Advanced Medical Support Assistant

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Town of Florida (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in New York seeks a Medical Support Assistant (GS-6) to support clinical staff, schedule appointments, and coordinate patient throughput. The role emphasizes accurate data entry, patient communications, and adherence to VA policies. Applicants must meet basic requirements and KSAs to qualify.

The position is intended for future vacancies over the next 90 days, with eligibility referrals as needed. A pre-employment screening and physical may be required.

Qualifications

• US citizenship is required.
• High school diploma, GED, or proficiency certificate must be provided.
• English language proficiency required for patient care positions.

Job description

PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE ANNOUNCEMENT TO ENSURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE QUALIFICATIONS, SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET & CHOOSE YOUR DESIRED SHIFT(S) & LOCATION(S) TO BE CONSIDERED.

This is announcement will be used to fill multiple vacancies that become available in various service lines over the next 90 days. There may not be current vacancies at all locations when you apply. However, eligible applicants will be referred as needed when vacancies become available in any service line.

Basic Requirements: All applicants must meet the following basic qualifications.

• United States Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen.
• Education: Must possess a high school diploma, General Education Development (GED) equivalency certificate, or proficiency certificate from a State or territorial-level Board or Department of Education. Note: You must provide proof of this with your application (such as a copy of your diploma/GED, high school transcripts, etc.).
• English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(f) and 7407(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, all applicants must also meet the following grade requirements to qualify for the GS-6 AMSA grade level.

GS-6 (Advanced MSA) Experience. Must have at least 1 year of experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level. Examples of this includes, but is not limited to: independently performing duties related to the delivery of health care services in an inpatient or outpatient setting; advising clinical staff on current administrative processes; interpreting and verifying provider orders; 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; verifying and updating demographics & insurance information when patients check-in for appointments; coordinating administrative functions related to emergency & non-emergency transfers to other VA facilities or private hospitals & determines appointment type based on the patient's eligibility status (i.e., TRICARE, sharing agreements, collaterals, research patient, VA employee, etc.); etc.

In addition to the experience above, you must also demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

1. Advanced knowledge of the technical health care process (including, but not limited to, scheduling across interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery and/or care in the community models and patient health care portals) as it relates to access to care.
2. Advanced knowledge of policies and procedures associated with interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery and/or care in the community operational activities that affect patient flow, and patient support care administrative functions to include, but not limited to appointment cycles, outside patient referrals, follow-up care, overbooking, provider availability, etc.
3. Advanced knowledge of medical terminology due to the technical nature of language utilized by clinicians.
4. Ability to collaborate and communicate with a wide range of medical clinicians across multiple disciplines (e.g., medical doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, clinical pharmacists, and nursing staff) to accomplish team goal setting to ensure medical care to patients is met.
5. Ability to independently set priorities and organize work to meet deadlines, ensuring compliance with established processes, policies, and regulations.
6. Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively, electronically, by phone, in person, and in writing, with internal and external customers. This may include preparing reports in various formats and presenting data to various organizational levels, as well as resolving patient concerns.

While we no longer require essay-style responses to our KSAs be submitted with your application, you must be able to demonstrate that you possess the KSAs that are necessary to successfully perform the work of the position. Please ensure your resume/CV/application contains sufficient information to support the level of experience/education/training you possess; otherwise, we will not be able to award you credit for the experience & qualifications that you claim.

NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in VHA in this occupation, under a permanent, appropriate, and legal placement on the effective date of the qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and registration/certification where applicable.

Preferred Experience-

These preferences are highly desired:

• Outstanding customer service skills & the ability to work in a team environment.
• Computer skills & using various automated systems needed.
• Working independently with minimum supervision & to prioritize tasks.
• Working under pressure & with individuals with various socioeconomic backgrounds in a courteous, tactful & professional manner to complete tasks & assist Veteran patients & their families.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6.

Physical Requirements: Must pass a pre‑employment physical evaluation as required by VA Handbook 5019. This evaluation is administered by VA Occupational Health. Work is sedentary and performed in an office environment. There is an occasional requirement for carrying of light items such as mail, papers, books, and files, and may be some stooping, standing & walking. Incumbents must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential functions of this position without hazard to themselves or others.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.