Launch Your Career: Advanced 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 currently seeking compassionate, organized, and dedicated individuals to join the team as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant. This role is more than just a job; it is a vital part of the mission to provide world-class healthcare to those who have served our nation.

Job Responsibilities

As an Advanced Medical Support Assistant, you are the backbone of clinic operations. You will:

Patient Coordination: Schedule, cancel, and reschedule appointments while ensuring special needs (such as distance or mobility issues) are met.
Administrative Oversight: Verify patient demographics, insurance information, and provider orders.
Team Collaboration: Participate in daily clinical huddles to ensure staff are prepared to meet the needs of the day.
Compliance: Maintain strict adherence to HIPAA and privacy regulations when handling patient records.
Communication: Act as a liaison between patients, medical providers, and external clinical resources.

Comparison: Standard vs. Advanced Support Roles

Feature	Standard Support Assistant	Advanced Support Assistant
Complexity	Routine Clerical	Interdisciplinary Coordination
Decision Making	Limited	Independent/Proactive
Knowledge Requirement	Basic Terminology	Advanced Health Processes

Requirements

To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet physical and background requirements. Key qualifications include:

Six months of general experience OR one year of relevant education beyond high school.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team environment.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $49,846 to $64,800 per year, reflecting the GS-6 grade level. The VA is known for providing regular step increases based on performance and tenure.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a comprehensive compensation package, including:

Leave: Substantial annual and sick leave accrual.
Retirement: A dual-approach system featuring a pension and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching.
Insurance: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, one of the most robust in the country.
Parental Support: 12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Use keywords found in the job announcement to highlight your administrative experience.
Don't Forget Documentation: Include all required SF-50s and transcripts immediately.
Prepare for the Questionnaire: The online questionnaire is your first hurdle—ensure your answers accurately reflect your expertise.

If you have a background in administration and a desire to serve our nation's Veterans, we encourage you to apply. This position offers stability, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the healthcare experience of our Veterans.

Why This Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our country while building a stable, rewarding career within the Veterans Health Administration.

Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Overview

The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center is seeking a detail-oriented and compassionate Advanced Medical Support Assistant to join our patient-focused healthcare team. This role is pivotal in ensuring our Veterans receive high-quality, coordinated care by acting as the primary link between administrative operations and clinical delivery.

Requirements for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must be proficient in both spoken and written English.
Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
Subject to a background and security investigation.
Must complete an online onboarding process.
Must be able to provide REAL ID compliant identification.
Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.

Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with interdisciplinary medical staff.
Proven capability to independently manage priorities and meet operational deadlines.
Advanced knowledge of healthcare scheduling systems and interdisciplinary care models.
Strong understanding of medical terminology and patient health record privacy laws.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal pension plan and 401K-style Thrift Savings Plan with employer matching
✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance coverage
✓Generous paid time off (up to 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave)
✓11 paid Federal holidays per year
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service
✓Childcare subsidy for eligible employees
✓Opportunities for professional growth and salary increases

💡 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.
Prepare a detailed resume highlighting your administrative and clerical experience.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all required documentation, including transcripts and SF-50 forms if applicable.
Submit your final application package before the closing date of September 10, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume; do not assume the hiring manager understands your previous duties.
Ensure your transcript is attached if your qualifications rely on education.
Double-check that your contact information is accurate for follow-up communications.
Monitor your email frequently for status updates regarding your referral status.
Take time to answer the questionnaire thoroughly, as it directly impacts your eligibility score.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of an Advanced Medical Support Assistant?

You will serve as a liaison between Veterans and medical staff, managing appointment schedules, verifying eligibility, and ensuring the efficient flow of patient care operations.

Can I apply if I don't have a medical background?

The position requires a combination of office or administrative experience. While medical knowledge is preferred, transferable skills in scheduling, customer service, and clerical work are highly valued.

Are there opportunities for remote work?

No, this is an onsite position requiring daily physical attendance at the VA facility.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Our mission is clear: to fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our military and for their families. By joining our team, you become part of a national organization dedicated to "Whole Health" care.