Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) - Surgical Care

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Minneapolis (MN)

On-site

USD 54,000 - 70,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

The Minneapolis VA Health Care System seeks an Advanced Medical Support Assistant in the Surgical Care service line. The role supports patient access, coordinates appointments, and maintains clinic schedules across outpatient settings, working within an interdisciplinary team to ensure timely care.

You will handle phone inquiries, assist with referrals, and prepare documentation while applying privacy rules.

Qualifications

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be used to qualify for Federal employment.

Responsibilities

Works collaboratively in an interdisciplinary care delivery model (e.g., PACT) and performs receptionist duties, customer service and other duties to ensure proper and timely treatment of patients.
Maintains appointment schedules for one or more outpatient clinics and adjusts times/locations as needed for staffing and coverage.
Screens and routes calls, determines requests, and provides information following privacy rules and clinic processes.
Manages responsibilities with minimal supervision, sets priorities and deadlines for patient care flow.
Participates in daily huddles and team meetings for patient care planning and management.
Interprets regulations related to VA benefits and directs daily work of staff in supervisor’s absence.

Education

Education recognized by U.S. Department of Education

Job description

Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) - Surgical Care

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

This occupational series may be eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP). Repayment is limited to $40,000 annually, up to $100,000 in lifetime awards. Participants must sign a three-year service agreement and maintain an acceptable level of performance to remain eligible for this program. Contact VHAV23SLRP@va.gov for more information.

Key Responsibilities

The incumbent serves as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant in the Surgical Care service line at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. VA Careers - Medical Support Assistant: https://youtube.com/embed/EE9c4XkaELo Duties of this position are, but not limited to: Works collaboratively in an interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery model (i.e.

PACT) and performs receptionist duties, customer service and other duties assigned for the proper and timely treatment of patients and maintains appointment schedules for one or more outpatient clinics. Assists with clinic access contingency plans by adjusting appointment times, location, or dates as well as shift patients to other healthcare providers as conflict with staffing and/or coverage occurs.

Screen/receive phone calls in a courteous and timely manner, determine the nature of requests and provide the information desired using privacy rules and established clinic processes. Independently manage position responsibilities with little supervision as well as set priorities and deadlines adjusting the flow and sequencing of the work to meet team and patient needs.

Participates-in the daily team let huddles and weekly team meetings where patient care planning and management occur, except during staff shortages for coverage. Daily review of active/pending consults, EWL, Recall list and Audio care communications for accuracy and disposition. Coordinates administrative services for veterans, family members, caregivers, and public, administrative and clinical staff to insure continuity of inpatient and outpatient care.

Interprets and applies to a complex body of pertinent laws, regulations, directives, and policies that relate to the administration of VA Healthcare Benefits. Directs daily work of Clinical Support Section employees in the absence of the supervisor.

Incumbent must have the knowledge to assume the role of a Program Support Assistant (Care Facilitator) or Medical Support Assistant (MSA) during special projects or heavy workload, for leave, vacancies, or when the Program Support Assistants (Care Facilitators) are detailed to fill in other areas. Responsible for completion of personnel reports, rosters, and maintenance of supplies and forms.

Conducts special audits, studies, or surveys to be utilized in the development of procedures, and to assist employees in collecting complete and appropriate data for reporting processes and for generating revenue. Generates patient workload reports for validation and monitors activity in clinical areas to ensure consistent and accurate reporting.

Conducts patient/employee surveys, interviews, observes workflow, guides patients through hospital system, inputs referrals, documents complaints, and provides follow-up and suggests resolutions to supervisor. Interpret and communicate requirements of VI-IA Scheduling Directives and complete accurate scheduling responsibilities. Schedules appointments and utilize the EWL accurately in a timely manner.

The MSA may also be asked to assist in processing Veterans travel payment vouchers for the Beneficiary Travel Program and Health Benefits Unit. Serves as technical advisor and liaison with contacts at all levels. Incumbents must completely understand and be able to explain complex regulations and eligibility criteria concerning veterans' entitlements and VA benefits, priorities for. care, access to care and advanced clinical access.

The work requires the ability to work in a busy environment, multi-task, lead, and organize a large group of staff in various work areas to produce results, ensure compliance, as well as process and follow-up on a very high volume of phone calls or written requests from patients inquiring about appointments or their status on the waiting list. Additional duties or tasks may be assigned by the supervisor to ensure efficient daily operations.

Work Schedule: Administrative Days Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000

Requirements & Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education.

For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well‑well‑ness and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran.

This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well‑well‑ness.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $53931 – $70110/yr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-03.

How many openings are available?

There are 3 openings for this position.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.