Summary
The Supervisory Medical Support Assistant (MSA) serves as the direct supervisor for Lead MSAs, Advanced MSAs, and MSAs within Health Administration Service. The Supervisory MSAs perform support duties that facilitate the work of physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nursing assistants, and other members of the medical facility who provide patient care as well as provides support work in connection with the care and treatment given to patients.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
This position is open to The Public.
Due to provisions of 38 U.S.C. 7412, Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages. Veterans' Preference DOES NOT apply.
NOTE: The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this position. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.
Duties
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Responsible for managing Human Resource aspects of service operations, including hiring process, disciplinary action and Labor/Management relations. Responsible for resource management and distribution, assessing staffing levels and needs, space planning, and assessing equipment and technology needs along with corresponding requests for needed resources.
- Prepares performance plans and performance evaluations; recommendations for appointment, awards, advancements and ensuring new hires are properly vetted. Incumbent monitor's staff competencies and updates staff competency folders in accordance with all regulatory guidelines and identifying continuing education and training needs.
- Skillful in interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution. Complies with and ensures that Department of Veterans Affairs EEO guidelines are followed within the Service.
- Supervise, direct and manage a diverse MSA staff and is involved to on-the-job team problem solving; developing, implementing and evaluating improvements to work processes and identifying continuing training needs. Supports and is involved in teamwork and/or team building both within the incumbent's Service and other Services.
- Responsible for a full range of functions associated with the daily operation of the assigned clinic, ensuring that referrals for the section are processed, treatments are provided, and documentation is completed according to TJC, CARF and service policies.
- Provides advanced professional oversight and consultation to MSA staff and evaluates complex processes with great autonomy. Incumbent develops and implements new processes and provides guidance for MSA staff.
- Consults with medical staff through patient presentations, clinics and confer.
- Responsible to continually evaluate the success of ongoing improvement projects programs and recognizes the need for new programs. As the need for new programs is identified, the incumbent must develop and initiate new treatment programs which apply current research finding.
- Monitor's inventory, projects equipment and supply need for treatments and submits requests of those if indicated.
- Responsible safe operations of the clinic, ensuring the safe environment, the work area is secured, and equipment is clean.
- Possesses subject matter knowledge of the organization and Service in order to respond to requests, inquiries, problems, and to identify and communicate any discrepancies in scheduling or improperly completed orders. Incumbent must be able to follow extensive guides in form of instructions, manuals, regulations, and precedents that apply to the work. Incumbent uses own judgment in locating and selecting appropriate guidelines, policies, procedures, and other sources and adapts them according to the circumstances of the specific situation.
- Responsible for data collection and validation. He/she will ensure that encounter errors (e.g., open encounters) and appointment wait time errors are corrected timely. He/she will also ensure that consults are addressed by staff in a timely manner. This will include setting goals, assigning and reviewing work, setting deadlines, and taking corrective action when goals are not me
Work Schedule: Full Time 40 hours a week. Exact work schedule to be discussed during interview.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English
- You may be required to serve a probationary period
- Subject to a background/security investigation
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
- Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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.
- English Language Proficiency: MSAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Policy.
- Experience and Education:
- 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.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Preferred Experience: No less than one (1) year of prior or current supervisory experience.
Grade Determinations:
Supervisory Medical Support Assistant, GS-08
- One year of experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level leading or supervising MSAs or equivalent administrative patient support staff in a non-VA medical inpatient, outpatient, or interdisciplinary setting.
- Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate all of the KSAs below:
- Ability to provide the full range of administrative and supervisory duties to at least one subordinate MSA supervisor or team leader in a patient support setting which includes assignment of work, performance evaluations, selection of staff, and recommendation of awards and/or advancements.
- Ability to collaborate, communicate, and demonstrate customer service and interpersonal skills with internal and external customers to ensure quality/continuity of care and ensure compliance with established policies and regulations.
- Ability to provide briefings, orientations, staff development, and training in a patient support setting.
- Ability to manage fiscal matters, forecast resource and equipment needs, and identify budget needs.
- Advanced knowledge of managing or leading patient support staff in a clinic. This includes independently utilizing reference sources, decision making, and empowering the team to collaborate and resolve problems within a complex systems environment.
References: VA Handbook 5005/117, PART II, APPENDIX G45 Dated August 1, 2019; Medical Support Assistant Qualification Standard GS-0679.
https://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/Directives-Handbooks/Documents/5005.pdf
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8.
Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary with prolonged periods of sitting. The work requires moderate lifting, carrying, pushing, standing; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; ability to read without strain; ability to hear the whispered voice with or without hearing aid; emotional & mental stability.
Education
No Substitution for Education
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Special Note for Applications: To complete your application, please use the following link
https://vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Resume.docx to download the standard Clinical Resume Document. This one-page document does not need to be modified and must be uploaded into the two-page restricted 'Resume' document upload field.
Your full resume/CV may be uploaded without page limitation into the 'Other' document upload field.
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- Other (1)
- Resume
- Transcript
Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.
Due to provisions of 38 U.S.C. 7412, Annual Determination of Staffing Shortages. Veterans' Preference DOES NOT apply.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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 01/20/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12863680.
- 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.
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.