Launch Your Career: Medical Support Assistant at Guthrie Army Health Clinic

Are you looking for a stable, impactful career in healthcare administration? The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a dedicated Medical Support Assistant to join the team at the Guthrie Army Health Clinic in Fort Drum, New York. This role is a vital component of the clinic's Orthopedic department, ensuring that our service members and their families receive the highest standard of care through seamless administrative support.

Job Responsibilities

As a Medical Support Assistant, your daily routine will be diverse and engaging. You will act as the primary point of contact for patients, whether in person or via telephone. Key duties include:

Patient Reception: Greeting visitors and handling patient intake with professionalism.
Administrative Coordination: Managing appointment schedules and tracking patient milestones.
Data Management: Utilizing automated systems to input and retrieve critical patient data.
Clinic Support: Processing requests for blood work, specialist referrals, and other clinical orders.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Requirement Type	Detail
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Education/Experience	1 year of specialized experience OR 4 years post-secondary education
Technical Skills	Must pass a 40 WPM typing test
Suitability	Must be able to pass a background/suitability investigation

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $40,736 to $52,957 per year. In addition to competitive pay, employees of the Department of Defense enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Health and Life Insurance: Extensive plans to protect you and your family.
Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System and the Thrift Savings Plan.
Work-Life Balance: Generous accrual of vacation days, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
Financial Growth: Potential for student loan repayment and salary negotiation for new federal hires.

Application Tips

Applying for federal jobs requires precision. Follow these steps to ensure your application stands out:

Resume Length: Keep your resume to a maximum of two pages. Longer resumes will be removed from consideration.
Detail is Key: For every job listed, provide the employer name, title, start/end dates (month/year), and the number of hours worked per week.
Use Plain Language: Avoid internal company jargon and complex acronyms.
Proof of Education: If you are using your education to qualify, ensure your official transcripts are attached.

Will my previous experience count?

Yes, as long as it demonstrates the ability to handle administrative tasks, patient scheduling, and file management.

What is the deadline to apply?

All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on October 7, 2026.

If you are ready to serve those who serve our country, this role at the Guthrie Army Health Clinic offers a rewarding professional path. Start your federal career today by preparing your application and demonstrating your commitment to healthcare excellence.

Why This Medical Support Assistant (Office Automation) Job Matters

Launch your administrative career with the Defense Health Agency at Fort Drum and make a direct impact on the lives of service members and their families.

Medical Support Assistant (Office Automation) Job Overview

Join the Guthrie Army Health Clinic as a Medical Support Assistant, where you will serve as the heartbeat of the Orthopedic department. This role is a vital entry-level federal position designed for organized, detail-oriented individuals who excel in communication and administrative coordination. You will facilitate the patient experience by managing scheduling, record-keeping, and front-line communications in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Requirements for Medical Support Assistant (Office Automation)

U.S. Citizenship
One year of specialized experience involving patient reception, record management, and eligibility determination, OR a bachelor's degree (or 4 years of relevant post-secondary education)
Ability to type 40 words per minute accurately (5-minute test)
Must be able to successfully complete a background check and suitability determination
Male applicants born after 1959 must be registered for Selective Service

Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant (Office Automation)

Experience with automated clinical scheduling systems
Proficiency in medical terminology or previous experience in an orthopedic or military health setting
Strong interpersonal skills for high-volume patient interaction
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive medical records

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan
✓Potential for student loan repayment assistance
✓Paid federal holidays, vacation time, and sick leave
✓Career advancement opportunities within the Department of Defense

💡 How to Apply Medical Support Assistant (Office Automation) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Medical Support Assistant (Office Automation) Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account profile
Prepare a resume specifically tailored to this role, ensuring it is no more than two pages
Complete the online questionnaire through the application portal
Upload all required documentation, including transcripts if using education to qualify
Verify that your application status appears as 'Received' in your dashboard

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification
Be specific about your hours worked per week for every position listed in your resume
Avoid using acronyms or jargon that might be unfamiliar to HR staff
Double-check that all uploads have successfully passed the virus scan process
Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential technical delays

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use volunteer work to qualify for this position?

Yes, both paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work with organizations or National Service programs, can be credited if it demonstrates the required specialized experience.

Is relocation assistance provided for this position?

No, the agency has determined that a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move is not in the government's interest for this specific role.

Are there opportunities for salary negotiation?

Yes, Advanced In-Hire salary negotiation may be available for candidates who are new to Federal service.

Is this a remote position?

No, this position is based on-site at Fort Drum, New York, and requires daily office attendance.

Job from Military Treatment Facilities Under Dha

The Defense Health Agency is a critical component of the U.S. Department of Defense. As an integrated health care system, it is responsible for providing high-quality medical, dental, and pharmacy services to over 9.5 million service members, retirees, and their families globally. By working with the DHA, you are contributing to a mission that supports global health readiness.