Medical Support Assistant

Summary The New Mexico Health Care System (NMVAHCS) is currently recruiting Medical Support Assistants (MSA) for the fast paced, growing service: Health Administration Service. The NMVAHCS strives to provide the highest quality primary, secondary and tertiary health care to its beneficiaries through a compassionate, innovative health care system, excellent training and education of health care professionals, and effective use of available resources. Responsibilities The MSA was established to ensure assistance to Veterans providing a smooth process for the management of Veteran's outpatient appointments as well as support work of the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT). The MSA coordinates with the Clinical Team to review the clinic utilization by using various reports (i.e. Clinic Utilization Statistical Summary), ensure that the clinic setup is closely monitored to effectively support the needs of the clinic, and make any necessary adjustments. The MSA develops/maintains effective and efficient communication with the patient, interdisciplinary team, VA Medical Centers, and other agencies (e.g. assist with communications during the inpatient to outpatient discharge; communicate with non-VA medical facilities by fax; facilitate/process secure messaging with the patient and team; develop and manage a tracking system for follow up care as such consults, tests, etc.) Major duties include, but are not limited to: Interpreting and verifying provider orders in accordance with VHA national scheduling guidelines. Is responsible for maintaining patient confidentiality with respect to the Privacy Act. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees at varying grade levels. Serving as a key contact for veterans and visitors, providing information and assistance, and acting on administrative matters in the veterans' interest. Gives messages to patients, doctors, nurses, other multi-disciplinary team members and responds to routine inquiries (i.e., where a patient has been transferred, appointments, etc.). Refers questions concerning patient's condition to the nurse. Accurately and legibly transcribes physician's orders as per established policies and procedures assuring that the appropriate patient identification is present. Evaluations and treatment with other supporting disciplines within the Medical Center are coordinated for timely completion and to avoid schedule conflicts. In the case of medication/treatment orders, assures that the times the medications/treatments are to be administered are correct and sends a copy to the pharmacists. Prepares request forms for such things as - rays and consultations as prescribed on the doctor's order sheet. Employee will check off, date, time and initial orders verifying completion. Reviews charts, assembles, and maintains the medical record forms in proper order for use by the physicians and nursing personnel in accordance with Medical Center policy and procedure. The incumbent will have a thorough knowledge of medication terminology/abbreviations and procedures for recording physicians' orders, especially for identifying generic and brand names of chemical compounds and to accurately transcribe drug names, dosages, and time of administration. The incumbent will routinely demonstrate stability and effectively exercise independent judgment. The MSA will foster and consistently maintain good public relations with patients and visitors as well as maintain an effective working relationship with clinicians and other Medical Center staff. The MSA will perform other related administrative and clerical duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Work Schedule may be subject to change upon Service Line's Needs). Telework: No Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000. 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. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications 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. 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. Experience and Education: Six months experience: 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 Education. One 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. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met for this position. Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-04). Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following technical KSAs: 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. Advanced knowledge of medical terminology specific to understand medical diagnosis and procedures sufficient to communicate clinical staff instructions to patients. Ability to schedule medical appointments in a clinical setting. Ability to work independently in the accomplishment of a wide variety of duties performing patient support work. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in person, electronically, and/or by telephone, with internal and external customers. 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 5005/53, Part II, Appendix G45, Medical Support Assistant GS-0679. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-05. Physical Requirements: Work is generally sedentary in nature with some walking, standing and bending. Occasionally requires moderate physical activity, e.g., carrying light items such as books and papers or lifting stacks of boxes or records. Work is typically performed in an office setting; adequately lighted, quiet, and controlled atmosphere. Education Four years of education above high school may be substituted for one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 grade level in the position, but is not required. IMPORTANT: A transcript to meet the basic Education requirement may be submitted for verification. Additional Information 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. 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 (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.