Medical Support Assistant: Entry-Level to Full-Performance

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Portland VA Medical Center seeks Medical Support Assistants for duties at its Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA campuses. Applicants must meet all requirements by 11/20/2026. US citizenship, English proficiency, and a high school diploma or GED are required.

No experience is necessary for GS-3 entry, with advancement to GS-5 based on experience and education. The qualification standards cover essential duties, including managing patient communications, operating office software, and maintaining

Qualifications

• English language proficiency required.
• Experience: No experience required (GS-3 entry).
• Education: High school diploma or GED or proficiency certificate.

Responsibilities

• Meet and interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds to facilitate patient care.
• Use and navigate office automation equipment and software to support patient care.
• Understand and apply basic medical terminology to assist in care delivery.
• Record patient messages and interpret physician requests for follow-up care.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Patient interaction

Office software navigation

Medical terminology

Education

High school diploma / GED

Proficiency certificate

Job description

Portland VA Medical Center seeks Medical Support Assistants for duties at its Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA campuses. Applicants must meet all requirements by 11/20/2026. US citizenship, English proficiency, and a high school diploma or GED are required.

No experience is necessary for GS-3 entry, with advancement to GS-5 based on experience and education. The qualification standards cover essential duties, including managing patient communications, operating office software, and maintaining