Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

Full Job Description

The incumbent serves as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant in the Medical Support Assistant Section of the Clinic Practice Management (CPM) Service for the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States.

(Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3.g.).

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. 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 Determinations: Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the [GS-5] grade level.

Candidates must demonstrate[all of] the KSAs below: 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.] [Ability to independently] set priorities and organize [ ] work to meet deadlines, ensuring compliance with established processes, policies, and regulations.

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].

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.

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.

Advanced knowledge of medical terminology due to the technical nature of language utilized by clinicians.

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-6.

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-6. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Major Duties:

The duties and responsibilities of the Advanced Medical Support Assistant include but are not limited to the following: Work involves specialized administrative judgment and the flexible use of a wide range of clinical flow processes relating to access to care across multiple clinics, specialties, and/or care in the community resources.

Recommends changes to existing clinic procedures based on current administrative guidelines.

Expertise in utilizing numerous advanced patient systems in support of multiple clinics involved in an interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery model.

Coordinates with the patient care team to review clinic appointment availability, utilization, and access to ensure that clinic schedules are closely monitored to effectively support the needs of the clinics and make adjustments as necessary.

Develops and/or maintains effective and efficient communication with the patient, interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery model teams, VA clinical and administrative staff, VA medical centers, and other agencies (e.g., assist with communications during the inpatient to outpatient discharge; communicate with non-VA medical facilities; prepare correspondence to notify patients of normal lab results; manage a system for follow-up care such as consults, tests, etc.).

Processes incoming patient secure messaging through My Health Evet or secure messaging systems and patient portals and coordinates with the care team as appropriate.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 0800-1630; 0830-1700 Compressed/Flexible: No Telework: No Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:59784F