Launch Your Healthcare Career with the VA Black Hills Health Care System

Are you looking for a career that combines administrative excellence with a mission to serve those who have served our country? The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking motivated individuals to fill the role of Advanced Medical Support Assistant at the VA Black Hills Health Care System. This opportunity allows you to work in the heart of South Dakota, supporting a dedicated team of clinicians and providing essential services to our Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As an Advanced Medical Support Assistant, you are the bridge between the patient and the care team. Your primary duties include:

Care Coordination: Processing referrals for community care and scheduling appointments across various medical specialties.
Administrative Support: Utilizing electronic health record systems to manage patient data, verify provider orders, and triage urgent clinical consults.
Patient Communication: Serving as a primary point of contact for Veterans and their representatives, ensuring they understand pre-appointment requirements.
Team Collaboration: Participating in team huddles to optimize patient flow and address gaps in care.

Comparison: Standard vs. Advanced MSA Roles

Feature	Standard Support Role	Advanced MSA (This Position)
Complexity	Routine clerical duties	Specialized administrative judgment
System Access	Basic data entry	Advanced clinical scheduling systems
Interaction	General assistance	Complex interdisciplinary coordination
Decision Making	Supervised tasks	Independent triage and workflow adjustment

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-6 position, you must meet several key criteria:

Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Education: A high school diploma or GED is required. Any post-high school education should be supported by transcripts.
Experience: You need one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level, demonstrating knowledge of medical terminology, customer service, and scheduling.
Proficiency: You must be fluent in both written and spoken English.

Salary Overview

The salary for this role is highly competitive, ranging from $47,903 to $62,274 per year. Federal positions also offer consistent step increases and opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a robust benefits package designed to support your work-life balance:

Paid Time Off: 13-26 days of annual leave, plus 13 days of sick leave and 11 paid holidays.
Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid leave following the birth or adoption of a child.
Retirement: A strong pension plan paired with a 401(k) (TSP) with agency matching.
Health Coverage: Access to excellent federal health, dental, and vision insurance programs.

Application Tips

Be Specific: When describing your work history, detail how your previous experience aligns with the specific competencies mentioned (e.g., customer service, teamwork, and medical terminology).
Use a Separate KSA Document: Since the VA requires clear demonstrations of your skills, summarizing your experience in a separate document for each KSA is strongly recommended.
Monitor Your Email: You will receive notifications regarding assessments and status updates; ensure your USAJOBS contact information is current.

Joining the VA Black Hills Health Care System is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the men and women who have defended our nation. If you possess the organizational skills and clinical awareness to thrive in a fast-paced medical environment, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)-Care In The Community Job Matters

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of our nation's heroes by joining the VA Black Hills Health Care System as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant.

Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)-Care In The Community Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking dedicated individuals for Advanced Medical Support Assistant positions within the Care in the Community (CITC) department. You will play a critical role in facilitating healthcare coordination for Veterans, ensuring they receive timely and efficient access to care through community providers. This is an open continuous announcement for positions based in either Fort Meade or Hot Springs, South Dakota.

Requirements for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)-Care In The Community

U.S. Citizenship.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level.
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Background/security investigation clearance.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Completion of a 1-2 year trial period.

Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)-Care In The Community

Advanced knowledge of medical terminology and clinical diagnostic procedures.
Proven experience in scheduling appointments within a clinical or medical environment.
Demonstrated ability to manage patient records and sensitive PII using electronic health systems.
Exceptional customer service skills with the ability to resolve patient concerns tactfully.
Strong organizational skills to set priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal salary with regular increases.
✓37-50 days of paid time off (annual, sick, and federal holidays).
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
✓Federal retirement pension and 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Comprehensive health, vision, dental, and life insurance options.
✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees.
✓Opportunities for annual leave accrual credit based on prior experience.

💡 How to Apply Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)-Care In The Community Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)-Care In The Community Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a detailed resume (long-form recommended).
Submit your application and complete the online questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
Complete the required online assessment if prompted via email.
Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Tailor your resume to specifically address the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed in the job description.
Include a separate document dedicated to answering the KSAs to ensure your experience is clearly highlighted.
Ensure all educational documents, such as high school diplomas or transcripts, are uploaded as required.
Double-check your submission before the deadline, as incomplete packages will not be considered.
Use the 'Track this application' feature in USAJOBS to stay updated on your status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I do not have prior medical office experience?

This position requires one year of experience equivalent to the GS-5 level, which includes specialized administrative support tasks. Please review the qualification section to see if your background qualifies.

Is this a remote position?

No, this position requires the incumbent to physically report to work at either the Fort Meade or Hot Springs, South Dakota locations.

How often are applications reviewed?

This is an open continuous announcement, and qualified candidates are referred to the hiring manager every 1-2 weeks until the vacancies are filled.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. The VA Black Hills Health Care System is a pillar of this network, providing comprehensive medical care to Veterans across Western South Dakota, Northern Nebraska, and Eastern Wyoming. With campuses in Fort Meade and Hot Springs, the system offers a collaborative environment where employees are valued for their contribution to the Whole Health of our Veterans.