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Veterans Health Administration is Hiring an Advanced Medical Support Assistant Near Columbia, MO

Qualifications:

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.
• Experience and Education.
  (1) Experience. Six months experience of clerical, office, [customer service], or other [administrative] work that indicates the ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position;
  OR,
  (2) Education. One year above high school;
  OR,
  (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.

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 REQUIREMENTS

a. Creditable Experience

(1) Knowledge of MSA Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with current MSA responsibilities or an equivalent administrative patient support role in a non-VA medical inpatient or outpatient setting. Experience satisfying this requirement may be paid/non-paid employment as an MSA or [an equivalent position in a non-VA hospital or clinic setting.
(2) Quality of Experience. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to MSA experience or equivalent administrative clinical support role in a non-VA medical inpatient or outpatient setting at the next lower grade level. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity (difficulty), and a range of varieties as described in this standard, at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time.
(3) Part-Time Experience. Part-time experience as an MSA or equivalent administrative patient support in a non-VA medical inpatient or outpatient setting is creditable according to its relationship to the full-time workweek. For example, an MSA employed 20 hours a week, or on a 1/2-time basis, would receive one full-time workweek of credit for each two weeks of service.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment listed in
paragraph 3 above, the following education and experience criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates:

Medical Support Assistant (Advanced), GS-6

(a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the [GS-5] grade level.
(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate ALL of the KSAs below:
i. 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.
ii. Ability to independently set priorities and organize work to meet deadlines, ensuring compliance with established processes, policies, and regulations.
iii. 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.
iv. 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.
v. 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.
vi. Advanced knowledge of medical terminology due to the technical nature of language utilized by clinicians.

References: VA Handbook 5005/117, PART II, Appendix G45 - dated August 1, 2019.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6.

Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Occasionally requires carrying of light objects such as files, books and papers; some walking, standing and bending. No special physical qualifications required.

Responsibilities:

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until February 15, 2024. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be November 27, 2023. After this date, qualified applicants will be considered and referred as vacancies become available. Eligible applications received after the initial cut-off date will be referred as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.

The Advanced MSA works collaboratively in an interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery model that directly supports the establishment and maintenance of the flow of patient care throughout a Service within the facility. The incumbent participates in advanced scheduling efforts, as mandated by National guidance, that facilitate performance measure success, consult referrals, and the overall access to services at the Truman VA. He/she must assist with clinic access contingency plans by adjusting appointment times, location, or dates as well as shift patients to other healthcare providers as conflict with staffing and/or coverage occurs.

The incumbent contributes to the revenue collection process by identifying patients with third party insurance and explains the VA's mandate to collect insurance information to veterans, their families, and other eligible patients. He/she collects, scans, and updates health insurance information serving a major role in the revenue process.

As front-line contact with patients and staff, the incumbent sets the tone for perception concerning quality of healthcare services at the VA. A caring, compassionate and sensitive manner is essential when explaining procedures to veterans and their family members both in person and on the phone. Incumbent must screen/receive phone calls in a courteous and timely manner, determine the nature of requests and provide the information desired using privacy rules and established clinic processes.

Ultimately, the position involves performing receptionist duties, customer service and other duties assigned for the proper and timely treatment of patients and maintains appointment schedules for one or more inpatient/outpatient clinics. Given the critical role of the Advanced MSA to the Truman VA's ability to provide a quality care experience for all Veterans, it is essential that the incumbent reliably reports to assigned work station and schedules planned leave with early notice.

THIS POSITION HAS MULTIPLE VACANCIES THROUGHOUT TRUMAN VA MEDICAL CENTER. IF FOUND QUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION YOUR NAME WILL BE REFERRED WHEN A VACANCY BECOMES AVAILABLE.

Work Schedule: Will vary, depending on position location
Position Title/Functional Statement #: Advanced Medical Support Assistant/PD0000000
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Job Summary