Embark on a Rewarding Career: Advanced Medical Support Assistant at the VA Sierra Nevada
Are you a detail-oriented professional looking to merge your administrative expertise with a meaningful mission? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) at the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System in Reno, Nevada, is seeking an Advanced Medical Support Assistant to join our dedicated team. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to directly contribute to the well-being of the men and women who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As an Advanced Medical Support Assistant, you are the bridge between the patient and the medical team. Your role involves complex coordination in an interdisciplinary patient-aligned care model. Key duties include:
- Communication Hub: Maintaining efficient communication between the patient, clinical staff, and non-VA medical facilities.
- Clinical Scheduling: Managing appointment cycles, tracking consults, and resolving scheduling conflicts.
- Workflow Optimization: Assisting in team huddles, planning patient care, and monitoring clinic utilization to ensure high standards of efficiency.
- Patient Education: Explaining care plans and ensuring patient readiness for procedures.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-05 grade level, demonstrating skills in medical support or equivalent administrative roles.
- Communication: Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Health Compliance: Participation in mandatory seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccination programs.
Comparison: Standard vs. Advanced Medical Support
| Feature | Standard Support | Advanced Support |
|---|---|---|
| Complexity | Routine Tasks | Complex/Integrated Tasks |
| Autonomy | Supervision Required | High Independence |
| Scope | Data Entry Focus | Clinical/Care Coordination |
| Impact | Unit-level | Interdisciplinary Team-level |
Salary Overview
The position is rated at the GS-06 level with a salary range of $58,187 to $75,642 per year. Federal employees also gain access to generous benefits that support a healthy work-life balance.
Benefits
Beyond a competitive salary, the VA offers:
- Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) benefits.
- Paid time off, including sick and annual leave.
- A collaborative and supportive team environment.
Application Tips
- Be Explicit: Clearly map your experience to the duties listed in the announcement.
- Use Keywords: Mirror the language used in the vacancy requirements to highlight your match.
- Submit Complete Packages: Ensure your resume, transcripts, and any required veteran preference documents are uploaded.
Serving those who have served us is a profound experience. If you are ready to apply your administrative skills to improve veteran health outcomes, we invite you to join our team in the beautiful Reno, Nevada area.
Why This Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served by joining the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant.
Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant in Reno, Nevada. In this vital role, you will be the backbone of our interdisciplinary patient care teams, managing complex administrative workflows, coordinating clinical information, and ensuring that our Veterans receive the timely care they deserve. This is a fantastic opportunity to balance your career goals with the high quality of life offered by the Reno/Tahoe region.
Requirements for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959
- Ability to pass a background/security investigation
- Completion of mandatory seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccination programs
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-05 grade level or equivalent
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)
- Advanced knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare administrative processes
- Proven ability to manage patient referrals, follow-up care, and clinic scheduling
- Experience working in interdisciplinary healthcare settings
- Demonstrated ability to resolve complex scheduling issues and patient concerns
- Strong technical skills with patient healthcare portals and electronic records systems
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including FERS
- ✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career growth
- ✓Work-life balance in a scenic location with no state income tax
💡 How to Apply Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job
- Create or update your account on the official USAJOBS platform.
- Prepare a detailed federal-style resume highlighting your administrative and medical support experience.
- Gather necessary documentation, including transcripts or military service records (DD-214) if applicable.
- Access the job announcement link and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all required documents and submit your application package before the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes specific, measurable examples of your past administrative work.
- Address each required Knowledge, Skill, and Ability (KSA) explicitly in your resume or application.
- Double-check that all required supporting documents are legible and uploaded in the correct format.
- Submit well before the deadline to avoid potential technical issues on the final day.
- Monitor your email for status updates and follow-up requests after the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of an Advanced Medical Support Assistant?
You will manage administrative patient care workflows, support clinical team meetings, coordinate scheduling, and maintain high-level communication between patients, providers, and external health facilities.
Is telework available for this position?
The position offers ad-hoc telework opportunities, though it is not a fully remote or virtual role as physical presence is required for patient interaction.
Are there vaccination requirements for this job?
Yes, as a Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare employee, you are required to participate in both the seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccination programs.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing world-class care to millions of Veterans. Our mission is to honor President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working at the Reno facility means joining a culture that values service, compassion, and professional excellence, all while enjoying the lifestyle of the Sierra Nevada region.