Lead Medical Support Assistant (GS-7) - Make a Difference at the VA in Reno, Nevada

Are you a highly organized and experienced administrative professional with a passion for serving those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a dedicated Lead Medical Support Assistant (MSA) to join their esteemed team in Reno, Nevada. This is a significant opportunity to step into a leadership role, guiding a team of MSAs while ensuring the seamless delivery of patient care services. If you thrive in a dynamic environment, possess exceptional communication skills, and are committed to excellence in healthcare administration, we encourage you to explore this rewarding career path.

About the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

The Department of Veterans Affairs is the nation's largest integrated healthcare system, providing comprehensive care to millions of veterans across the United States. The VA's mission is to fulfill President Lincoln's promise to care for those who have served in the nation's military and their families. Through its Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the VA offers a wide range of medical services, from primary care to specialty treatments, all within a patient-centered, whole-health approach. The Reno/Tahoe VA facility is nestled amidst the stunning Sierra Nevada mountains, offering a unique blend of professional fulfillment and an adventurous lifestyle. With easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and water sports, plus a vibrant local culture, Reno provides an exceptional quality of life, enhanced by the absence of state income tax.

Job Responsibilities: Leading the Way in Healthcare Support

As a Lead Medical Support Assistant (GS-7), you will play a pivotal role in the administrative and technical direction of MSA staff within the Health Administration Service. Your responsibilities will encompass a broad range of critical functions designed to optimize clinic operations and patient experience:

Team Leadership and Oversight: Provide technical and administrative direction to Medical Support Assistants, ensuring all clinic administrative requirements are met accurately and on time. Conduct spot checks and review completed work to ensure adherence to standards, procedures, and deadlines.
Workforce Management: Assess daily workloads, assign tasks, and ensure adequate staffing coverage. Develop and implement controls within the clinic setting to resolve issues as they arise.
Training and Development: Orient and train new employees, and ensure current staff are up-to-date on procedural changes. Identify training needs and inform supervisors of staff performance and development requirements.
Operational Coordination: Coordinate and review the work of MSAs, establishing work priorities and ensuring deadlines are met. Act as a liaison among staff, patients, and other interdisciplinary teams to resolve day-to-day conflicts and improve communication.
Patient Access and Scheduling: Ensure accurate and timely scheduling of appointments. Maintain clinic schedules, manage cancellations, and reschedule as necessary to ensure smooth clinic flow. Maintain contact with medical and clerical staff to resolve delays and communication difficulties.
Process Improvement: Evaluate and implement new policies and procedures pertinent to MSA duties. Make suggestions for personnel actions such as promotions, reassignments, or recognition.
Liaison and Problem Resolution: Act as a point of contact for veterans regarding scheduling needs. Resolve day-to-day problems and escalate complex issues to the supervisor.
Information Management: Maintain a thorough understanding of pertinent laws, regulations, and local policies regarding patient entitlement for care. Provide recommendations to clinical staff based on this knowledge.
Medical Care Cost Recovery (MCCR): Ensure all insurance and demographic information is updated accurately. Educate veterans and staff on the importance of MCCR activities.
Supervisory Support: Provide coverage for the Supervisory MSA during absences, assisting with scheduling, timekeeping, competency certifications, report preparation, audits, and committee actions.
Technical Proficiency: Utilize VistA scheduling options, Electronic Wait List (EWL), Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and CPRS effectively.

Requirements for Success

To be considered for this Lead MSA position, candidates must meet the following essential requirements:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Selective Service: Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.
Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Security and Background: Subject to a background and security investigation. May be required to serve a probationary period.
Onboarding: Selected applicants will complete an online onboarding process.
Vaccinations: Mandatory participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is required for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Creditable Experience

Your experience must demonstrate a strong understanding of Medical Support Assistant (MSA) practices or equivalent administrative patient support roles in a medical setting. This experience can be from paid or non-paid employment.

Quality of Experience

Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to the next lower grade (GS-6). For assignments above the full performance level, higher-level duties must constitute a significant scope, administrative independence, complexity, and variety, performed at least 25% of the time.

Part-Time Experience

Part-time experience is credited proportionally based on the full-time workweek.

Salary Overview

The salary for this Lead Medical Support Assistant position ranges from $64,659 to $84,059 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits Package

The VA offers a robust benefits package designed to support the well-being of its employees. While specific details are best explored through the provided link, typical benefits include:

Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Paid Time Off: Generous annual (vacation) leave, sick leave, and federal holidays. Federal employees earn annual leave at a rate of 4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period, based on years of service. Credit for prior work or military experience may be possible.
Retirement Plan: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Life Insurance: Federal employees' group life insurance.
Professional Development: Opportunities for training, continuing education, and career advancement within the VA.

For more detailed information on VA benefits, please visit: http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp

Application Process

To apply for this exciting opportunity, follow these steps:

Apply Online: Visit the USAJOBS website (usajobs.gov) and search for this announcement.
Create/Login: Create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account.
Resume: Select your USAJOBS resume or upload a detailed long-form resume/CV. Ensure it accurately reflects your experience and qualifications.
Occupational Questionnaire: Complete the occupational questionnaire thoroughly and honestly. Your responses are critical for determining your eligibility and ranking.
Supporting Documents: Upload all required documents, such as transcripts (if qualifying by education), DD-214 (for veterans' preference), SF-50s (if applicable), etc. Refer to the 'Required Documents' section for a complete list.
Submit: Submit your complete application package, including all necessary documents, by the closing date: November 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Questionnaire Preview: You can preview the occupational questionnaire before applying: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13099418

Application Tips for a Strong Submission

Be Detailed: Clearly articulate your responsibilities and accomplishments in your resume. Quantify achievements whenever possible.
Accuracy is Key: Ensure all information provided in your application is accurate and matches your supporting documents.
Address All Requirements: Make sure your resume and uploaded documents directly address the qualifications and requirements outlined in the announcement.
Veterans' Preference: If eligible, claim veterans' preference and submit the required documentation (DD-214, SF-15) promptly.
Proofread: Before submitting, review your entire application for any errors or omissions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
What is the salary range for this position?	The annual salary for the Lead Medical Support Assistant position is between $64,659 and $84,059.
What are the basic qualifications?	Candidates must be U.S. citizens, possess English proficiency, and have experience equivalent to the GS-6 level, demonstrating knowledge of MSA practices, advanced medical terminology, patient systems, organizational skills, and communication abilities.
What is the work schedule?	This is a full-time position, Monday-Friday. However, the role may require swing/night shifts, weekend, and holiday hours. Telework is not available.
What documents are required for the application?	A long-form resume or CV is mandatory. Depending on your eligibility, you may also need a cover letter, DD-214, transcripts, SF-50s, etc. Please consult the 'Required Documents' section for the full list.
When is the application deadline?	The deadline to submit your complete application package is November 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Is there promotion potential for this role?	According to the announcement, there is no promotion potential indicated for this position.
What is the work location?	The position is located in Reno, Nevada.
Are there any specific technical skills required?	Yes, proficiency in VistA scheduling options, Electronic Wait List (EWL), CPRS, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) is required.
Does this position offer relocation assistance?	Relocation is listed as 'False' for this position, indicating no relocation incentives are offered.
What is the hiring path for this announcement?	This announcement is open to 'Internal to an agency' candidates, meaning it is primarily for current federal employees within the agency.

This Lead Medical Support Assistant position at the VA in Reno, Nevada, offers a unique blend of leadership, professional growth, and the profound satisfaction of serving America's veterans. If you possess the required skills, experience, and a commitment to making a difference, we urge you to apply. Embrace this opportunity to advance your career while contributing to a noble mission in a location that offers both professional challenges and an exceptional lifestyle. Join the VA and be part of a team dedicated to honoring those who have served.

Why This Lead Medical Support Assistant Job Matters

Advance your career in healthcare administration and make a tangible difference in the lives of our nation's heroes. Join a supportive team in a vibrant community and take on a leadership role as a Lead Medical Support Assistant.

Lead Medical Support Assistant Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Lead Medical Support Assistant (MSA) for their Reno, Nevada location. This full-time position offers a fantastic opportunity to step into a leadership role, overseeing the technical and administrative direction of Medical Support Assistant staff. You will play a crucial part in ensuring smooth clinic operations, patient access to care, and the professional development of your team. If you have a strong background in medical administration, excellent organizational skills, and a passion for serving veterans, this role is for you.

Requirements for Lead Medical Support Assistant

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.
Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential.
May be required to serve a probationary period.
Subject to background and security investigation.
Selected applicants will undergo an online onboarding process.
Mandatory participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Mandatory participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP).

Preferred Qualifications for Lead Medical Support Assistant

Advanced knowledge of medical terminology and diverse clinical flow processes for accessing care across multiple clinics, specialties, and community resources.
Proficiency in utilizing various advanced patient systems to support multiple clinics within an interdisciplinary setting.
Exceptional ability to organize work, set priorities, and delegate tasks effectively to meet deadlines.
Skilled in communication to achieve desired outcomes and coordinate with diverse interdisciplinary care team staff.
Proven ability to foster staff development and provide effective training.
Adept at managing staffing requirements, workflow priorities, and adjusting work pace to meet team and patient needs, including diligent follow-up on pending issues.
Expert knowledge of PACT for ensuring proper patient scheduling and preventing inconvenience to patients and staff.
Expert understanding of outpatient clinical services to facilitate patient treatment plan follow-through and appointment scheduling.
Expertise in deciphering physician orders, including various chemical compounds, symbols, and abbreviations.
High-level skill in scheduling outpatient clinic appointments using Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VistA) scheduling options.
Adherence to nationally and locally established business rules for scheduling appointments, including the Electronic Wait List (EWL).
Completion of mandatory national and local training requirements for outpatient scheduling.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, in addition to CPRS and VistA.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Opportunity to earn annual leave based on years of Federal service (4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period).
✓Potential credit for prior work experience or military service towards annual leave accrual.
✓The VA offers a comprehensive benefits package. For more details, visit: http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp

💡 How to Apply Lead Medical Support Assistant Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Lead Medical Support Assistant Job

Apply online through USAJOBS.
Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents.
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application package, including all required documents, by 11:59 PM ET on November 11, 2026.
Review the questionnaire preview at: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13099418

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is long-form and includes all relevant experience and skills.
Thoroughly read and understand all instructions within the announcement.
Carefully answer all questions in the occupational questionnaire; your responses will be used to determine your qualifications.
Provide clear and specific details about your experience in your resume and supporting documents. Do not assume the reviewer will have prior knowledge of your duties.
Double-check that all required documents are uploaded and submitted before the closing date.
If using education to qualify, submit a copy of your transcript.
For veterans' preference, ensure you submit the required documentation (e.g., DD-214, SF-15 with proof).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary range for the Lead Medical Support Assistant position is $64,659 to $84,059 per year.

What are the basic qualifications for this role?

Candidates must be U.S. citizens, possess English proficiency, and meet specific experience requirements comparable to the GS-6 level, with at least one year of experience at that level. You'll need demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in areas like advanced medical terminology, patient systems, organization, communication, and training.

What is the work schedule?

This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday. However, the role may require swing/night shifts, weekend, and holiday hours. Telework is not available.

What documents are required for the application?

A complete application package includes a long-form resume or CV. Depending on your eligibility and qualifications, you may also need to submit a cover letter, DD-214, transcripts, SF-50s, etc. Please refer to the 'Required Documents' section for a comprehensive list.

When is the application deadline?

The application deadline is November 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

What is the promotion potential for this position?

There is no promotion potential indicated for this position.