Launch Your Career: Advanced Medical Support Assistant at the VA

Are you looking to transition into a career where your daily work makes a tangible, life-changing difference? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring for an Advanced Medical Support Assistant (AMSA) at the H. John Heinz III VA Medical Center in Aspinwall, Pennsylvania. This role is more than just an administrative position; it is the heartbeat of our clinic operations and a vital resource for those who have sacrificed for our nation.

Job Responsibilities

As an AMSA in our Community Care department, you will manage a complex array of administrative and patient-facing duties, including:

Patient Coordination: Managing scheduling menus, booking consults, and coordinating care between internal clinics and community providers.
Communication: Serving as a primary point of contact for Veterans and families via phone and in-person interactions.
Data Integrity: Maintaining accurate records in electronic health systems and verifying insurance and demographic information.
Clinical Collaboration: Participating in team huddles with medical staff, including doctors, nurses, and social workers, to ensure patient needs are met effectively.

Comparison: Standard vs. Advanced MSA Roles

Feature	Standard MSA	Advanced MSA
Scope of Responsibility	Unit-specific support	Interdisciplinary/System-wide support
Scheduling Authority	Basic scheduling	Complex coordinated community care
Data Utilization	Basic data entry	Advanced trend analysis & reporting
Interaction	Patient-focused	Clinical team liaison focus

Requirements

To be considered 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: You must have a professional command of the English language.
Experience: Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level (or equivalent).
Compliance: Successful completion of a background check and adherence to the VA’s influenza vaccination policy are mandatory.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this GS-6 position ranges from $49,074 to $63,796 per year. Beyond the paycheck, the VA offers one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the federal sector:

Retirement: Participate in a traditional pension plan and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Time Off: Start your career with 13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
Insurance: Access low-cost, high-quality health, dental, and vision insurance that stays with you into retirement.
Work-Life Balance: Eligible employees may receive up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Federal resumes should be detailed. Clearly map your experience to the duties described in this post.
Highlight Skills: Emphasize any experience with EMR systems, patient scheduling, or de-escalation training.
Check Everything: Review your application package against the checklist. Missing a document like an SF-50 (if you are a federal employee) can delay or disqualify your application.
Use the Questionnaire: The online questionnaire is a critical part of the process; take your time to ensure your answers accurately reflect your background.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I apply if I don't have healthcare experience? A: While medical experience is highly preferred, the VA looks for candidates with strong organizational and communication skills. Ensure your resume highlights transferable skills from other high-volume administrative roles.

Q: What is the trial period? A: All new federal hires must serve a trial period, typically one to two years, to ensure their skills align with agency needs and organizational goals.

If you are ready to combine your administrative expertise with a mission of service, we invite you to apply for the Advanced Medical Support Assistant role. This is a chance to advance your career while supporting the Veterans who have given so much. Apply today via the USAJOBS portal and take the first step toward a fulfilling career at the H. John Heinz III VA Medical Center.

Why This Advanced Medical Support Assistant Job Matters

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who served our country as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Advanced Medical Support Assistant Job Overview

The H. John Heinz III VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated professional for an Advanced Medical Support Assistant (AMSA) role in Aspinwall, Pennsylvania. This position is vital to the Community Care department, where you will facilitate high-quality healthcare delivery by managing appointment scheduling, coordinating interdisciplinary care, and serving as a critical point of contact for Veterans and their families.

Requirements for Advanced Medical Support Assistant

U.S. Citizenship (unless specific exceptions apply).
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
English language proficiency (written and spoken).
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level.
Must complete a 1 or 2-year trial period.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Ability to pass a background and security investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Advanced Medical Support Assistant

Prior experience in medical administrative support or healthcare clinical settings.
Advanced proficiency with Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems.
Strong knowledge of medical terminology and referral processes.
Demonstrated ability to de-escalate complex situations and manage patient flow.
Familiarity with interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery models.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with regular increases.
✓Generous paid time off: 13-26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave annually.
✓11 paid Federal holidays per year.
✓Comprehensive federal insurance packages (health, vision, dental, long-term care).
✓Federal retirement benefits, including a pension plan and 401(k)-style TSP with employer matching.
✓Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service.
✓Childcare subsidy programs for eligible employees.

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

Application Steps for Advanced Medical Support Assistant Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare your federal-style resume and gather required documentation (transcripts, SF-50s, etc.).
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
Upload all required supporting documents before the application deadline.
Submit the final application package and monitor your email for status updates.

💡 General Tips

Be specific and thorough when describing your work history; avoid making assumptions about how recruiters interpret your experience.
Include both paid and relevant volunteer experience in your resume to demonstrate your full skill set.
Ensure all contact information is current so you can be reached for potential interviews.
Double-check your documentation against the 'Required Documents' list to prevent disqualification.
Check your USAJOBS account regularly for real-time status updates on your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of an Advanced Medical Support Assistant?

The AMSA manages complex patient scheduling, serves as a bridge between clinical staff and Veterans, and ensures that community care processes run smoothly in a healthcare environment.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

No, this is an onsite position located in Aspinwall, Pennsylvania.

Can I qualify for higher annual leave accrual?

Yes, selected applicants may be eligible for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior military service or relevant work experience if approved prior to the appointment date.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. Our mission is clear: to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our military and their families. When you join the VA, you join a community of dedicated professionals committed to excellence, integrity, and compassionate service.