Medical Support Assistant

Full Job Description

This Medical Support Assistant (MSA) position is in the Central Business Office of the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS) located in Little Rock, Arkansas.

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.

High School Diploma with desire for some post high school education or equivalent. (3) Experience/Education Combination.

Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Certification. None required. English Language Proficiency.

Medical Support Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Policy.

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: In addition to the Basic Requirements, your resume must demonstrate you possess the required experience necessary to possess the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) required for each grade level.

Resume must include hours per week for work experience credit. GS-03: (a) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

Candidates must demonstrate all of the KSAs below: Ability to meet, communicate, and interact with individuals in a courteous and helpful manner in order to give instructions and arrange appointments.

Ability to utilize computer systems to enter administrative data in patient systems.

Ability to learn and utilize basic medical terminology to record patient messages and physician requests pertaining to follow-up medical care. GS-04: (a) Experience.

One year of experience in 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, (b) Education. One year of education above high school. Transcript must be submitted. (c ) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

Candidates must demonstrate all of the KSAs below: 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.

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.

Knowledge of basic medical terminology to assist in the provision of care to patients.

Skill in recording patient messages and understanding physician requests pertaining to follow-up medical care in internal or external clinics. GS-05: (a) Experience.

One year of experience equivalent to the GS-04 grade level. OR, (b) Education. Two years of education above high school. Transcript must be submitted. (c) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

Candidates must demonstrate all of the KSAs below: 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.

Preferred Experience: Experience in providing excellent customer service, handling inquiries, and resolving issues efficiently.

Experience in performing administrative tasks such as managing calendars, and maintaining patient records.

Knowledge and experience with health care systems such as the VA, including familiarity with electronic medical records (EMR) and other related software.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.

Experience in accurate data entry and maintaining relevant databases. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft office products such as Word, Excel, Adobe and Office is required.

Skill in managing multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

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-05.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-03 to GS-05.

Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position.

May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing.

May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.

Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations. Major Duties:

Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional The Medical Support Assistant serves as the administrative patient intake specialist for the Emergency Department and admissions.

The primary duties of the Medical Support Assistant may include but are not limited to: Schedules and reschedules patients for treatment, including interpreting and verifying provider orders in accordance with VHA national scheduling guidelines Verifies and updates demographics and insurance information Processes all emergency and non-emergency transfers to other VA facilities or private hospitals Performs complex eligibility/enrollment functions within the Veteran Enrollment System for current or newly enrolled Veterans Discusses co-pays and preauthorization requirements for specific coverage Explains the VA's mandate to collect insurance information from Veterans, their families, and other eligible patients Prepares correspondence and memos as needed, such as notice of privacy practices for ineligible patients Communicates and interacts with patients in a manner which is appropriate to cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient; Assures that all appropriate VA forms are used correctly, and regulations followed Additional duties or tasks may be assigned by the supervisor to ensure efficient daily operations: call and confirm lodging with veterans and place notes on those consults using CTM/CPRS.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm or 8:00am - 4:30pm. Schedule will be discussed during the interview. Schedule subject to change based on the needs of the service.

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.

Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 598-01359-F, 598-01360-F, 598-01361-F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized