Launch Your Career: Medical Support Assistant at the Iowa City VA

Are you looking for a career that combines administrative excellence with a deep sense of purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a motivated Medical Support Assistant (MSA) for the Iowa City VA Health Care System. This role is more than just a job; it is a vital part of the promise to care for those who have served our nation.

Job Responsibilities

As an MSA, you are the face of the clinic. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Coordinating and scheduling appointments for Veterans.
Managing complex patient consults and provider orders.
Verifying insurance information and patient demographics.
Assisting with the intake process and documenting interactions in electronic health records.

Requirements

Candidates must be U.S. citizens and meet standard background investigation requirements. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum educational requirement, though relevant experience or additional education may qualify you for higher grade levels (GS-4 or GS-5).

Grade Qualification Comparison

Level	Experience/Education Required	Focus
GS-3	Basic Requirements	Entry-level / Guidance required
GS-4	1 year exp or 1 year college	Developmental / Minor guidance
GS-5	1 year exp or 2 years college	Full Performance / Independent work

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $36,799 to $57,974 per year. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides a robust benefits package that sets it apart from the private sector, including:

Time Off: Up to 50 days of combined annual and sick leave plus 11 paid holidays.
Retirement: A traditional pension and 401(k)-style thrift savings plan.
Health: Federal-grade insurance options that extend into retirement.

Application Tips

Use the Template: Always use the provided VA Clinical Resume template.
Be Specific: Do not leave gaps in your work history descriptions.
Stay Timely: Submit your application well before the cut-off dates to ensure consideration.

Working for the VA is an opportunity to honor our Veterans while growing your professional skills. If you are ready to make a difference, apply to join the Iowa City team today.

Why This Medical Support Assistant Job Matters

Make a difference in the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the Iowa City VA Health Care System as a Medical Support Assistant.

Medical Support Assistant Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Medical Support Assistant (MSA) to join the Iowa City VA Health Care System. This role is vital to our mission, providing essential support in outpatient specialty departments. You will manage patient intake, coordinate complex scheduling, and serve as a key point of contact for our Veterans. This position offers a rewarding opportunity to provide compassionate care within a top-tier medical environment, working alongside a multidisciplinary team to ensure seamless administrative and clinical operations.

Requirements for Medical Support Assistant

Must be a United States citizen.
Must be proficient in spoken and written English.
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent certificate.
Must pass a background and security investigation.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
Must serve a 1 or 2-year trial period.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.

Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant

One year of administrative or clinical experience in a healthcare setting.
Advanced proficiency with office software and electronic health record systems.
Strong communication skills with the ability to handle sensitive patient information with discretion.
Knowledge of medical terminology and clinical diagnostic procedures.
Experience in high-volume patient scheduling environments.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year.
✓11 paid Federal holidays.
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
✓Comprehensive Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
✓Federal 401(k) (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees.

💡 How to Apply Medical Support Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Medical Support Assistant Job

Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS portal.
Download and complete the required Clinical Resume document.
Gather necessary documentation, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
Submit your complete application, including the questionnaire, before the announcement deadline.
Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly details your experience; the hiring team cannot make assumptions about your background.
Use the provided Clinical Resume template to ensure your documentation meets specific requirements.
Double-check that all required documents (transcripts, certificates) are uploaded correctly before clicking submit.
Highlight any volunteer work that demonstrates your ability to communicate with diverse groups of people.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a Medical Support Assistant at the VA?

MSAs perform essential administrative functions, including scheduling patient appointments, managing electronic health records, greeting patients, and acting as a bridge between clinical staff and Veterans.

Is this position open to the public?

Yes, this position is open to the public.

What are the working hours?

The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, typically between 7:30 AM and 4:30 PM.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Iowa City VA Health Care System has been a pillar of support for Veterans since 1952. Serving over 50,000 Veterans across Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, the system provides comprehensive, high-quality care. Partnered with the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, the facility is a hub of research and clinical excellence.