Embark on a Meaningful Career: Advanced Medical Support Assistant at the VA

The San Diego Veterans Health Administration is currently offering a unique opportunity for professionals looking to combine administrative excellence with a mission of service. We are looking for an Advanced Medical Support Assistant to join our Mental Health team, serving the men and women who have defended our country. If you are passionate about healthcare, detail-oriented, and thrive in collaborative environments, this position offers a pathway to professional fulfillment.

Job Responsibilities

As an Advanced Medical Support Assistant, you are the backbone of the clinic’s daily operations. Your responsibilities include:

Coordinating complex outpatient appointment schedules.
Serving as the primary point of contact for patients and clinicians.
Maintaining accuracy in electronic health records (CPRS).
Screening patient information to ensure pre-appointment requirements are met.
Resolving patient inquiries with professionalism and empathy.

Comparison: Standard vs. Advanced MSA Roles

Feature	Standard MSA	Advanced MSA
Complexity	Routine Administrative	High-level clinical coordination
Decision Making	Supervised	Independent/Policy-driven
Systems Knowledge	Basic	Advanced/Specialized

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet the basic VA requirements, including:

U.S. Citizenship.
Proficient English language skills.
Passing a security/suitability background check.
Commitment to the annual influenza vaccination program.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position ranges from $56,247 to $73,121 per year. Beyond the salary, the VA offers a comprehensive federal benefits package, including robust health insurance, retirement options like the Thrift Savings Plan, and significant opportunities for career advancement within the federal government.

Application Tips

Be Specific: Describe your past work in detail, ensuring the hiring manager sees exactly how you meet the GS-5 equivalent experience requirement.
Documentation: Do not forget to attach all necessary documents, including transcripts and DD-214s if applicable.
Assessments: If you are required to take the USA Hire assessment, do not rush. Take your time to understand the instructions provided in your unique access link.

Serving the Veterans of the San Diego area is a rewarding commitment. If you are ready to apply your administrative talents in a meaningful, fast-paced medical environment, we encourage you to submit your application by the closing date. Your next career chapter starts with supporting those who gave so much for us.

Why This Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Matters

Launch a rewarding career supporting our nation's heroes as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant with the San Diego VA Healthcare System.

Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant within the Mental Health Service in San Diego, CA. This role is pivotal in ensuring our Veterans receive timely, compassionate, and efficient healthcare coordination. You will act as a primary point of contact, managing complex appointment scheduling, clinical communication, and administrative workflows in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment.

Requirements for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

Must be a United States citizen.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
Successful completion of a background/security investigation.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
Must meet the one-year experience requirement equivalent to the GS-5 grade level.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
Must serve a 1 or 2-year trial period.

Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

Advanced knowledge of medical terminology to understand complex diagnoses.
Demonstrated expertise in operating electronic health record systems and scheduling software.
Proven ability to manage patient flow in interdisciplinary healthcare models.
Exceptional interpersonal skills for handling sensitive inquiries and patient concerns.
Ability to work independently while coordinating with diverse clinical staff.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal employee health and life insurance options.
✓Generous paid annual leave and sick leave accrual.
✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Opportunities for professional growth within the VA Healthcare System.
✓Credit toward leave accrual based on prior military or federal service.
✓Work-life balance with a consistent Monday-Friday schedule.

💡 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.
Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
Prepare your resume and supporting documents (transcripts, DD-214, etc.).
Complete the online application questionnaire.
Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
Check your email for instructions regarding any required online USA Hire assessments.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically details how your experience meets the GS-5 equivalent criteria.
Do not assume the hiring team knows your background; be clear and specific in your descriptions.
Set aside at least three hours to complete the USA Hire assessments if prompted.
Upload all required documentation, such as SF-50s or transcripts, before the deadline.
Monitor your email and your USAJOBS application status page for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote or telework position?

No, this is an on-site, non-virtual position located at VA facilities.

What is the schedule for this position?

The role follows a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, with no weekends or holidays required.

Are there recruitment or relocation incentives for this role?

No, relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.

What if I have a disability that makes testing difficult?

The VA provides reasonable accommodations. Please request these through the application process before beginning your assessments.

Is there potential for promotion?

This position is graded at the GS-6 level with promotion potential.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to providing world-class healthcare. Our mission is to honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional service that improves their health and well-being. By joining the VA Desert Pacific Health Care Network, you will become part of a "Whole Health System" that empowers Veterans to take charge of their wellness through personalized care plans and healing environments.