Advance Your Career as a Medical Support Assistant with the Northport VA

Are you looking to transition your administrative expertise into a mission-driven environment? The Northport VA Medical Center is currently seeking an Advanced Medical Support Assistant (AMSA) to join its Surgical Department. This is a unique opportunity to serve those who have served our country while working within a collaborative, fast-paced clinical setting.

Job Responsibilities

As an Advanced Medical Support Assistant, you are the backbone of clinical operations. Your responsibilities include:

Care Coordination: Managing appointment scheduling across interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless patient care.
Clinic Management: Overseeing clinic workflows and ensuring that provider schedules are utilized effectively.
Communication: Serving as a primary point of contact for patients, clinical staff, and external partners.
Data Integrity: Maintaining accurate patient records and utilizing advanced software to manage secure health information.

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education/Experience: Meet the specific one-year specialized experience requirement at the GS-6 level.
Language: Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Compliance: Ability to pass a federal background investigation and pre-employment health screening.

Comparison: General vs. Advanced Medical Support Assistant

Feature	General MSA	Advanced MSA
Complexity	Routine Administrative	Specialized Judgment
Autonomy	High Supervision	Independent Priority Setting
Clinical Scope	Unit-Specific	Interdisciplinary Coordination

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $54,404 to $70,725 per year. The VA offers competitive pay with regular opportunities for step increases based on performance and tenure.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides robust benefits, including:

Paid Time Off: Generous accrual of vacation and sick leave, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
Retirement: Access to the federal pension system and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with employer matching.
Insurance: Excellent health, dental, vision, and long-term care insurance options.
Work-Life Balance: Programs like paid parental leave and childcare subsidies for eligible families.

Application Tips

To maximize your chances, ensure your resume clearly links your past experience to the duties listed in the job announcement. Be specific—mention the types of clinics you supported and your experience with patient health portals. Always double-check your application for completeness before the deadline.

This role is more than just a job; it is a chance to provide meaningful support to Veterans. If you possess the administrative expertise and the passion for service, we encourage you to apply by the closing date.

Why This Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Matters

Join the Northport VA Medical Center team and make a tangible difference in the lives of our nation's heroes by providing expert clinical administrative support.

Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking an Advanced Medical Support Assistant to join the Surgical Department at the Northport VA Medical Center. This vital role serves as a key point of contact for Veterans, managing complex scheduling, interdisciplinary care coordination, and front-line administrative operations. You will play a crucial role in ensuring that Veterans receive timely, high-quality care while maintaining operational excellence within a collaborative healthcare environment.

Requirements for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

Must be a United States Citizen.
Must be proficient in both spoken and written English.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Must pass a pre-employment physical evaluation or health assessment.
Ability to obtain and maintain appropriate security/suitability clearance.
Commitment to participating in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must be able to complete a trial period of 1-2 years.

Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

One year of specialized experience at a level equivalent to the next lower grade.
Advanced knowledge of healthcare scheduling systems and interdisciplinary care models.
Proficiency in medical terminology and clinical documentation protocols.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex patient flows and external clinical referrals.
Exceptional interpersonal skills for coordinating with multi-disciplinary clinical teams.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal Pension (Traditional Retirement System)
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) 401(k) with up to 5% agency matching
✓37-50 days of paid time off per year (Annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays)
✓Comprehensive Federal Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance programs
✓Paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster placement
✓Childcare subsidy eligibility for qualifying 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 portal.
Prepare your long-form resume or CV detailing your administrative medical experience.
Submit your application package, including all required documents, through the online portal.
Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire.
Monitor your email for status updates following the announcement closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is detailed and specific; do not assume the hiring team knows your previous duties.
Quantify your experience—mention how many clinics you supported or your volume of patient interactions.
Double-check that all required documents (such as SF-50s or transcripts) are uploaded before the deadline.
Tailor your resume to highlight the specific KSAs listed in the job announcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position open to the public?

Yes, this announcement is open to all qualified U.S. citizens.

What is the typical work schedule for this role?

The position operates Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Can I work remotely for this position?

No, this is an onsite position and is not eligible for telework or virtual status.

What is the trial period?

As a condition of federal employment, you will serve a 1-2 year trial period to evaluate your fitness for the position.

Is a degree required?

There is no formal degree requirement for this position, provided you possess the necessary specialized administrative experience.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have borne the battle. The Northport VA Medical Center is a cornerstone of this mission, providing comprehensive health services to Veterans in the New York area. Joining the VA means becoming part of a community that values service, integrity, and clinical excellence.