Launch Your Healthcare Career: Medical Support Assistant at the VA in Des Moines
Are you looking for a career that offers both professional growth and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of others? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Des Moines, Iowa, is currently seeking a compassionate and organized individual to serve as a Medical Support Assistant (MSA). This position is more than just a desk job; it is a vital support role that keeps our clinical units functioning efficiently to provide the best possible care for America’s Veterans.
About the Agency: The Department of Veterans Affairs
The VA is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." The VA Central Iowa Health Care System is a multi-campus organization employing approximately 1,700 professionals. We pride ourselves on a Whole Health approach, which empowers both patients and staff to focus on well-being and life quality. By joining our team, you become an integral part of an organization that honors those who have sacrificed for our country.
Job Responsibilities
The Medical Support Assistant is the heartbeat of our patient-facing administrative operations. Key duties include:
- Patient Reception & Scheduling: Managing clinic flow, coordinating appointments, and assisting patients and families upon arrival.
- Administrative Support: Processing admissions, discharges, and transfers, and maintaining precise logs.
- Clinical Communication: Serving as a bridge between clinical staff and patients, ensuring orders are processed promptly—including STAT or ASAP requests.
- Security & Compliance: Maintaining a secure workspace and adhering to strict privacy and HIPAA guidelines regarding patient information.
Comparison: Grade Level Requirements
| Grade Level | Education/Experience Requirement |
|---|---|
| GS-03 | Basic requirements met (High School Diploma or equivalent) |
| GS-04 | 1 year of equivalent experience OR 1 year of education above high school |
| GS-05 | 1 year of equivalent experience OR 2 years of education above high school |
Requirements for Success
To be considered, you must be a U.S. citizen and demonstrate proficiency in English. You must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where safety and patient identity verification are paramount. Additionally, all selected candidates must be willing to participate in the influenza vaccination program as part of our health safety standards.
Benefits Overview
Working for the VA offers more than just a paycheck. You will benefit from a culture that values professional development, comprehensive health benefits, and the ability to earn annual leave based on your length of service. You will be working within a supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of the Veterans we serve.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Federal hiring managers look for specific details. Use your resume to map your past experience directly to the KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) mentioned in the job post.
- Assessment Preparation: The USA Hire assessment is a critical part of the process. Utilize practice resources available on the OPM website.
- Submit Early: Do not wait until the final hours on October 26, 2026. Technical glitches can happen; submit early to ensure your application is received.
If you have a heart for service and the organizational skills to thrive in a clinical setting, we encourage you to apply. This is your opportunity to join the VA team in Des Moines and support those who have served our nation. Visit the official USAJOBS portal to start your application today.
Why This Medical Support Assistant Job Matters
Launch your career in federal healthcare by becoming a vital link in the VA’s mission to support America’s Veterans.
Medical Support Assistant Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Medical Support Assistant (MSA) in Des Moines, Iowa. This role is fundamental to the smooth operation of inpatient units, including ICU/Telemetry and Medical Surgical floors. You will serve as a primary point of contact for Veterans and their families, managing administrative tasks that directly influence patient care, scheduling, and clinical workflow efficiency.
Requirements for Medical Support Assistant
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Must pass a background and security investigation.
- Must complete an online onboarding process and provide acceptable identity documentation.
- Male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
- Must participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Ability to work Monday-Friday, 3:30 pm - 12:00 am, including rotating weekends and holidays.
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant
- Experience in medical terminology and clinical support.
- Strong customer service skills with the ability to resolve patient concerns.
- Proficiency in navigating electronic health records and scheduling software.
- Ability to handle sensitive patient information (PII) with discretion and integrity.
- Experience in a hospital or clinic setting handling patient admissions and discharges.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Whole Health System of care environment.
- âś“Opportunity for professional development within the Veterans Health Administration.
- âś“Credit for prior work or military service for annual leave accrual.
- âś“Inclusive workplace that supports veterans and individuals with disabilities.
- âś“Standard federal health and retirement benefits.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Medical Support Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Support Assistant Job
- Create or log into your account on the USAJOBS portal.
- Complete the mandatory online application and questionnaire.
- Prepare and attach a long-form resume and any relevant supporting documents (transcripts, SF-50, DD-214).
- Complete the required online USA Hire Assessments within the deadline.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date of 10/26/2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Write your resume in a long-form format that explicitly addresses the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed.
- Do not assume the hiring manager knows your experience; be specific about your duties in previous roles.
- Set aside at least three hours to complete the USA Hire Assessments in a quiet environment.
- Verify your eligibility documents well in advance of the deadline to ensure you have everything needed.
- Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS account dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote or telework-eligible position?
No, this is an onsite position located in Des Moines, Iowa, and is not eligible for telework or virtual arrangements.
What is the work schedule for this position?
The role requires evening shifts from 3:30 pm to 12:00 am, Monday through Friday, with a requirement to work alternating weekends and holidays.
Do I need prior medical experience?
While experience in a medical setting is beneficial, you can qualify with a combination of education and general administrative experience as defined by the grade levels (GS-3 to GS-5).
What is the salary range for this role?
The pay scale for this position ranges from $36,464 to $56,793 annually, depending on the grade level of the selected applicant.
Is there any flexibility in the hours?
This position requires a specific schedule (3:30 pm – 12:00 am) and includes weekend and holiday rotations.