Summary The Lead Medical Support Assistant (MSA) is organizationally located in the V19 Clinical Resource Hub at the Salt Lake VA Medical Center. The employee independently acts as the liaison and coordinates all administrative duties related to patient scheduling for the V19 CRH tele-mental health (TMH), tele-primary care (TPC), and telesurgery service (TSS) designated locations. Responsibilities Lead Medical Support Assistant independently acts as the liaison and coordinates all administrative duties related to patient scheduling for the V19 CRH tele-mental health (TMH), tele-primary care (TPC), and telesurgery service (TSS) designated locations. Maintains electronic patient records, verifies providers' orders, and consults, and maintains census and chart records, orders office supplies and telehealth equipment, coordinates internal communications, and troubleshoots equipment. Performs administrative work in support of the care and treatment given to patients via the V19 CRH by providers. Advises on and administers medical record systems or maintains medical records within the program using manual and/or automated systems. Assists with reviewing various scheduling reports in VSSC, implementing corrective action, assists the V19 CRH Business Operation Manager with gathering information for required reports, preparing correspondence, answering inquiries relating to the program, and preparing materials (e.g., graphs, handouts, etc.) for presentations given by the V19 CRH Business Operation Manager. Reviews appointments for completeness of encounter information for workload credit. The V19 CRH Lead Medical Support Assistant (MSA) is the chief source of patient flow information for the V19 Clinical Resource Hub. The position typically has responsibility for the overall coordination of the V19 CRH clinics including: clinic cancellations, clinic schedules to include appointment scheduling and changes, arrangements for special studies, appointment check-ins/check-outs, consult tracking, verification of provider's orders and treatment orders, completeness and accuracy of all actions/documentation, and establishment of clinic profiles for providers in coordination with availability of TMH, TPC, and TSS time on the patient side at other VISN 19 sites. Lead Medical Support Assistant is accountable for adherence to all organizational and departmental policies, directives, and standards pertaining to all job functions, especially the universal scheduling process, the use of electronic wait lists and the recall system, pre-registration updates, check in/check-out procedures, clinic "clean-up", patient confidentiality and privacy laws, business office policies, and insurance capture. Responsible for scheduling appointments, interpreting, and verifying orders from provider orders in accordance with VHA national scheduling guidelines. Initiates and relays messages, exchange information, make adjustments in scheduling and perform necessary coordination in carrying out program functions through scheduling, canceling, rescheduling patient appointments and/or consults; entering no-show information; monitoring the electronic wait list; preparing for clinic visits; monitoring both inpatient and outpatient appointments for areas of responsibility; and ensuring encounter completion in order to obtain appropriate workload and reimbursement credit. Reviews patient records and provider orders on a variety of records, and selects, completes, and routes requests for patient activities and treatment procedures to the appropriate source. Schedules patients for follow up visits per providers' orders. Schedules all appointments on the provider side and verifies correctness of appointments scheduled for patients at other sites working closely with MSAs at 57 CBOCs. Provides technical support on a daily basis to MSAs at remote sites as well as to providers at the local site. Provides annual position/population specific competency assessments each fiscal year for scheduling in V19 CRH CVT clinics only. Cross-cover other facilities based on completion of competencies related to cross-coverage training. Provides coverage for off-site MSAs as needed. Uses computers to perform a wide variety of record-keeping, correspondence, and tracking operations to include inputting, deleting, retrieving, and correcting information in databases or automated records. Operates a computer keyboard and printer to perform office automation duties, using a variety of software packages to include Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), VistA, VistA Imaging, CPRS, MS Access, ProClarity, and Telehealth Management Platform. Receives and relays incoming and outgoing telephone, intercom, and electronic messages; receives and directs patients and visitors; answers routine inquiries providing information about the office, its functions, and standard operating procedures; and makes appropriate referral of questions concerning patients' conditions. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 08:00 am - 04:30 pm Telework: Ad Hoc available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 56253 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass TB Test. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 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 trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications 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: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. Education. High school diploma, General Education Development equivalency certificate, or proficiency certificate from a State or territorial-level Board or Department of Education. 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.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). Lead Medical Support Assistant, GS-07. In order to be found qualified for this position, you must possess the following: One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-6). The required specialized experience for this position must include: Works collaboratively in an interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery model; Applies 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 to ensure that clinic schedules are closely monitored to effectively support the needs of the clinics, and Develop and/or maintain effective and efficient communication with the patient, interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery model teams, VA medical centers, and other agencies Manage a system for follow-up care such as consults, tests, etc. Participates in team huddles and team meetings to manage, plan, problem solve, and follow-up with patient; Setting priorities and deadlines, adjusting the flow and sequencing of the work to meet team and patient needs; Monitors pre-appointment information and/or requirements to assure readiness for patient visit/procedure. Candidates must also demonstrate the following Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 1. Advanced knowledge of medical terminology and a wide range of clinical flow processes relating to access to care across multiple clinics, specialties, and/or community resources. 2. Ability to utilize numerous advanced patient systems in support of multiple clinics in an interdisciplinary setting. 3. Ability to organize work, set priorities, and delegate tasks/responsibilities in order to meet deadlines. 4. Skill in communicating with individuals to obtain the desired effect [and coordinating with a variety of interdisciplinary care team staff. 5. Ability to provide staff development and training. 6. Ability to manage staffing requirements, manage workflow priorities, and adjust the flow of work to meet team and patient needs. This includes the ability to follow-up on pending issues and demonstrate an understanding of the impact of incomplete work across multiple clinics. GS-07 Lead Medical Support Assistant Assignment: The Lead MSA [is responsible for the coordination of Advanced MSA assignments and workflow found in an interdisciplinary unit. The Lead MSA is responsible for daily workload assessments, assigning work, and assuring proper staffing coverage; evaluating training records; and determining training needs of MSAs to provide support across interdisciplinary settings. The Lead assists the unit with complex and non-standard procedures, including clinical flow processes related to access to care across multiple clinics, specialties, and/or community resources. Assignments at this level include but are not limited to: ensuring accurate and timely scheduling of appointments; providing guidance to staff members, to include changes in policies and procedures; creating and maintaining employee work schedules; and acting as a liaison among Advanced MSA staff, patients, and other interdisciplinary staff to resolve day-to-day conflicts.] For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. 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). References: VA Handbook 5005/117, PART II, APPENDIX G45 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: The work is mostly sedentary and requires employee to utilize a personal computer resulting in a large amount of keyboarding/data entry. Faxing clinical documentation to the outside providers/vendors at their request during the scheduling/approving process for Fee Basis care. Additionally, lifting and carrying items such as medical records, paperwork, folders and will be required to do tasks that require some fine manipulation skills/abilities. May be required to work many hours at a computer terminal. Education IMPORTANT: If using post-high school education to substitute for experience at the GS-04 or GS-05, you must submit a copy of your unofficial or official transcript with your application.If selected, to meet the basic requirement of high school education or equivalent and prior to a firm job offer being extended, applicants must provide one of the following as verification of the education requirement if not covered under the grandfathering provision: Copy of high school diploma OR high school transcript (unofficial or official) OR GED Certificate OR homeschooling completion OR proficiency certificate issued by a State or Territorial Board or Department of Education OR college transcript (official) 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. Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. 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. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. 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. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. 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.
