Launch Your Healthcare Career as a Medical Support Assistant at the VA
Are you looking for a career that combines administrative excellence with a profound sense of purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Medical Support Assistant (MSA) to join our team at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System. This role is more than just a job; it is a commitment to providing world-class support to those who have served in our nation's military.
Job Responsibilities
As an MSA, you are the face of the clinic. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Patient Scheduling: Coordinating appointments while interpreting provider orders.
- Records Management: Updating demographic and insurance information.
- Clinical Support: Monitoring wait lists and ensuring encounter forms are completed.
- Communication: Interfacing with patients, clinicians, and administrative staff with professionalism.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Ability to pass a security background investigation.
- Willingness to participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Grade Level Comparison
| Grade Level | Education Requirements | Experience Required |
|---|---|---|
| GS-3 | High School Diploma/GED | None |
| GS-4 | 1 Year of college or equivalent | 1 Year of experience |
| GS-5 | 2 Years of college or equivalent | 1 Year of experience |
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is competitive, ranging from $36,464 to $56,793 annually, depending on your qualifications and the specific grade level determined during the hiring process.
Benefits
Joining the federal workforce provides extensive benefits, including:
- Health and Wellness: Federal health, vision, and dental insurance.
- Retirement: A stable pension plan and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with agency matching.
- Time Off: Substantial paid leave, including annual, sick, and federal holidays.
- Work-Life Balance: Access to paid parental leave and childcare subsidies for eligible families.
Application Tips
- Highlight KSAs: Make sure your resume explicitly reflects the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required for the position.
- Be Specific: Provide concrete details about your past experience in medical settings.
- Submit Early: Don't wait until the last minute to upload your documents to avoid system delays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I apply if I am not a veteran? A: Yes, this position is open to qualified applicants regardless of veteran status, though we encourage veterans to apply.
Q: Is there an opportunity for advancement? A: Yes, this position has a full performance level of GS-5, providing a clear path for growth within the VA system.
If you are ready to make a tangible difference in the lives of Veterans, we invite you to apply for the Medical Support Assistant position in Des Moines. Your skills will help ensure that our healthcare teams can focus on what matters most: patient outcomes.
Why This Medical Support Assistant Job Matters
Launch a rewarding career in healthcare administration and directly impact the lives of America's Veterans at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System.
Medical Support Assistant Job Overview
As a Medical Support Assistant, you will serve as a vital link in the patient care process, managing administrative functions, scheduling appointments, and coordinating clinical information. Based in Des Moines, Iowa, this role supports the Veterans Health Administration in delivering compassionate, whole-person care.
Requirements for Medical Support Assistant
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Ability to complete a background and security investigation
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Successful completion of a trial period
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant
- Prior experience in an inpatient or outpatient medical setting
- Strong proficiency with medical terminology
- Experience with electronic health record systems and scheduling software
- Excellent customer service and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to work independently while managing high-volume administrative tasks
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401(k) retirement savings with up to 5% agency matching
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- ✓Generous paid time off, including up to 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave
- ✓11 paid Federal holidays per year
- ✓Paid parental leave after 12 months of service
- ✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees
💡 How to Apply Medical Support Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Support Assistant Job
- Create or log into your account on the official USAJOBS portal.
- Review the full vacancy announcement and gather required documents (Resume, SF-50 if applicable, Transcripts).
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application and all supporting documentation by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
- Monitor your email for status notifications regarding your referral and interview potential.
💡 General Tips
- Tailor your resume to specifically address the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed in the job description.
- Be precise when describing your experience; use concrete examples of how your work improved patient care or clinic efficiency.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are legible and clearly labeled.
- Double-check your application for missing information before submitting, as errors may disqualify you.
- If you are a veteran, provide all relevant service documentation to receive proper consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full performance level for this position?
The position has a full performance level of GS-5, with starting grades ranging from GS-3 to GS-5 depending on qualifications.
Is telework available for this position?
No, this is an onsite position and is not eligible for telework.
Are there any physical requirements for this job?
Candidates must participate in a pre-employment physical examination or evaluation.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our military, as well as their families and survivors. At the VA Central Iowa Health Care System, we provide a wide range of services, including primary care, surgery, behavioral health, and nursing home care, across our main campus and various community-based outpatient clinics.