Summary This position is located in the Health Administrations Service (HAS), Eligibility Section, under the direct supervision of the Eligibility Supervisor. Incumbent will serve as an expert benefit advisor to the HAS Leadership and support the management information components of all health eligibility related programs. This includes not only entering data and information when necessary, but also reviewing reports, records and statistical computations for accuracy and propriety. Responsibilities Duties include but are not limited too: Collect and enter data into computerized system. Analyze and interpret routine information. Establish and maintain suspense filling or record system. Search files, documents, or other sources for information. Recommend solutions to routine problems. Greet and refer visitors, patients/veterans and other staff. Process incoming forms, records, or other documents. Performs training support duties, such as coordination, scheduling and presentation of eligibility and enrollment training. Instruct others on procedures and guidelines. Provide guidance or assistance on policies or procedures. Work independently without specific instruction. Gather and provide information to a customer rather than referring a customer to someone else. Multi-task and complete assignments simultaneously. Carry out routine assignments independently. Uses judgment in selecting and utilizing procedural guidelines, such as manuals and agency training correspondence, style manuals, etc. Organize and prioritize under stressful conditions to meet deadlines. Communicate eligibility determinations and information with veterans/ patients and medical staff. Review content of letters or other documents for completeness, correctness or consistency. Contact others orally or in writing to obtain information. Handles routine inquiries (telephone or otherwise) from staff. Responds orally and in writing to veterans/patients and staff regarding questions on eligibility, enrollment and other patient services. Answers questions and provides information to veterans/patients for admission and outpatient treatment. Determines nature of patients' medical care needs, questions or complaints and provides answers and gives guidance. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; Dependent on Services line Needs Position Description Title/PD#: Program Support Assistant/PD13088A Physical Requirements: This is primarily a sedentary position, but the work requires some walking, bending, stooping and carrying of light objects such as manuals, documents, etc. Concentration and sustained performance under prolonged stress is required because of the time factors involved in completion of work assignments within deadlines. Work Environment: The incumbent(s) work in an office/clinical setting. Work areas are generally adequate and shared. Occasional travel is required. He/she frequently walks to and interacts with other services throughout the facility and Community Based Outpatient Clinics. The incumbent observes established safety standards and practices as defined in the facility's policies and guidelines. Incumbent(s) may also occasionally work outside the VA to participate in community events such as Health Fairs, Homeless Veterans Stand Downs and Post Deployment Health Re-assessment (PDHRA). Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-06 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: A thorough and comprehensive knowledge of pertinent laws, federal regulations, polices guidelines, and procedures that require extensive training. In depth knowledge and experience in the field of patient administration (both inpatient and outpatient), including medical records and related fields of medical administration. Working knowledge of varied functions of computer spreadsheets, database computer applications, etc. to produce and maintain a wide variety of documents. A thorough knowledge of statistical (mathematical) analytical principles and computer literacy of the degree that program systems are developed, and data entry and reports retrieval can be made. Thorough knowledge of the organizational and interdepartmental relationship of an active acute Medical Center. A thorough working knowledge of other computer systems necessary to manage, control, secure, coordinate and implement computer activities. Working knowledge of standard and business English usage and proper formatting of formal correspondence in response to inquiries, reports, audits, etc. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Probationary Period: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period" during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Education There is no educational substitution at this grade level. Additional Information Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/. Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
