LEAD MEDICAL SUPPORT ASSISTANT

Summary This job will close when we have received 50 applications, which may be sooner than the closing date. The 2-page Resume requirement does not apply to this occupational series. For more information, refer to Required Documents below. This announcement is open to current permanent employees of Southern Nevada Healthcare System, Las Vegas NV Responsibilities Major duties include, but not limited to: Conducts in-service training as needed, shares knowledge of new policies, procedures, or changes in the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System activities. Coordinates with Supervisor to achieve a program of on-going training and competency maintenance for outpatient Advanced Medical Support Assistants to stimulate individual personal growth and development opportunities. Report to supervisor on performance, progress and training needs of outpatient MSAs, and on disciplinary problems observed during the course of the workday. Check on work in progress or spot check work not requiring review (filing) and review completed work to verify that supervisor's instruction on work sequence, procedures, methods and deadlines have been met. Responsible for coordinating with the professional staff on all administrative matters. Instrumental in the orientation of new staff to the administrative policies and procedures of the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System. Make informational suggestions to supervisor concerning promotions, reassignment, recognition of outstanding performance, team and personnel needs. Provides administrative assistance and support to Supervisory Medical Administration Specialist during scheduled and unscheduled absences and acts as an assistant to the Supervisory Medical Administrative Specialist for completion of MSA scheduling, timekeeping, certification of AMSA competencies, as well as preparation of reports and audits as indicated by leadership. A thorough knowledge of pertinent laws, regulations and local policies regarding entitlement for care in the clinics is required. This knowledge is utilized when providing recommendations to the clinical staff that are able to determine appropriate treatment plans based on this information. Expert level of knowledge of all aspects of the outpatient AMSA duties. This includes knowledge of the Computerized Patient Record system and VSE (VISTA Scheduling Enhancement). Knowledge of the verification of doctor's orders, including medication orders, diet, lab tests, x-rays and procedure orders, travel, transfer and discharge orders is essential as well as specific duties and requirements. Knowledge of business rules pertaining to veteran eligibility and financial assessment requirements. Expert level knowledge of the Privacy Act and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act as well as local, VISN and VHA privacy policies and directives to make accurate legal decisions pertaining to the "release of information" from patient charts. Routinely communicates with physicians, case managers, and other allied health professional staff using sound interpersonal skills and is constantly aware of the sensitive information. Otherwise, works independently making decisions based on guidelines, precedents and regulations and performs duties in such a manner that only minimal supervision is required. Expert knowledge of the VistA system options and menus afforded Inpatient Medical Support Assistants at all grades. High level knowledge of medical terminology is essential to understand and transcribe doctor's orders and to fill out forms with correct and pertinent information. Knowledge of time management techniques in order to assess priorities or workload, telephone calls, and general ward activity so that work is accomplished efficiently and in order of importance. Knowledge of combination skills in order to teach new employees their duties and to inform professional staff of administrative procedures. Expert knowledge of outpatient clinical services available in order to arrange proper follow-through of patient treatment plans including the scheduling of outpatient follow up medical appointments and ancillary tests. Must have ability to make travel arrangements for the first outpatient visit when appropriate and coordinate travel arrangements for transfers to other hospitals, therapy treatment and other appointments off station. Expert knowledge of types of orders written by physicians, e.g., diets, test, medications, activity plans, transfers, request for records, so that orders can be verified in the computer. Must have high level computer skills to verify physician orders and to accomplish a variety of tasks done on the computer. Expert knowledge of Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VistA), VSE (Vista Scheduling Enhancement) and Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). Must also have ability to understand and utilize Microsoft Word and Excel as well as Microsoft Outlook at a minimum. Work Schedule: To be Determined Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:00806F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized 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. 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. To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following: a. 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 38U.S.C. § 7407(a). b. Experience. None. c. Education. High school diploma, General Education Development equivalency certificate, or proficiency certificate from a State or territorial-level Board or Department of Education. d. Licensure/Certification/Registration. None. e. Grandfathering Provision. Employees in VHA in this occupation, under a permanent, appropriate, and legal placement on the effective date of the qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade and/or assignment held, including positive education and registration/certification where applicable. For employees who do not meet all the basic or assignment-specific requirements in this standard but met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed, the following provisions apply: (1) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. (2) Employees retained in this occupation under this provision who subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. f. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. g. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. h. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Lead Medical Support Assistant, GS-07. (1) Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. (2) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to meeting the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) 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. (b) Skill in communicating with individuals to obtain the desired effect and coordinating with a variety of interdisciplinary care team staff. (c) Ability to utilize numerous advanced patient systems in support of multiple clinics in an interdisciplinary setting. (d) Ability to organize work, set priorities, and delegate tasks/responsibilities in order to meet deadlines. (e) Ability to provide staff development and training. (f) 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. (3) Assignment. For all Lead assignments the Lead MSA must spend at least 25% or more of their time performing lead duties. 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. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. Education Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or 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.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. Note: 38 U.S.C. 7412 waives the requirement to apply Veterans preference to external applicants for appointments made from this announcement. Probationary/Trial Period: As a condition of employment for accepting the position of AMSA with the Department of Veterans Affairs, you will be required to serve a 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 the following: 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. If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period hat your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.