Medical Support Assistant

Medical Support Assistant at Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration in Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States Job Description Summary The Medical Support Assistant (MSA), is in the Health Administration Service with the Veterans Health Care Systems of the Ozarks (VHSO) located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Positions available at the following locations: Fayetteville VA Medical Center, AR; Fort Smith VA Clinic, AR; Ozark VA Clinic, AR; Branson VA Clinic, MO; Joplin VA Clinic, AR; Gene Taylor Veterans' Outpatient Clinic, Springfield, MO; and Jay VA Clinic, OK. Responsibilities Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Current Permanent Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO) employees should apply to this announcement: usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/867580800 The primary duties of the Medical Support Assistant (MSA) may include but are not limited to: Scheduling appointments, including interpreting, and verifying provider orders, assignments, ensuring encounter forms are completed to obtain appropriate workload credit; verifying and updating demographics and insurance information; processing all emergency and non-emergency transfers to other VA facilities or private hospitals; performing basic eligibility, co-pays, and preauthorization requirements for specific coverage. Interpret and communicate requirements of VHA Scheduling Directives and complete accurate scheduling responsibilities. Schedule appointments by following VHA Outpatient Scheduling Directive and will follow Standard Operating Procedures. Utilize the Electronic Waiting List accurately in a timely manner. Notifies his/her supervisor when clinic access is less than desirable or if an individual patient cannot be scheduled within mandated clinic timeframes. Daily review of Consults (medical/provider), active/pending text orders, Encounter reports, Electronic Wait List, Recall list and Audio care communications for accuracy and disposition. Initiates patient appointments through (VSE/CPRS) by use of the scheduling menus to schedule lab, x-ray, and EKG tests with other clinical services, necessary for physician clinics. Incumbent explains necessary test preparation to patients and records information such as date, exam type, and procedure required on appointment card. Schedules and coordinates appointments for return visits and future appointments to reduce multiple trips for Veteran. Ensures clinics are blocked when physicians are on leave or for scheduled meetings/training to prevent patient cancellations. Utilize Recall Reminder Software policies when scheduling is beyond the 30-day request. Utilize no show/missed opportunity rules by the Standard Operating Procedures stated in Appointment Management document. Utilizes a computer-generated appointment list to complete daily clinic activities making additions and deletions as necessary for computer entry upon completion of clinic. Manages the telephone triage and carefully and briefly questions Veterans about medical problems and determines if any emergency situations exist by following the trigger word policy

MCM-11-090

i.e., chest pain, shortness of breath, blackouts, GI bleeding or any medical need for immediate attention, working closely with the team nurses and physician. Manages scheduling, medical data, and patient movement to bypass the usual waiting time and ensures that appropriate administrative actions are taken. Provides excellent customer service and must adhere to VA Local, National and Service policies and procedures.

Work Schedule:

Work schedules may vary based on the location requested. Tour of duty is subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance):

Not Authorized Pay:

Competitive salary and regular salary increases

Paid Time Off:

37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)

Parental Leave:

After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy:

After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.

Retirement:

Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by

VA Insurance:

Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Telework:

Varies by position. Telework may be authorized during specific situations like adverse weather conditions per Agency Policy and at the Services discretion. Will be discussed during interview.

Virtual:

This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 564-00110-F; 564-00111-F; 564-00112F Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized 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. 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 (uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. 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 Basic Requirements United States Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States (U.S.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens according to 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). Experience and Education. (1) Experience. No experience required (2) Education. High school diploma, General Education Development equivalency certificate, or proficiency certificate from a State or territorial-level Board or Department of Education. Certification. None required. English Language Proficiency. Medical Support Assistants must be proficient in spoken and written English 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).

Grade Determinations:

In addition to the Basic Requirements, your resume must demonstrate you possess the required experience necessary to possess the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) required for each grade level. Resume must include hours per week for work experience credit. GS-03:(a) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic requirements. GS-04: (a) Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. OR, (b) Education. One year of education above high school. Transcript must be submitted. © Assignment. This is a develo To view full details and how to apply, or