Medical Support Assistant

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System in Akron, OH is seeking a Medical Support Assistant (GS-5) to provide clerical and technical support to clinicians and nursing staff. Responsibilities include managing patient charts, scheduling appointments, and handling sensitive information in electronic records.

The role requires strong English proficiency and the ability to work independently in a busy outpatient setting.

Qualifications

• One year above high school or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• English language proficiency in accordance with VA guidelines.
• Experience or education combination acceptable for entry level positions.

Responsibilities

• Perform clerical work to support patient care and treatment.
• Coordinate information and actions related to patient care and services.
• Schedule appointments in accordance with scheduling guidelines.
• Maintain medical outpatient and inpatient charts and administrative records.

Skills

Computer systems

Medical terminology

Appointment scheduling

Independent work

Effective communication

Customer service

Education

One year above high school

Experience/education combination acceptable

Job description

The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for Medical Support Assistant that will function within Community Outpatient Service at the Akron Oh Clinic. The MSA is responsible for performing a variety of technical support duties that facilitate the work of physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nursing assistants, and other members of the medical facility who provide direct patient care. The MSA performs clerical work in support of the care and treatment given to patients. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education. One year above high school OR,
• Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.
• English Language Proficiency. MSAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j.

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).

GS-5 (Full Performance Level)Experience or Education:

One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level or 4 years of education above high school. Assignments at the GS-4 level include but are not limited to: interacting with both internal and external customers; establishing and maintaining medical outpatient and inpatient charts as well as administrative records; verifying third party insurance and updating information in the Insurance Capture Buffer (ICB) system; obtaining medical information from patients; coordinating information and actions related to patient care and services; and scheduling appointments in accordance with VHA national scheduling guidelines.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

1. Ability to operate computerized programs and [systems] in order to enter, modify,and retrieve sensitive [medical and patient identifying] information [(PII)] into orfrom electronic [health] records, scheduling systems, and/or reports.
2. [Advanced knowledge of medical terminology specific to understand medicaldiagnosis and procedures sufficient to communicate clinical staff instructions topatients.]
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, [andrefer] to the [appropriate staff], as necessary, to ensure a satisfactory resolution.

Reference

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

The full performance level of this position is GS-05.

Physical Requirements:

Work is primarily sedentary. Some walking between buildings to other offices carrying/lifting small and/or lightweight items. Work involves working with computers and office equipment. Long periods of sitting and telephone calling.