Department of Veterans Affairs

Medical Support Assistant

San Diego, California Full time

Medical Support Assistant

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): San Diego, California

Salary Range: $49958 - $64940 Per Year

Job Summary: The position serves as MSA in Nursing Service at the VA San Diego Healthcare System. MSAs at this level work collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team and other health care professionals to provide accessible care that meet patient needs. Must utilize an extensive knowledge base to provide timely and appropriate administrative duties to the inpatient/outpatient setting. Work requires knowledge of computerized data entry, information processing systems and software related to patient care.

Major Duties:

  • The duties include but are not limited to: Medical Support Assistant (MSA) independently performs a full range of admissions, transfers, and discharges, related to administrative delivery of healthcare services in inpatient/outpatient settings. MSA is responsible for answering incoming phone calls, patient call lights and relaying messages to appropriate staff. Reports backlogs, difficulties in meeting deadlines, or difficulty in securing information from clinicians or the record. Communicates with nursing staff, physicians, case managers, and other allied health professional staff using sound interpersonal skills and is constantly aware of the sensitive information. Communicates and treats customers (Veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriate. Works under the direction of a Lead MSA/Advanced MSA at the full performance level and makes decisions based on guidelines, precedents and regulations. Scheduling patient appointments. Monitoring inpatient electronic orders for areas of responsibility, verifying orders in a timely manner, verifying and updating patient demographics. Other duties as assigned by supervisory/management team. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, Rotating Weekend and Holidays, either 7:30am to 4:00pm, 3:30pm to 12:00am, or 11:30pm to 8:00am. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized. Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized. Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

Qualifications: Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Experience. Six months experience of clerical, office, customer service, or other administrative work that indicates the ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position; OR Education. One year above high school; OR Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Preferred Experience: High school graduation or equivalent. Background in healthcare or medical knowledge. Strong computer skills. Excellent customer service skills. Excellent organizational and time-management skills. Flexibility to adapt to change. Dependability with schedules. Ability to navigate between, various types of office automation equipment and software i.e. computer systems, web based scheduling programs; insurance collection system; scanning software , multiple line phone systems, electronic faxing programs to support patient care. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

How to Apply: All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/05/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12838664. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Application Deadline: 2025-12-05