Launch Your Career: Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) at the VA

Are you looking for a career that combines administrative expertise with a meaningful mission? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking talented individuals to join our team as a Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) within the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital system. This is a unique opportunity to serve those who have served our country.

Job Responsibilities

As an Advanced Medical Support Assistant (MSA), your role is pivotal. You will serve as the administrative backbone of our clinical teams. Your duties will include:

Managing patient scheduling across multiple specialties.
Collaborating with doctors, nurses, and pharmacists to optimize clinic flow.
Using advanced electronic health record systems to manage patient information.
Coordinating outside referrals and follow-up care.
Communicating professionally with internal staff and external stakeholders.

Position Comparison

Feature	MSA (Advanced) Details
Grade Level	GS-6
Location	Multiple Illinois Sites
Schedule	Varies by facility
Security Clearance	Not Required

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: A high school diploma or GED is required.
Proficiency: You must demonstrate strong written and spoken English.
Assessment: Candidates must successfully complete the USA Hire online assessment.

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-6 level, with a starting annual salary range of $50,762 to $65,990. Salary placement is determined by federal pay scales and specific duty station requirements.

Benefits

Working for the VA comes with an industry-leading benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance.
Significant retirement contributions (FERS/TSP).
Generous annual leave and sick time.
Flexible work-life balance initiatives.

Application Tips

To stand out, ensure your resume is detailed. Mention specific experiences where you utilized patient management software or handled scheduling conflicts. Use the "Application Checklist" provided in the job description to ensure no documents, such as your DD-214 or transcripts, are missing.

If you are ready to apply your administrative skills in a high-impact environment, the VA invites you to apply today. This is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence and service for America's Veterans.

Why This Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Matters

Join the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital team as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant and play a vital role in delivering compassionate, high-quality care to our nation's Veterans.

Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Overview

The Veterans Health Administration is seeking dedicated professionals for the Advanced Medical Support Assistant (MSA) role. In this position, you will serve as a key member of the Patient Administrative Service, providing expert administrative support within an interdisciplinary coordinated care model. You will be instrumental in managing clinic flow, coordinating patient access to care, and ensuring that our Veterans receive seamless, efficient, and professional service across our hospital and outpatient clinics in Illinois.

Requirements for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must complete an online application, questionnaire, and assessment.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Must undergo a background/security investigation.
Must complete an online onboarding process.
Must meet requirements for mandatory influenza vaccination program.
Must hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Must serve a 1 or 2-year trial period.

Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level.
Advanced knowledge of medical terminology and clinical diagnostic procedures.
Proven experience operating electronic health record systems and scheduling software.
Ability to work independently while collaborating within interdisciplinary medical teams.
Strong proficiency in managing patient flow, referrals, and consults.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills for professional interactions with clinicians and patients.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
✓Defined benefit pension plan and Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style).
✓Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
✓Supportive work environment dedicated to the mission of serving Veterans.

💡 How to Apply Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job

Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your long-form resume and supporting documents (transcripts, SF-50, etc.).
Submit your application and complete the required online questionnaire.
Complete the mandatory online assessment (USA Hire) if prompted.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal and your registered email.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and thorough when describing your experience in your resume; do not leave the hiring team to make assumptions.
Ensure all educational documentation is uploaded prior to the closing date.
Double-check that your contact information is current and accurate.
Complete the online assessments as early as possible to avoid technical issues near the deadline.
Follow formatting instructions for your resume to ensure it reflects the KSAs required for the role.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary responsibility of a Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)?

MSAs perform complex administrative support within medical clinics, managing patient scheduling, clinic flow, and interdisciplinary communication to ensure Veterans receive timely care.

Is this a remote or telework position?

No, this is an onsite position requiring physical presence at one of the specified VA locations.

Do I need medical certification for this role?

No specific medical licensure or certification is required as a basic qualification, though relevant experience is necessary.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. We provide comprehensive, compassionate care to millions of Veterans. By joining our team, you become part of an organization dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: to care for those who have borne the battle and for their families and survivors.