proficient in English, pass a background check and physical, and meet Selective Service requirements if applicable.
What is the salary range?	The annual salary ranges from $65,855 to $85,608 (GS-8).
Does this position offer remote work?	This is not a virtual position. Telework is available on an Ad-Hoc basis only.
What are the key leadership responsibilities?	You will supervise Medical Support Assistants, manage daily operations, oversee program functions, handle budgetary aspects, and ensure efficient patient services.
What benefits are provided?	Benefits include generous paid time off, paid parental leave, childcare subsidies, comprehensive federal insurance, and a federal retirement plan.
How is experience evaluated for this role?	Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to MSA work or an equivalent administrative clinical support role in a non-VA setting, at the grade level below the one being filled. For GS-8, one year of experience equivalent to GS-7 is required.
Is a specific resume format required?	While a standard Clinical Resume Document is provided for upload, your full resume/CV can be uploaded as well. Ensure your resume clearly details your experience relevant to the supervisory and administrative duties described.
What is the application closing date?	The application deadline is August 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

This Supervisory Medical Support Assistant position at the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a significant opportunity to advance your career while making a tangible difference in the lives of veterans. You will lead a dedicated team, manage critical administrative functions, and contribute to the high-quality care provided by the Veterans Health Administration. We are looking for leaders who are passionate, skilled, and committed to serving those who have served our country. If you meet the qualifications and are ready for a challenging and rewarding role, we encourage you to apply today.