Launch Your Healthcare Career with the Veterans Health Administration

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 a highly motivated Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) to join the dedicated team at the Oscar G. Johnson VAMC in Iron Mountain, Michigan. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to directly support the health and well-being of our nation's heroes.

About the Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. Providing care to millions of Veterans, the VHA is committed to excellence, integrity, and patient-centered service. Working at a VA facility means joining a diverse team of professionals dedicated to the "I-CARE" core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.

Job Responsibilities

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

Patient Advocacy: Serving as the primary point of contact for Veterans and their families, addressing their questions, concerns, and behavioral health inquiries.
Advanced Scheduling: Managing complex appointment cycles, cancellations, and re-scheduling through the VistA Appointment Scheduling Enhancement system.
Clinical Coordination: Collaborating with doctors, nurses, and specialists to ensure seamless patient flow.
Data Management: Maintaining accurate electronic medical records and reporting relevant clinical data.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: A high school diploma or GED is required.
Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent.
Language: Must be proficient in both written and spoken English.
Conditions of Employment: All employees must pass a physical examination, undergo a background investigation, and participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Salary Overview

This position is classified under the General Schedule (GS) system. The salary range for this role is between $49,846 and $64,800 per year. Pay setting is based on qualifications, experience, and the specific needs of the medical center.

Compensation Comparison

Feature	Federal Benefits (VA)	Standard Private Sector
Pension	Traditional Defined Benefit	Rare / 401k only
Paid Time Off	37-50 Days/Year	Varies (Typically 15-20)
Job Security	High (Career Tenure)	Varies
Health Coverage	Excellent Federal Plans	Varies by Provider

Benefits

Federal employment with the VA offers a robust benefits package that supports both your career growth and your personal life. Highlights include:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (a 401k-style retirement account) with agency matching up to 5%.
Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
Paid parental leave for new parents.
Childcare subsidy programs for qualifying families.

Application Tips

To ensure your application stands out, consider the following advice:

Tailor Your Resume: Clearly document your experience in scheduling, patient interaction, and clinical support.
Be Explicit: Avoid generic summaries. Use specific examples of how you handled complex patient scenarios or medical scheduling tasks.
Check Your Documents: Ensure that your SF-50 forms, transcripts, and any disability documentation are clearly labeled and attached to your application package.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there an age limit for this position? A: There is no specific age limit, provided the candidate meets the educational and experience requirements.

Q: Can I apply if I am not a veteran? A: Yes, this position is open to qualified applicants regardless of their veteran status, provided they meet all other criteria.

Q: Is relocation assistance provided? A: No, relocation/recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.

If you are a detail-oriented professional with a passion for helping others, the Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) position in Iron Mountain is a perfect match. Take the next step in your professional journey and contribute to a mission that truly matters. Apply before the October 29, 2026 deadline to secure your place on our team.

Why This Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Matters

Join the Oscar G. Johnson VA team in Iron Mountain and transform the way our Veterans receive care. Your organizational skills and empathy are the key to streamlined, patient-centered healthcare delivery.

Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) to join the team at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, Michigan. This role is essential to our mission, serving as the primary point of contact for Veterans and their families. You will play a pivotal role in managing complex appointment scheduling, coordinating interdisciplinary care, and ensuring that our patients receive the high-quality, compassionate service they have earned.

Requirements for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

U.S. Citizenship status.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
High school diploma or GED.
Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959.
Subject to a successful background and security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level.
Advanced knowledge of healthcare scheduling systems and interdisciplinary care models.
Deep understanding of medical terminology and clinical documentation.
Proven ability to manage high-volume scheduling and resolve complex patient concerns.
Exceptional interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with clinicians and staff.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with scheduled increases.
✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
✓Federal 401k (Thrift Savings Plan) with up to 5% employer matching.
✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave annually.
✓11 paid Federal holidays per year.
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
✓Childcare subsidy for eligible full-time employees.

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

Application Steps for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job

Create or log into your account at the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a detailed, long-form resume highlighting your administrative and medical support experience.
Gather necessary documentation, including transcripts and SF-50 forms if applicable.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package before the closing date of October 29, 2026.
Monitor your email for status notifications following the closing of the vacancy.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and clear in your resume; do not rely on the hiring team to make assumptions about your previous duties.
Ensure your resume reflects both paid and volunteer experience relevant to the position.
Double-check that all required documents (transcripts, licenses, DD-214) are attached before submission.
Review your application thoroughly, as errors or omissions may disqualify you from consideration.
Use the USAJOBS 'Save Search' feature to stay updated on future opportunities within the VA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position open to the public?

This vacancy is designated for internal agency candidates. Please verify your eligibility status within the USAJOBS platform.

Can I work remotely for this role?

No, this is an on-site position located in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Telework is not authorized for this specific vacancy.

What happens after I apply?

You will receive an email confirmation upon submission. Once the announcement closes, your application will be evaluated, and referred candidates may be contacted for an interview.