Launch Your Career as a Medical Support Assistant with the VA
Are you looking for a career that combines administrative expertise with a meaningful mission? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring for Advanced Medical Support Assistant (MSA) positions across Central Western Massachusetts. This role is vital to the daily operations of our healthcare facilities, serving as the frontline contact for the Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country.
Job Responsibilities
As an Advanced Medical Support Assistant, your day-to-day will be dynamic and impactful. You won't just be pushing paper; you will be managing the flow of patient care. Key duties include:
- Clinic Management: Coordinating scheduling, managing appointment availability, and adjusting workflows to meet patient volume.
- Patient Interaction: Acting as the primary point of contact for Veterans, ensuring their questions are answered with tact and diplomacy.
- Data Integrity: Managing sensitive patient information, updating demographics, and ensuring insurance data is accurately captured for the revenue process.
- Collaboration: Working within interdisciplinary teams—including doctors, nurses, and social workers—to ensure a seamless patient experience from check-in to follow-up.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must be a U.S. citizen and demonstrate proficiency in English. You must also hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Candidates for the GS-06 level are expected to show one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, demonstrating a strong grasp of healthcare processes.
Salary and Benefits
We believe in rewarding our employees for their hard work and dedication.
| Benefit Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $53,322 - $69,389 per year |
| Paid Time Off | 37-50 days (inclusive of sick and annual leave) |
| Federal Holidays | 11 Paid Federal Holidays |
| Retirement | Pension + 401(k) with 5% match |
Beyond these numbers, you gain access to comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance that can be carried into retirement.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires attention to detail.
- Tailor Your Resume: Use the language from the job description to explain your past experience.
- Don't Forget Documentation: Ensure you upload your transcripts and any relevant SF-50 forms if you are a current federal employee.
- Stay Current: Since this is an open and continuous announcement, keep an eye on your status through the USAJOBS portal.
If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of our Veterans, we encourage you to apply. This role offers the stability of a federal career with the reward of knowing you are helping those who have served our nation. Join us at the VA and build a career you can be proud of.
Why This Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Matters
Advance your career in healthcare administration while honoring those who have served our nation. Join the Veterans Health Administration as a Medical Support Assistant and become the vital link in providing compassionate, world-class care to our Veterans.
Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Overview
The VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System is seeking dedicated and organized individuals to join our team as Advanced Medical Support Assistants. In this pivotal role, you will provide sophisticated administrative support within an interdisciplinary care model. You will be responsible for managing complex patient flow, coordinating appointments, and ensuring that our Veterans receive seamless access to high-quality healthcare services across multiple clinic locations. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to build a career in a mission-driven, fast-paced environment where your administrative expertise directly impacts patient outcomes.
Requirements for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must be proficient in both written and spoken English.
- Must possess a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent certificate.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
- Must complete an online onboarding and background investigation process.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program is a condition of employment.
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)
- One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 grade level.
- Advanced knowledge of medical terminology and clinical health care processes.
- Demonstrated ability to manage patient flow, scheduling, and electronic health record systems.
- Experience working within interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery models.
- Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse range of medical staff and patients.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“13-26 days of annual leave based on tenure.
- âś“13 days of sick leave per year.
- âś“11 paid Federal holidays.
- âś“Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
- âś“Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance programs.
- âś“Traditional federal pension and 401(k) retirement options with 5% employer matching.
- âś“Childcare subsidy eligibility for qualifying full-time employees.
đź’ˇ 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, long-form resume highlighting your administrative and clinical support experience.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire linked in the announcement.
- Submit your application and all required documentation (SF-50, transcripts, etc.) via the portal.
- Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Be specific: Describe your experience in detail; do not leave the hiring team to make assumptions.
- Check for completeness: Ensure all required documents, including transcripts and SF-50 forms, are attached before submitting.
- Highlight volunteer work: Include non-paid experience that builds relevant skills like communication and organization.
- Review your responses: Double-check the occupational questionnaire to ensure accuracy before final submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Open & Continuous Announcement?
This means the application window is open for a long period to create a standing register of candidates. Referrals are made periodically based on vacancy needs.
Can I apply if I do not have medical experience?
While specific medical support experience is preferred and required for the GS-06 level, your overall administrative expertise and ability to learn complex health systems are key to your application.
Is telework available?
Ad-hoc telework may be available per specific agency policy, though this is not a virtual position and requires on-site presence.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is clear: to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military. We operate under the "I CARE" core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. Joining the VA means becoming part of a team that prioritizes professional growth, work-life balance, and compassionate service.