Medical Support Assistant

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Aspinwall (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The H. John Heinz III VA Medical Center in Pittsburgh, PA seeks a Medical Support Assistant (MSA) to support physicians, nurses and other clinical staff by handling a variety of technical and clerical tasks in the Chief of Staff Service.

The role focuses on scheduling, updating health records, patient communications, and ensuring smooth patient flow in a busy VA facility. Candidates must meet education and citizenship requirements and demonstrate English proficiency.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent required.
• Two years of education beyond high school acceptable.
• English proficiency in speaking and writing.

Skills

Ability to operate computerized system

Medical terminology knowledge

Schedule medical appointments

Independent work capability

Effective communication

Customer service skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two years of education post high school

Job description

The H. John Heinz III VA Medical Center - Pittsburgh, PA, is seeking a Medical Support Assistant (MSA) in the Chief of Staff Service Line. 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.

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: High school diploma, General Education Development equivalency certificate, or proficiency certificate from a State or territorial-level Board or Department of Education.
• English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoke and written English in accordance with 38 USC § 7403(f).

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).

Medical Support Assistant, GS-5:

Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. Qualifying specialized experience includes: scheduling, canceling, re-scheduling patient’s appointments and/or consults; interviewing patients for appointments; referring patients to other medical specialty clinics; providing information to patients necessary to resolve complaints; reviewing and documenting medical outpatient and inpatient health records; verifying third party insurance and updating information; OR Education. Two (2) years of education above high school.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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.

Reference:

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

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-5.

Physical Requirements:

Work is performed in an office setting and is primarily sedentary. May require lifting and carrying of light loads (e.g.files, records etc.) See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.