The Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) serves the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Augusta, GA. This position is located in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Southeast Network (VISN 7), VA Augusta Health Care System (VAAHCS) in Augusta, Georgia located in the Community Based Outpatient Clinics Service Line.The Community Based Outpatient Clinics Service Advanced Medical Support Assistant position is an administrative foundational role for any outpatient area throughout the facility.
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. 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). Experience: Six (6) months experience in clerical, office or other work that indicates the ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position;OR Education: One (1) year above high school;OR Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable.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. To qualify for the GS-6:Medical Support Assistant (Advanced), GS-6 (a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level. Grade Determinations: Must possess one (1) full year (52 weeks) of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-05). Qualifying experience at that level would include performing a full range of duties such as advising clinical staff on current administrative process, answering phones, greeting patients, relaying messages to appropriate staff (inside or outside of the unit), scheduling appointments, including interpreting and verifying provider orders in accordance with scheduling guidelines. Monitor both inpatient and outpatient appointments [in] areas of responsibility; verifying and updating demographics and insurance information when [patients check-in for appointments. Coordinates administrative functions relating to] emergency and non-emergency transfers to other VA facilities or private hospitals [and determines appointment type based on the patient's] eligibility [status] (i.e., TRICARE, sharing agreements, [collaterals, research patient, VA employee], etc.). (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, Medical Support Assistant Qualification StandardThe full Performance level of this vacancy is GS-6.Physical Requirements: The work requires frequent standing bending, reaching and walking. The work requires light lifting and carrying under 15 lbs. Must have full manual dexterity and keyboarding skills. This may be considered demanding physical activity.
The Community Based Outpatient Clinics Service Line Advanced Medical Support Assistant (AMSA) position is an administrative foundational role for any outpatient area throughout the facility. To include but not limited to Call Center, Primary Care, Operator Suite, Medicine, Surgery, Mental Health, Radiology, Audiology, Dental, Spinal Cord, Rehabilitation, Nutrition, Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC), or any other non-Primary Care (PACT) area. The purpose of the position is to facilitate health care needs, huddle with team members for directions, and respond to Veterans or family with instructions, appointments, or actions to be taken. The AMSA works collaboratively in an interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery model within Outpatient Clinics. The AMSA develops and maintains effective and efficient communication with the patient, interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery model teams, VA medical centers, and other agencies. The AMSA is responsible for setting priorities and deadlines, adjusting the flow and sequencing of the work to meet the team and patient needs; he/she works with the team to reinforce the plan of care and self-help solutions and entering appropriate information into the electronic record; monitoring pre-appointment requirements to assure readiness for patient visit/procedure. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm; Monday - Friday with weekend and holidays included Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: Advanced Medical Support Assistant/ 59637F Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Relocation/Recruitment Incentive: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized