Serving Those Who Served: Medical Administrative Assistant Opportunity
Are you looking to transition your administrative skills into a mission-driven environment? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is offering a unique opportunity to join the team at the East Orange VA Medical Center as a Medical Administrative Assistant. This role is vital to the daily operations of our healthcare facilities, ensuring that our nation's Veterans receive the efficient, compassionate support they deserve.
Job Responsibilities
As a Medical Administrative Assistant, your role is multifaceted. You will serve as a hub of communication and organization, handling tasks that keep the medical center running smoothly. Key responsibilities include:
- Patient Operations: Managing admissions, transfers, and discharges while verifying patient eligibility and insurance details.
- Bed Management: Utilizing software like the Bed Management System (BMS) to coordinate patient movements.
- Administrative Reporting: Compiling daily Gains and Losses (G&L) reports.
- Decedent Affairs: Handling sensitive processes, including family notifications and documentation.
- Emergency Support: Coordinating on-call clinical staff and managing logistics during emergent situations.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must meet several federal criteria:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Ability to pass background and security checks.
- Must complete the required USA Hire Assessment.
- Adherence to the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination policy.
Skills Comparison Table
| Skill Category | Importance | Primary Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Documentation | High | Managing patient records & VistA |
| Interpersonal Skills | High | Liaising with families & clinicians |
| Emergency Response | Medium | Recalling staff & managing logistics |
| Analytical Proficiency | Medium | Statistical reporting (G&L) |
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $59,465 to $77,306 per year, commensurate with qualifications and the specific requirements of the intermittent schedule.
Benefits
Working for the VA provides more than just a paycheck. Employees benefit from the prestige of federal service, opportunities for professional development within the VHA network, and the immense personal satisfaction of serving Veterans.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, ensure your resume is concise—no more than two pages. Be explicit about your experience, including hours worked per week, to ensure you meet the specialized experience requirements (equivalent to GS-6).
If you are an organized, detail-oriented professional looking to make a difference in the lives of Veterans, the Medical Administrative Assistant role in East Orange is the perfect fit. Submit your application through the official portal before the October 30, 2026, deadline to start your journey with the VA.
Why This Medical Administrative Assistant Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our country by providing vital administrative support at the East Orange VA Medical Center.
Medical Administrative Assistant Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated Medical Administrative Assistant for an intermittent, two-year appointment. This position offers a dynamic work environment where you will manage essential patient operations, ranging from admissions and discharge procedures to complex decedent affairs coordination. Operating on an as-needed basis, this role is critical to ensuring our Veterans receive the compassionate, seamless care they have earned.
Requirements for Medical Administrative Assistant
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must complete an online assessment.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must pass a background and security investigation.
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period is required.
- Compliance with the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory.
- Must be able to provide acceptable identification for the I-9 process.
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Administrative Assistant
- At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 level.
- Proficiency in healthcare patient tracking systems such as VistA and BMS.
- Strong communication skills for liaising with clinical staff, families, and external stakeholders.
- Experience managing administrative healthcare records, including eligibility and insurance verification.
- Expertise in coordinating patient referrals and decedent affairs.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth within the VA system
- ✓Meaningful work serving Veterans
- ✓Access to a comprehensive Federal benefits package
💡 How to Apply Medical Administrative Assistant Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Administrative Assistant Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or fewer.
- Submit your online application and questionnaire before the closing date of 10/30/2026.
- Complete the mandatory USA Hire Assessments when prompted via email.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit to remain eligible.
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure all formatting requirements are met.
- Be specific about your hours worked per week; a full-time week is considered 35-40 hours.
- Review all assessment instructions carefully as they are time-sensitive.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and page count.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an intermittent schedule mean?
Intermittent means there are no set tour hours. You are scheduled based on demand and compensated only for the hours you actually work, up to a maximum of 1,820 hours per calendar year.
Is education a substitute for experience for this role?
No, there is no educational substitution permitted for this specific grade level.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No. Effective September 27, 2025, federal agencies require resumes to be two pages or less to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan.
Is this a remote position?
*A: No, this is not a virtual position and requires presence at the facility.*
Can I apply if I am not a Veteran?
*A: Yes, this position is open to the public.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in our military and for their families and survivors. By joining our team, you become part of an organization dedicated to excellence, innovation, and unwavering support for our Veteran community.