Medical Support Assistant

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 32,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting Medical Support Assistants to support the Patient Care Administrative Service (PCAS) and the Patient Transfer Center (PTC) in Cleveland. The positions are entry to full-performance levels, requiring basic qualifications and the ability to manage clinical communications.

Candidates should have a high school diploma or GED, plus clerical experience or education above high school.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or GED or proficiency certificate.
• Citizenship per VA policy; U.S. citizenship preferred.
• Experience or education at GS-4 level (one year clerical/office work or education above high school).
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology to assist in patient care.

Responsibilities

• Operate computerized programs and systems to enter, modify, or retrieve patient information.
• Schedule medical appointments in a clinical setting.
• Communicate effectively with patients and health care staff.
• Record patient messages and relay physician requests for follow-up care.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Office navigation

Customer service

Medical terminology

Record patient messages

Scheduling knowledge

Electronic health records

Education

High school diploma or GED

Proficiency certificate

Tools

Office automation software

Scheduling software

Insurance collection system

Scanning software

Multi-line phone systems

Electronic faxing

Job description

The VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System is recruiting for Medical Support Assistants. The Medical Support Assistants will function in Patient Care Administrative Service (PCAS), Patient Transfer Center (PTC). In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the requirements below within 30 calendar days of the closing date listed on the announcement.

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: Successful completion of a 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 Medical Support Assistant (Entry Level) Experience or Education.

None beyond the basic requirements.

Demonstrated Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

None beyond the Basic Requirements.

GS-4 Medical Support Assistant (Developmental Level) Experience or Education.

One year of experience in clerical or office work that indicates the ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position OR one year of education above high school.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Knowledge of basic medical terminology to assist in the provision of care to patients.
4. Skill in recording patient messages and understanding physician requests pertaining to follow-up medical care in internal or external clinics.

GS-5 Medical Support Assistant (Full Performance Level) Experience/Education

One year of experience equivalent to the GS-4 grade level OR two 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 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.

The full performance level of this occupation is GS-5. Applicants can be selected at the GS-3, GS-4, or GS-5 grade levels.

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