Launch Your Healthcare Career as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant at the VA
Are you looking to transition into a career where your administrative skills directly support those who have defended our nation? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a motivated Advanced Medical Support Assistant (MSA) to join our team in Brooklyn, NY. This position offers a unique blend of high-level clinical coordination and administrative oversight, providing an excellent platform for professional growth within the federal healthcare system.
About the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
The VHA is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. We serve as the backbone for care for millions of Veterans, providing everything from primary care and specialized medicine to home-based support. Our mission is to honor President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served and their families. Joining our Brooklyn team means becoming part of an interdisciplinary network dedicated to "Whole Health"—a holistic approach to medical care that prioritizes the patient’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Job Responsibilities
The Advanced MSA is more than a standard office support role. As a key team member, you will:
- Coordinate Care: Manage clinic flow and scheduling for interdisciplinary care teams, ensuring Veterans have seamless access to appointments.
- Clinical Support: Participate in team huddles, manage consults, and maintain the accuracy of electronic medical records in the CPRS system.
- Liaison Duties: Act as a technical advisor to patients and staff, explaining complex eligibility criteria and clinic guidelines.
- Efficiency Planning: Recommend changes to clinic procedures to reduce wait times and improve the quality of patient information.
Comparison: Standard vs. Advanced MSA
| Feature | Standard MSA | Advanced MSA |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Routine scheduling | Complex interdisciplinary flow |
| Autonomy | Limited | High degree of independence |
| Scope | Single department | Cross-departmental coordination |
| Impact | Basic patient support | System-wide clinic optimization |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet several key criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
- Experience: You need at least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-5 level in a clerical or healthcare administrative setting.
- Communication: Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory.
- Vaccination: Participation in the mandatory annual influenza vaccination program is required.
Salary and Benefits
The GS-6 position offers a salary range of $53,512 to $69,565 per year. Beyond the paycheck, the federal benefits package is one of the best in the nation, including:
- Generous Leave: Up to 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave, plus 11 federal holidays.
- Work-Life Balance: 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment.
- Financial Security: Federal pension and 401K-style retirement plans with employer matching.
- Health Coverage: A wide variety of affordable health, vision, and dental insurance options that can be carried into retirement.
Application Tips
Competition for VA positions is high. To increase your chances:
- Tailor Your Resume: Use the specialized clinical resume template provided by the VA to ensure your administrative achievements are highlighted.
- Be Specific: Do not leave gaps in your experience. Detail your responsibilities, such as patient volume handled or specific scheduling software you have mastered.
- Check All Boxes: Ensure you have uploaded all required documents, including transcripts and SF-50s if you are a current or former federal employee.
Working as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant is a noble and challenging role. If you are organized, compassionate, and ready to apply your administrative skills to improve the lives of our Veterans, we encourage you to apply. Start your journey toward a rewarding federal career in healthcare today.
Why This Advanced Medical Support Assistant Job Matters
Elevate your healthcare career by joining the Veterans Health Administration as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant, where your administrative expertise directly impacts the lives of those who served our nation.
Advanced Medical Support Assistant Job Overview
The New York Harbor VA Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Advanced Medical Support Assistant to join our team in Brooklyn. This pivotal role serves as the heartbeat of our clinical operations, managing complex scheduling, patient coordination, and interdisciplinary communication. You will work within a collaborative, fast-paced environment to ensure Veterans receive timely, compassionate care while helping to refine administrative processes for improved health outcomes.
Requirements for Advanced Medical Support Assistant
- Must be a United States Citizen.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level.
- Ability to collaborate with diverse medical clinicians and multi-disciplinary teams.
- Advanced knowledge of healthcare administrative processes and scheduling protocols.
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
- Completion of a 1- or 2-year trial period.
- Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Preferred Qualifications for Advanced Medical Support Assistant
- Demonstrated expertise in electronic scheduling and patient information systems.
- Prior experience in a healthcare or clinic-based call center environment.
- Strong ability to manage multiple priorities and adjust workflows in a clinical setting.
- Extensive experience with medical terminology and clinical flow procedures.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal salary with regular increases.
- ✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
- ✓12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service.
- ✓Child care subsidy for eligible families.
- ✓Federal pension and 401K-style plan with up to 5% agency matching.
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance options.
💡 How to Apply Advanced Medical Support Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Advanced Medical Support Assistant Job
- Create or log into your account on the federal jobs portal.
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume template.
- Prepare all supporting documents, including your resume, transcripts, and SF-50s if applicable.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of September 8, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Do not assume the hiring manager knows your history—be specific about your past duties in your resume.
- Ensure your resume includes volunteer work if it aligns with the core skills needed.
- Use the specific Clinical Resume template provided by the VA for better formatting.
- Double-check your eligibility status for veterans' preference or federal status before submitting.
- Monitor your email for notifications regarding your application status throughout the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote or virtual position?
No, this is an onsite position based in Brooklyn, New York. Telework may be available on an ad-hoc basis at the discretion of the hiring manager.
What is the trial period requirement?
All new hires are required to complete a 1- or 2-year trial period to evaluate performance, conduct, and fitness for the role.
Are there specific vaccination requirements?
Yes, all healthcare personnel are required to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
What is the work schedule?
The standard schedule for this position is 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.
Can I apply if I don't have healthcare experience?
While experience in a clinic or call center environment is preferred, transferable experience in complex administrative roles is valued. Ensure your resume highlights your ability to prioritize and communicate effectively.
Is there promotion potential?
This specific vacancy is listed as GS-6 with no stated promotion potential in this announcement; however, it serves as an excellent foundation for moving into other federal roles.