Launch Your Career: Advanced Medical Support Assistant at the VA
Are you looking for a career that combines professional administrative excellence with a profound sense of purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a highly motivated Advanced Medical Support Assistant to join our team at the Cumberland VA Community Clinic in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to directly impact the lives of the men and women who have served our country.
Job Responsibilities
As an Advanced Medical Support Assistant, you are the face of the clinic and the administrative engine that keeps patient care moving. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Patient Coordination: Greeting patients, answering inquiries, and managing incoming secure messages via MyHealthyVet.
- Clinical Scheduling: Interpreting provider orders, scheduling, canceling, and rescheduling appointments in accordance with VHA national guidelines.
- Clinic Flow: Participating in daily team huddles, identifying incomplete encounters, and adjusting clinic schedules to maximize provider availability.
- Communication: Acting as the bridge between patients and multidisciplinary clinical teams, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and pharmacists.
- Administrative Oversight: Verifying patient demographics and insurance, coordinating transfers between facilities, and ensuring all pre-appointment documentation is accurate.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: A high school diploma or GED is required.
- Proficiency: Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory.
- Medical Requirements: Must pass a pre-employment physical exam and participate in the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Trial Period: New hires must complete a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and conduct.
Salary Overview
The salary for this position is commensurate with federal GS-scale standards for the GS-06 level.
| Position Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) | $48,303 - $62,793 |
Benefits
Choosing a career with the VA offers a robust benefits package that supports both your personal and professional well-being. This includes comprehensive health insurance, a generous leave policy (vacation and sick time), and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. Beyond the financial benefits, you will enjoy the stability of a federal role and the unique opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Use your resume to specifically reflect the skills mentioned in the job duties, such as 'medical scheduling' or 'interdisciplinary coordination.'
- Documentation: Ensure you have your DD-214 (if a veteran), transcripts, and professional certifications ready before starting the application.
- Be Clear: Do not assume the hiring team knows your previous duties. Use bullet points to detail exactly what you did at your previous jobs.
If you possess strong organizational skills and a desire to serve those who served, we encourage you to apply. The VA is a place where your professional skills directly contribute to the 'I CARE' mission. Take the next step in your career by submitting your application today.
Why This Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Matters
Launch a rewarding career dedicated to our nation's heroes by joining the Veterans Health Administration as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant.
Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Overview
The Cumberland VA Community Clinic in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is seeking a dedicated and organized professional to serve as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant. In this critical administrative role, you will act as the backbone of our clinic, ensuring our Veterans receive timely, compassionate, and seamless care. You will work within an interdisciplinary team, managing complex clinic flows, patient scheduling, and vital communication between clinical staff and the Veterans we serve.
Requirements for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)
- Must be a United States citizen.
- Must possess a High School Diploma or GED.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- Must undergo a background and security investigation.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Required to participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.
- Must serve a 1 or 2-year trial period as a condition of employment.
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)
- Previous experience in medical scheduling or high-volume healthcare administrative settings.
- Advanced ability to manage interdisciplinary communications between diverse clinical staff.
- Expertise in VHA national scheduling guidelines and electronic health record systems.
- Demonstrated ability to handle confidential patient data and resolve complex scheduling conflicts.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- βComprehensive federal health insurance options.
- βPaid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- βCompetitive retirement plans including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- βOpportunities for professional development and career advancement within the VA system.
- βFlexible spending accounts and life insurance programs.
π‘ How to Apply Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job
- Prepare a detailed, long-form resume highlighting your administrative and scheduling experience.
- Gather necessary documentation including transcripts, SF-50s (if current/former federal employee), and applicable certifications.
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package including all required supporting documents.
- Ensure submission is completed by the closing date of November 2, 2026.
π‘ General Tips
- Be specific and thorough in your resume; do not leave the hiring team to make assumptions about your experience.
- Include both paid and unpaid/volunteer experience if it relates to the skills required.
- Double-check that all required documents are attached before hitting submit.
- Monitor your email for status updates throughout the hiring process.
- Use the 'Preview Questionnaire' link to understand the specific competencies being assessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is telework available for this position?
No, this is an onsite position located at the Cumberland VA Community Clinic and is not eligible for telework.
What is the schedule for this role?
This position operates on a standard Monday through Friday schedule, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
What happens after I apply?
Once the vacancy closes, the HR team will review your application for eligibility. You will receive an email notification regarding your status. If referred, you may be contacted by the clinic for an interview.
Is there potential for remote work?
*A: No, this role requires physical presence at the Cumberland VA Community Clinic.*
What is the work schedule?
*A: This position follows a standard, predictable schedule of Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.*
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We operate with a singular mission: to fulfill President Lincolnβs promise to care for those who have served in our nationβs military and for their families. Our culture is defined by our 'I CARE' values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. As an employee of the VA, you become part of a massive, technologically advanced network dedicated to providing world-class, compassionate care.
