Lead Medical Support Assistant

Summary

The incumbent is assigned to Medical Administration Service at the VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS) and reports directly to the Supervisory Medical Support Assistant (SMSA). Medical Administration Service supports specialty clinics—both inpatient and outpatient services. The 2‑page resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below.

• Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. Non‑citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005.
• Experience and
  
  Education:
  
  Six months of clerical, office, customer service, or other administrative work that indicates the ability to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position, OR one year above high school, OR an equivalent combination of experience and education that qualifies for entry level.
• Certification: None required.
• Grandfathering Provision: All MSAs employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series, and grade held. Employees who do not meet all basic requirements may be reassigned, promoted, or changed to a lower grade within the occupation. Employees appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date may not have their appointment extended until they fully meet the basic requirements.
  
  If an employee converted to Title 38 hybrid status leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet full VA qualification standard requirements at the time of reentry.
• Foreign
  
  Education:
  
  Education completed outside the U.S. must be submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and must be deemed at least equivalent to a U.S. program.
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook.
• English Language Proficiency: MSAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005.
• Grade Requirements and Experience Knowledge: Experience must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with current MSA responsibilities or an equivalent administrative patient support role in a non‑VA medical inpatient or outpatient setting.
• Part‑Time
  
  Experience:
  
  Part‑time experience is creditable according to its relationship to the full‑time workweek.
• Lead MSA
  
  Experience:
  
  One year of experience equivalent to the GS‑6 grade level. Examples include providing specialized administrative support, coordinating clinical flow processes across multiple clinics, recommending changes to existing clinic procedures, and using advanced patient systems.
• Assignment
  
  Experience:
  
  The Lead MSA has coordinated advanced MSA assignments and workflow in an interdisciplinary unit, performed daily workload assessments, assigned work, ensured proper staffing coverage, evaluated training records, and supported complex procedures related to access to care.
• Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Advanced knowledge of medical terminology and clinical flow processes.
  • Ability to use advanced patient systems across multiple clinics.
  • Ability to organize work, set priorities, and delegate tasks.
  • Skill in communicating with individuals and coordinating with interdisciplinary care team staff.
  • Ability to provide staff development and training.
  • Ability to manage staffing requirements and adjust workflow priorities.
  • Follow‑up on pending issues and understand the impact of incomplete work.
• Preferred Experience: Excellent customer service, knowledge of medical terminology, and ability to lead a team.
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/.
• Vacancy Grade: The full performance level of this vacancy is GS‑7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected is GS‑7.

• Role Overview: The Advanced Medical Support Assistant (AMSA) at this grade level is a Lead AMSA who works independently and is the chief source of patient information. The role is essential to accomplishing administrative work within…