Supporting Our Veterans: Advanced Medical Support Assistant Careers at the VA

Are you looking for a career that combines administrative excellence with a profound sense of purpose? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a talented, detail-oriented individual to join our team as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant (MSA). This role is vital to the mission of the Battle Creek VA Medical Center, providing the organizational backbone for healthcare teams that serve thousands of Veterans across Michigan. If you have a passion for customer service, health informatics, and clinical coordination, this is your opportunity to serve those who have served our country.

Job Responsibilities

As an Advanced Medical Support Assistant, you are the bridge between the patient and the medical team. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Clinical Scheduling: Utilizing advanced systems to manage appointments across multiple disciplines.
Patient Coordination: Screening calls and managing patient health portals to facilitate access to care.
Administrative Support: Maintaining patient records, insurance information, and managing clinic workflows.
Collaboration: Working closely with doctors, nurse practitioners, and social workers to monitor clinic utilization and provider availability.

Comparison: Standard vs. Advanced MSA

Feature	Standard MSA	Advanced MSA
Complexity	Routine Clerical	High-Level Coordination
Clinic Impact	Limited	Full Interdisciplinary Integration
Scheduling	Basic	Complex Care & Community Models

Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must meet several federal criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Experience/Education: A combination of at least one year of administrative/clerical experience or education.
Assessments: Completion of the USA Hire competency-based assessment is mandatory.
Compliance: You must pass a background check and a pre-employment physical.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $52,065 to $67,684 annually. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:

Health insurance, dental, and vision coverage.
Retirement and pension plans (FERS).
Paid annual leave and sick days.
Access to professional development programs.

Application Tips

Be Detailed: Use your resume to show specific examples of how you handled scheduling or clinical coordination.
Check Your Documents: Ensure your transcripts, SF-50s, and certifications are attached correctly.
Prepare for Assessments: The USA Hire assessment is a critical part of the process; utilize the practice materials available on the OPM website.

Joining the VA team is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence. As an Advanced Medical Support Assistant, your work directly influences the speed and quality of care our Veterans receive. If you are ready to make a positive impact in your community while building a stable, rewarding career, we encourage you to apply today.

Why This Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Matters

Launch a meaningful career supporting those who served our nation by joining the Battle Creek VA Medical Center as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant.

Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Overview

The Battle Creek VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) to provide expert administrative support within our interdisciplinary healthcare teams. This role is pivotal in ensuring our Veterans receive timely, compassionate care by managing complex clinic scheduling, coordinating patient information, and facilitating seamless clinic flow across our Michigan facilities.

Requirements for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

Must be a U.S. Citizen
Proficiency in spoken and written English
Successful completion of a background/security investigation
Passing a pre-employment physical examination
Registration with the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959)
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level

Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

Expertise in medical terminology
Advanced knowledge of interdisciplinary care delivery models
Proven ability to manage patient health portals and electronic waiting lists
Strong technical skills in healthcare scheduling software
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with clinicians and multi-disciplinary teams

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
✓Retirement planning and savings programs
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave accrual
✓Professional development and training opportunities
✓Participation in the VA Whole Health System of care

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

Application Steps for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a detailed, long-form resume.
Complete the online questionnaire for vacancy 13107492.
Upload all required supporting documentation, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
Complete the required USA Hire competency-based assessments.
Submit your full application package by the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly details your experience as it relates to the specialized duties listed.
Do not assume the hiring team knows your background; be specific about your clerical and medical support history.
Complete the USA Hire assessments early to avoid technical issues before the deadline.
Verify your SF-50s are the most recent versions and clearly show time-in-grade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely for this position?

No, this is not a virtual or telework-eligible position.

What is the work schedule?

The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Do I need to be a veteran to apply?

No, this position is open to the public; however, veterans' preference applies to eligible candidates.

What is the trial period?

New hires must complete a 1 or 2-year trial period to demonstrate fitness for the position and alignment with federal service goals.

Is there flexibility in location?

The position serves multiple sites in Michigan, including Battle Creek, Muskegon, and Lansing. Please note your location preference if applicable.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Battle Creek VA Medical Center is a premier healthcare hub, serving over 42,000 Veterans. As a neuropsychiatric facility and the mental health care hub for the lower peninsula of Michigan, we provide state-of-the-art care. Our mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have borne the battle, their families, and survivors. We operate in a 'Whole Health' environment, empowering employees to help patients take charge of their health and well-being.