Medical Support Assistant

Company: Veterans Health Administration
Location: Shreveport
Posted on: May 15, 2022

Job Description:

SummaryThe incumbent serves as a Medical Support Assistant (MSA) assigned to the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center (OBVAMC). The incumbent can be assigned to support a Patient Aligned Care Team (Pact), or Specialty Care (i.e. Medicine , Surgical and Mental Health Services).Duties may be performed in Clinic Based Outpatient Clinic, Inpatient, Call Center, Outpatient Clinic, or Patient Aligned Care Team or a Specialty Care Setting.Learn more about this agencyHelpOverviewAccepting applicationsOpen & closing dates03/15/2022 to 08/26/2022Salary$36,118 - $46,953 per yearPay scale & gradeGS 5HelpLocation2 vacancies in the following location:Shreveport, LATelework eligibleNoTravel RequiredNot requiredRelocation expenses reimbursedNoAppointment typePermanentWork scheduleFull-timeServiceExceptedPromotion potentialNoneJob family (Series)0679 Medical Support AssistanceSupervisory statusNoSecurity clearanceOtherDrug testNoPosition sensitivity and riskNon-sensitive (NS)/Low RiskTrust determination processCredentialingSuitability/FitnessAnnouncement numberCBST-11413661-22-KCGControl number642929400HelpThis job is open toThe publicU.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.VideosHelpDutiesDUTIES: Provide Administrative Medical Support, including interpreting and verifying provider orders in accordance with VHA national scheduling guidelineschecking in patients into appointmentsscheduling, canceling, re-scheduling patient appointments and/or consults; entering no-show information; monitoring the electronic wait list; preparing for clinic visitsmonitoring both inpatient and outpatient appointments for areas of responsibilityensuring encounter forms are completed in order to obtain appropriate workload creditverifying and updating demographics and insurance informationprocessing all emergency and non-emergency transfers to other VA facilities or private hospital; performing basic eligibility, co-pays and preauthorization requirements for specific coverage.plans and organizes work with general assistance from the supervisor as to meet local and VA-wide time frameresponsible for reporting backlogs, difficulties in meeting deadlines or difficulty in securing information from clinicians or the recordresponsible for maintaining the confidentiality of informationusing sound interpersonal skills when communicating with other professional staff and is constantly aware of the sensitive information Work Schedule: 5 Days/Week (Days, Evenings, Nights, Weekends and Rotating Shifts) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Title/Functional Statement #:Medical Support Assistant/000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not requiredHelpRequirementsConditions of EmploymentYou must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.Must be proficient in written and spoken English.You may be required to serve a probationary period.Subject to background/security investigation.Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.Must pass pre-employment physical examination.Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. QualificationsBASIC REQUIREMENTS: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.b. Experience and Education. Experience. Six months experience of clerical, office, customer service, or other administrative work that indicates the ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position; OR,MUST DEMONSTRATE EXPERIENCE IN RESUMEEducation. One year above high school; OR,MUST SUBMIT COPY OF SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTExperience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Example: Three months general administrative experience and 12 semester hours of college credit. MUST DEMONSTRATE EXPERIENCE IN RESUME AND SUBMIT COPY OF SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTCertification. None requiredPhysical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.English Language Proficiency. Advanced Medical Support Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. - 7403(f). Grade Determinations. Resume must include hours per week for work experience credit. In addition to Basic Requirements listed above, the following must be met to qualify for the higher-grade level: GS-5: (a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-4 level recording patient messages and following up on physician requests in internal or external clinics having a basic knowledge of medical terminology and using office automation equipment (Resume must include hours per week for work experience credit, this is required); OR, (b) Education. Four years of education above high school.(transcript required) (c) Assignment. This is the full performance level for MSAs. At this level, the MSA independently performs a full range of duties related to the delivery of healthcare services in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Advises clinical staff on current administrative processes. The MSA is responsible for answering phones, greeting patients, relaying messages to appropriate staff inside or outside of the unit, scheduling appointments, including interpreting and verifying provider orders in accordance with VHA national scheduling guidelines. Assignments at this level include, but are not limited to: scheduling, canceling, re-scheduling patient appointments and/or consults; entering no-show information; monitoring appointment requests from multiple electronic sources; participating in huddles with other MSAs and/or clinic staff to determine the daily needs of the clinic, monitoring both inpatient and outpatient appointments in areas of responsibility; verifying and updating demographics and insurance information when patients check-in for appointments. Coordinates administrative functions relating to emergency and non-emergency transfers to other VA facilities or private hospitals and determines appointment type based on the patient's eligibility status (i.e. TRICARE, sharing agreements, collaterals, research patient, VA employee, etc.). (d) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate all of the KSAs below: 1. 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. 2. Advanced knowledge of medical terminology specific to understand medical diagnosis and procedures sufficient to communicate clinical staff instructions to patients. 3. Ability to schedule medical appointments in a clinical setting. 4. Ability to work independently in the accomplishment of a wide variety of duties performing patient support work. 5. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in person, electronically, and/or by telephone, with internal and external customers. 6. 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 5005/53 Part II, Appendix G45 VA Qualification Standard for Medical Support Assistant, GS-0679. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. Physical Requirements: Work requires some walking, standing, and bending, throughout the assigned unit, although it is considered primarily sedentary. Sitting is required for typing and data entry. He/she answers the phone and types on the computer keyboard from a seated position. Some light carrying of forms, medical records or supplies to various locations of the Prosthetics Area or medical center may be necessary, but nothing over 10 pounds.EducationIMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.Additional informationReceiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.Read moreHelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, r--sum--, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.HelpA career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:Resume Resume Requirement: * Your resume must include the following information: Job title, description of duties, beginning and ending date (month/year) of employment; and average hours worked per week. VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can be found at: https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf. The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklistto ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.Cover LetterDD-214/ Statement of ServiceDisability Letter (VA)Other (1)ResumeSF-15SF-50/ Notification of Personnel ActionTranscript Selection from this announcement will be made without regard to Veterans preference in accordance with OCHCO Bulletin dated 10/26/2021. Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees fromschools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Keywords: Veterans Health Administration, Shreveport , Medical Support Assistant, Healthcare , Shreveport, Louisiana