About the opportunity
The incumbent serves as a Medical Support Assistant (MSA) in the Health Administration Service (HAS) at the San Diego VA Healthcare System. Responsibilities include maintaining effective communication with patients and providers, managing appointment scheduling (such as recalls, consults, and imaging), tracking follow-up care, processing secure messaging, and handling sensitive medical information within electronic health systems. The position requires a high level of customer service, independent workflow management, and strict adherence to patient privacy laws and medical terminology.
Salary and benefits
- Annual paid time off ranging from 37 to 50 days per year, comprising 13 to 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays
- Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior work or military service experience
- Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment
- Child care subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for qualifying employees with family income below $144,000
- Traditional federal pension with 5-year vesting and a federal 401(k) equivalent with up to 5% matching contributions
- Comprehensive federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance programs
Who can apply?
- United States citizenship is required (non-citizens may be appointed only if qualified citizens are unavailable)
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- High school diploma, General Education Development (GED) equivalency certificate, or proficiency certificate from a State or territorial-level Board or Department of Education
- At least one year of credible experience equivalent to the GS-4 grade level, or two years of education above high school
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service
Required documents
- Long-form resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Transcripts (required if qualifying based on education)
- SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) for current or former Federal employees
- DD-214 or Statement of Service for veterans claiming veterans' preference
- SF-15 and required proof documents if claiming 10-point veteran preference
When to apply
- Announcement opening date: October 23, 2026
- Application closing date: October 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM (ET)
How to apply
- Review the complete job announcement and gather all required supporting documents
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account and access the online application questionnaire
- Upload your resume, transcripts, and any applicable eligibility documents
- Submit your complete application package before the October 30, 2026 deadline
- Complete any required USA Hire assessments within the designated timeframe provided via notification
Additional information
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program or approved medical/religious exemption is a mandatory condition of employment for Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel
- Selected applicants may be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period
- Position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Candidates with solid administrative experience in healthcare settings or customer service environments will find their skills directly applicable to this role.
- Applicants seeking stable federal employment with comprehensive health benefits, robust retirement options, and generous paid leave will find this position aligns well with their career goals.
- Individuals comfortable working independently within multidisciplinary clinical teams and navigating complex electronic health record systems will thrive in this environment.
What should you think carefully about?
- The application window is very brief, giving applicants only one week from the opening date to compile required documents and complete the application.
- Selected candidates may be subject to a 1 or 2-year trial period to evaluate performance and agency fit.
- Annual seasonal influenza vaccination is mandatory for health care personnel, requiring adherence or an approved exemption.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position offers an entry point into the federal healthcare system, providing stable government employment, competitive remuneration, and valuable administrative experience within the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is well-suited for professionals aiming to build a long-term career in public service or healthcare administration.
Our take
Applicants with strong customer service skills and administrative backgrounds who meet the strict citizenship and qualification requirements should apply promptly before the short October 30 deadline. Those unable to meet the documentation deadlines or mandatory health requirements should consider alternative opportunities.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
