Medical Support Assistant

Portland VA Medical center is looking to fill many Medical Support Assistant positions at their Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA campuses. The list generated from this announcement can be used up to 90 days to fill any additional vacancies that may arise. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement 11/20/2026. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficient. Experience: No experience required Education: High school diploma, General Education Development equivalency certificate, or proficiency certificate from a State or territorial-level Board or Department of Education. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations GS-3 MSA (Entry Level) Experience or Education: None beyond the basic requirements. GS-4 MSA (Developmental Level) Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-3). OR Education: One year of education above high school. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Ability to meet, communicate, and interact with individuals from varying backgrounds and other health care team members in a courteous and helpful manner in order to facilitate medical care for patients. Ability to use and navigate between, various types of office automation equipment and software, i.e. computer systems, web based scheduling programs; insurance collection system; scanning software, multiple line phone systems; electronic faxing programs, to support patient care. Knowledge of basic medical terminology to assist in the provision of care to patients. Skill in recording patient messages and understanding physician requests pertaining to follow-up medical care in internal or external clinics. GS-5 MSA (Full Performance Level) Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-4) OR Education : Two years of education above high school. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Ability to operate computerized programs and systems in order to enter, modify and retrieve sensitive medical and patient identifying information (PII) into or from electronic health records, scheduling systems and/or reports. Advanced knowledge of basic medical terminology specific to understand medical diagnosis and procedures sufficient to communicate clinical staff instructions to patients. Ability to schedule medical appointments in a clinical setting. Ability to work independently in the accomplishment of a wide variety of duties, performing patient support work. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in person, electronically and/or by telephone with internal and external customers. Skill in customer service with the ability to identify customer concerns and refer to the appropriate staff, as necessary, to ensure a satisfactory resolution. References : VA Handbook 5005/117, Medical Support Assistant Qualification Standard, GS-679. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-5. Physical Requirements: The work is mostly sedentary but may require periods of standing or walking however, there are no physical requirements for the 0679 Medical Support Assistant occupation. #J-18808-Ljbffr US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair