Advanced Medical Support Assistant

VA Careers - Medical Support Assistant

The Medical Support Assistant (MSA) works collaboratively in an interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery model (i.e. PACT) and performs receptionist duties, customer service and other duties assigned for the proper and timely treatment of patients and maintains appointment schedules for one or more outpatient clinics. They must assist with clinic access contingency plans by adjusting appointment times, location, or dates as well as shift patients to other healthcare providers as conflict with staffing and/or coverage occurs. Incumbent must screen/receive phone calls in a courteous and timely manner, determine the nature of requests and provide the information desired using privacy rules and established clinic processes. A caring, compassionate, and sensitive manner is essential when explaining procedures to Veterans and their family members both in person and on the phone. Generates patient workload reports for validation and monitors activity in clinical areas to assure consistent and accurate reporting. Organizes and implements quality assurance monitors; prepares a wide variety of administrative reports and documents for supervisor and Health Administration Service. Conducts patient/employee surveys, interviews, observes workflow; guides patients through hospital system, inputs medication refills for the provider to sign, documents complaints, and provides follow-up and suggests resolutions to supervisor. Incumbent must be able to interpret and communicate requirements of VHA Scheduling Directives and complete accurate scheduling responsibilities. All appointments will be made with the patient's input, either in person or by phone. Intervenes to resolve difficult problems and diffuses potential dissatisfaction with VA services in order to prevent congressional and adverse publicity. Serves as technical advisor and liaison with contacts at all levels. Incumbent must completely understand and be able to explain complex regulations and eligibility criteria concerning Veterans' entitlements and VA benefits, priorities for care, access to care and advanced clinic access. Incumbent must maintain the ability to perform the varied and complex duties of each of the Program Support Assistants (Care Facilitators) and the Medical Support Assistants located in various clinical areas throughout the medical center, some off-campus or on irregular tours. The work requires the ability to work in a busy environment, multi-task, lead, and organize a large group of staff in various work areas to produce results, ensure compliance, as well as process and follow-up on a very high volume of phone calls or written requests from patients inquiring about appointments or their status on the waiting list.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm

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: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 53236-F

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized