Advance Your Career as a Medical Support Assistant with the VA
If you are a dedicated professional with a passion for supporting patient care, a role as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant (MSA) with the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a unique opportunity to serve those who have served our nation. Based at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, Michigan, this position is at the heart of administrative operations, ensuring Veterans receive timely and coordinated care.
Job Responsibilities
As an Advanced MSA, your primary duty is to facilitate the connection between Veterans and their medical care. Key responsibilities include:
- Care Coordination: Managing appointments for diagnostic testing and specialty consultations.
- Patient Liaison: Serving as the main point of contact for patients and their families regarding their community care status.
- Administrative Support: Utilizing systems like HSRM and VISTA to process authorizations, update insurance data, and maintain medical records.
- Workflow Management: Collaborating with clinicians, including doctors, nurse practitioners, and social workers, to meet patient needs.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet several fundamental criteria:
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must be proficient in both written and spoken English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation.
- Must participate in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Comparison Table: Qualifications
| Requirement Type | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Education | High School Diploma or GED |
| Experience | 1 Year of equivalent GS-05 level experience |
| Security | Subject to background/fitness investigation |
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $49,846 – $64,800 per year, commensurate with qualifications. In addition to a competitive salary, the VA offers a robust benefits package:
- Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Insurance: Federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
- Retirement: A traditional pension and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan.
- Work-Life Balance: Paid parental leave and optional childcare subsidies for qualifying employees.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, ensure your resume is detailed. Do not assume hiring managers know your background; explicitly state your experience with medical scheduling, terminology, and administrative coordination. Always submit your package via the official USAJOBS portal well before the November 30, 2026, deadline.
If you are ready to apply your organizational and communication skills in a rewarding, patient-centered environment, we encourage you to apply for the Advanced Medical Support Assistant position in Iron Mountain today. Join the VA and make a tangible difference in the lives of our Veterans.
Why This Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Matters
Make a meaningful impact on Veterans' health care by coordinating essential medical services at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center.
Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking a detail-oriented Advanced Medical Support Assistant (MSA) to join the VA Community Care (VACC) team in Iron Mountain, Michigan. This role is pivotal in streamlining the patient experience, acting as a key liaison between clinical staff, patients, and external vendors to ensure seamless access to specialized medical care.
Requirements for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)
- U.S. Citizenship (unless specific exceptions apply).
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Completion of a background/security investigation.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-05 level or equivalent.
- Advanced knowledge of medical terminology and clinical workflows.
- Expertise in scheduling interdisciplinary coordinated care and managing patient portals.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate tactfully with both clinical staff and patients.
- Experience managing authorizations, clinic appointments, and external vendor correspondence.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓13-26 days of annual leave based on tenure.
- ✓13 days of sick leave per year.
- ✓11 paid federal holidays.
- ✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of service.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- ✓Federal pension plan and 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with up to 5% employer matching.
- ✓Childcare subsidy for eligible families.
💡 How to Apply Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job
- Create a profile on the USAJOBS platform.
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including transcripts or SF-50 forms if applicable.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of November 30, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience in medical support or administration.
- Avoid leaving gaps in your work history; explain volunteer or unpaid experience as it relates to required skills.
- Double-check all uploaded documents for legibility and accuracy before submission.
- Monitor your email for status updates following the close of the announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position remote or eligible for telework?
No, this is an onsite position located at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, Michigan.
What is the work schedule?
This is a full-time position with a regular Monday through Friday schedule, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Are there opportunities for promotion?
This position currently has no promotion potential, though you may be referred for similar roles within the facility as they become available.
What is the trial period?
As a new employee, you will typically serve a 1 to 2-year trial period to evaluate your fitness for the role.
Is relocation assistance offered?
No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this position.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Providing care to millions of Veterans, the VHA is committed to excellence, innovation, and compassionate service. Working for the VA means becoming part of a community dedicated to the well-being of our heroes.