Lead Medical Support Assistant-(Office of Community Care)

To qualify for the Lead Medical Support Assistant, GS-7 position, you must meet the basic requirements and grade determinations. This includes U.S. Citizenship, English proficiency, and one year of experience equivalent to the GS-6 level, along with demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• U.S. Citizenship required; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens are not available per VA policy.
• English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English (38 U.S.C. § 7403(f)).
• Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GS-6 grade level.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Advanced knowledge of medical terminology and clinical flow processes relating to access to care across multiple clinics, specialties, and/or community.
• Skill in communicating with individuals to obtain desired effect and coordinating with interdisciplinary care team staff.
• Ability to use numerous advanced patient systems in support of multiple clinics in an interdisciplinary setting.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, and delegate tasks/responsibilities to meet deadlines.
• Ability to provide staff development and training.
• Ability to manage staffing requirements, manage workflow priorities, and adjust flow of work to meet team and patient needs.
• No educational substitution at the GS-7 grade level.

Act as liaison/expediter between patients, clinical staff, specialty staff, and ancillary services.

• Perform duties as part of a multi-disciplinary team including physicians, RNs, LVNs, and non-VA providers.
• Review and make work assignments; provide input on performance; resolve daily workplace issues.
• Assure coverage of all areas of responsibility.
• Conduct ongoing reviews to ensure quality of work; review tracking systems for consults and authorization timeliness.
• Provide guidance to staff on policy and procedure changes; distribute and balance workload.
• Create and maintain employee work schedules.
• Orient new employees, provide on-the-job training, and ensure completion of required training.
• Ensure accurate and timely scheduling of appointments.
• Act as liaison among Advanced MSA staff, patients, and interdisciplinary staff to resolve day-to-day conflicts.

Must be a U.S. Citizen.

• Selective Service Registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants must complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form of identification required for pre-employment; REAL ID compliant driver's license or state ID required after May 7, 2025.
• Participation in seasonal influenza vaccination program required for all VA Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Must serve a 1 or 2-year trial period; employment may be terminated if continued employment does not advance public interest.
• This position is open to current permanent facility employees of VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System only.

Complete benefits package as a federal employee, including health insurance, retirement, and paid leave.

• Eligibility for benefits depends on position type (full-time, part-time, or intermittent).
• Access to a range of benefits designed to make your federal career rewarding.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7.

• Physical requirements are typical for the occupation and generally do not require a pre-placement examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment; exemptions may be granted for medical or religious reasons.
• Wearing a face mask is required if an influenza vaccination exemption is granted.
• HCP in violation of the influenza directive may face disciplinary action up to removal from federal service.
• Agency contact: Aide Oviedo, email [email protected].
• Address: VA TX Valley Coastal Bend HCS, 2601 Veterans Drive, Harlingen, TX 78550 US.
• VA policy does not deny employment to those who have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
• Veterans and transitioning service members can visit VA for Vets for career-search tools and support.

The VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System provides complete healthcare services to veterans in South Texas. It operates multiple facilities including the main medical center in Harlingen and community-based outpatient clinics. This Lead Medical Support Assistant position is within the Office of Community Care, which coordinates care provided by non-VA providers and facilities. The role supports veterans by ensuring timely access to community care services. As a federal employer, VA offers structured career paths, competitive benefits, and a public service work environment focused on serving those who have served the nation.