Medical Support Assistant

US-Department-of-Veterans-Affair; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Puget Sound Medical Center in Seattle seeks a Medical Support Assistant for the Emergency Department. Works across shifts: 1030-1900, Mon-Fri; 0700-1530, Sun-Thur; 1530-2400, Mon-Fri. The role supports patient scheduling, data entry, and coordination of care on a federal vacancy.

Qualifications include U.S. citizenship, English proficiency, and a high school education or equivalent; one year of clinic experience and medical terminology knowledge are preferred. The full performance level is GS-5.

Qualifications

• United States Citizenship is required. Non-citizens may be appointed when allowed by VA policy.
• English language proficiency in speaking and writing.
• High school diploma or GED or equivalent; transcripts may be required.

Responsibilities

• Operate computerized programs and systems to enter, modify, and retrieve sensitive patient information in EHR and scheduling systems.
• Schedule medical appointments in a clinical setting.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with internal and external customers by phone, email, or in person.
• Provide patient support and refer issues to appropriate staff for resolution.

Skills

Medical terminology

EHR data entry

Customer service

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Puget Sound Medical Center is looking to fill a Medical Support Assistant position at the main campus for the Emergency Department working on various shifts of 1030-1900 Mon-Fri, 0700-1530 Sun-Thur, and 1530-2400 Mon-Fri.

The list generated from this announcement can be used up to 90 days to fill any additional vacancies that may arise. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this 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.
• 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
• Education: High school diploma OR high school transcript (unofficial or official) OR GED Certificate OR homeschooling completion OR proficiency certificate issued by a State or Territorial Board or Department of Education OR college transcript (official)
  • If selected, to meet the basic requirement of high school education or equivalent and prior to a firm job offer being extended, applicants must provide verification of the education requirement if not covered under the grandfathering provision.

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).

Preferred Experience:

One-year experienceworking in a medical or clinic setting, scheduling appointments, referring patients to specialty clinics, collecting insurance documentation, documentation in electronic health records, and advanced medical terminology.

Grade Determinations:

GS-5 MSA (Full Performance Level) Experience or Education. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (experience working in a medical or clinic setting, scheduling appointments, referring patients to specialty clinics, collecting insurance documentation, documentation in electronic health records, and advanced medical terminology) or 2 years of education above high school (must provide Transcripts if using Education to qualify).

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

• 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.
• Advanced knowledge of medical terminology specific to understand medical diagnosis and procedures sufficient to communicate clinical staff instructions to patients.
• Ability to [schedule medical] appointments in a clinical setting.
• Ability to work independently in the accomplishment of a wide variety of duties performing patient support work.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in person, electronically, and/or by telephone, with internal and external customers.
• 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 5005/117, Medical Support Assistant Qualification Standard, GS-679.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5.

Physical Requirements:

The work is mostly sedentary but may require periods of standing or walking however, there are no physical requirements for the 0679 Medical Support Assistant occupation.