Medical Support Assistant
Major duties include but are limited to:
Communicates appropriate information across service lines for seamless function of program and collaboration of care for Veterans. Develops and maintains effective and efficient communication with the Veteran, interdisciplinary team and outside agencies. Serves as an agent in the department for scheduled and unscheduled visits. Screens calls and determines if attention is required from a Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Provider or other designated professional. Enters Veterans identifiers into the scheduling management software following appropriate national and local scheduling policies and directives. Maintains and secures medical records as appropriate and in accordance with Health Insurance Probability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Enters appropriate information into the Veterans electronic medical record. Makes calls to coordinate information and actions relating to Veteran care and/or services available. May be assigned to the Primary Care Call center in times of short staffing or high call volumes. Ability to multitask on a daily basis (i.e. changing priorities at a moments notice in high stress situations). Follows all national and local scheduling, health care system and service line policies, procedure and guidelines. Coordinates an assists with department services, programs and outreach events. Processes all health care provider orders accurately, seeking clarification when needed. Provides clerical support with the department. Work Schedule:
Administrative days Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
a. 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.). b. 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. c. Certification. None required. d. Grandfathering Provision. All MSAs employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series, and grade held, which are a part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
(1) Such employees may be reassigned, promoted, or changed to a lower grade within the occupation. (2) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (3) If an employee who was converted to Title 38 hybrid status under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. e. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. f. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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 3.j. GRADE DETERMINATIONS:
Grade Determination GS-3 MSA (Entry Level) You must meet the Basic Requirements outlined above. In addition you must be able to demonstrate all of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed below. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ability to meet, communicate, and interact with individuals in a courteous and helpful manner in order to give instructions and arrange appointments. 2. Ability to utilize computer systems to enter administrative data in patient systems. 3. Ability to learn and utilize basic medical terminology to record patient messages and physician requests pertaining to follow-up medical care. Grade Determination GS-4 MSA (Developmental Level) 1.
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. Examples of experience include but are not necessarily limited to:
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. OR 2. Education:
Two years above high school. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to Basic Requirements and the experience listed above, candidates must be able to demonstrate all of the KSAs below:
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. Grade Determination GS-5 MSA (Full Performance Level) 1.
Experience:
One year of experience equivalent to the GS-4 grade level. Examples of experience would include but not be limited to:
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. OR 2. Education:
Four years of education above high school. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to Basic Requirements and the experience listed above, candidates must be able to demonstrate all of the KSAs below:
1. 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. 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. References:
VA Handbook 5005/117, Part II, Appendix G45, Medical Support Assistant Qualification Standard. Physical Requirements:
The work is primarily sedentary, however, there may be some walking, standing, bending and transporting items under 20 pounds. Works extensively in the hospital computer system.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
Communicates appropriate information across service lines for seamless function of program and collaboration of care for Veterans. Develops and maintains effective and efficient communication with the Veteran, interdisciplinary team and outside agencies. Serves as an agent in the department for scheduled and unscheduled visits. Screens calls and determines if attention is required from a Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Provider or other designated professional. Enters Veterans identifiers into the scheduling management software following appropriate national and local scheduling policies and directives. Maintains and secures medical records as appropriate and in accordance with Health Insurance Probability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Enters appropriate information into the Veterans electronic medical record. Makes calls to coordinate information and actions relating to Veteran care and/or services available. May be assigned to the Primary Care Call center in times of short staffing or high call volumes. Ability to multitask on a daily basis (i.e. changing priorities at a moments notice in high stress situations). Follows all national and local scheduling, health care system and service line policies, procedure and guidelines. Coordinates an assists with department services, programs and outreach events. Processes all health care provider orders accurately, seeking clarification when needed. Provides clerical support with the department. Work Schedule:
Administrative days Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
a. 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.). b. 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. c. Certification. None required. d. Grandfathering Provision. All MSAs employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series, and grade held, which are a part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
(1) Such employees may be reassigned, promoted, or changed to a lower grade within the occupation. (2) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (3) If an employee who was converted to Title 38 hybrid status under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. e. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. f. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. 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 3.j. GRADE DETERMINATIONS:
Grade Determination GS-3 MSA (Entry Level) You must meet the Basic Requirements outlined above. In addition you must be able to demonstrate all of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) listed below. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 1. Ability to meet, communicate, and interact with individuals in a courteous and helpful manner in order to give instructions and arrange appointments. 2. Ability to utilize computer systems to enter administrative data in patient systems. 3. Ability to learn and utilize basic medical terminology to record patient messages and physician requests pertaining to follow-up medical care. Grade Determination GS-4 MSA (Developmental Level) 1.
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. Examples of experience include but are not necessarily limited to:
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. OR 2. Education:
Two years above high school. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to Basic Requirements and the experience listed above, candidates must be able to demonstrate all of the KSAs below:
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. Grade Determination GS-5 MSA (Full Performance Level) 1.
Experience:
One year of experience equivalent to the GS-4 grade level. Examples of experience would include but not be limited to:
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. OR 2. Education:
Four years of education above high school. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to Basic Requirements and the experience listed above, candidates must be able to demonstrate all of the KSAs below:
1. 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. 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. References:
VA Handbook 5005/117, Part II, Appendix G45, Medical Support Assistant Qualification Standard. Physical Requirements:
The work is primarily sedentary, however, there may be some walking, standing, bending and transporting items under 20 pounds. Works extensively in the hospital computer system.
- Department:
0679 Medical Support Assistance - Salary Range:
$29,888 to $48,803 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
|
|
 | |
