Medical Support Assistant - Inpatient

Your tasks

The incumbent is a vital member of the inpatient healthcare team at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System (MVAHCS). MVAHCS is classified as a Complexity Level 1A tertiary care facility. VA Careers - Medical Support Assistant: https://youtube.com/embed/EE9c4XkaELo Duties of this position are, but not limited to: Performs tasks with minimal supervision according to policies, guidelines and procedures. Communicates in a thorough, correct, and precise verbal/written manner. Receives patients, visitors, and staff to the unit. Performs a variety of reception duties associated with patient care, either in person, telephone, patient callbox, e-mail correspondence, written messages or other. Interacts with representatives from outside agencies such as Joint Commission, Office of Inspector General, Veterans Integrated Service Network, and Veterans Health Administration or other when necessary. Utilizes necessary security methods for protecting confidential patient information such as protecting computer access, requesting identification of unknown individuals presenting to the unit to gain patient information. Participates in the creation, completion, distribution, and retention of medical record documentation for patient hospitalization and discharge according to facility policies and procedures outlined by several regulating bodies such as the Joint Commission. Records and/or makes computer entries for a variety of complex physician orders involving patient activity, diets, tests, appointments, treatments and medications. Records, transcribes and initiates patient movement computer entries appropriate to patient status (admission, observation, inter-ward transfer, bed assignments, pass/authorized absence, short stay, clinic, and lodger check- in/out, provider entry, treating specialty, discharge type or other). Coordinates and schedules inpatient appointments and discharge follow up appointment requests through various interoffice appointment scheduling methods. Multitasks and/or sets and adjusts short-term priorities in order to complete responsibilities in a timely, efficient, and effective manner. Ensures office equipment is in working order; corrects and/or reports failures in a timely manner. Maintains inventory of office supplies and replenishes stocks to support the needs of the area Encourages and supports a positive workplace environment and team building. Assists other MSAs when necessary (i.e. difficult or uncooperative customer, emergencies, high volume workload, etc.). Maintains a neat and clean work area, including desks, countertops and storage. Awareness of safety concerns, regulations, policies and procedures, and employs appropriate safety practices. Performs other MSA related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 7:30am-4:00pm- Every other weekend, every other holiday. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 000000

Requirements

Basic Requirements: 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. No experience required. Education. High school diploma, General Education Development equivalency certificate, or proficiency certificate from a State or territorial-level Board or Department of Education. Licensure/Certification/Registration. None Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). GRADE DETERMINATIONS: GS-3 MSA (Entry Level) You must meet the Basic Requirements outlined above. GS-4 MSA (Developmental Level) 1. Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. OR 2. Education. One year of education above high school. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to Basic Requirements and the experience listed above, candidates must be able to demonstrate all of the KSAs below: 1. Ability to meet, communicate, and interact with individuals from varying backgrounds and other health care team members in a courteous and helpful manner in order to facilitate medical care for patients. 2. Ability to use, and navigate between, various types of office automation equipment and software (i.e. computer systems, web based scheduling programs; insurance collection system; scanning software, multiple line phone systems; electronic faxing programs) to support patient care. 3. Knowledge of basic medical terminology to assist in the provision of care to patients. 4. Skill in recording patient messages and understanding physician requests pertaining to follow-up medical care in internal or external clinics. GS-5 MSA (Full Performance Level) 1. Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. OR 2. Education. Two years of education above high school. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to Basic Requirements and the experience listed above, candidates must be able to demonstrate all of the KSAs below: 1. 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. 2. Advanced knowledge of medical terminology specific to understand medical diagnosis and procedures sufficient to communicate clinical staff instructions to patients. 3. Ability to schedule medical appointments in a clinical setting. 4. Ability to work independently in the accomplishment of a wide variety of duties performing patient support work. 5. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in person, electronically, and/or by telephone, with internal and external customers. 6. Skill in customer service with the ability to identify customer concerns, and refer to the appropriate staff as necessary, to ensure a satisfactory resolution. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit Medical Support Assistant Qualification Standard (va.gov) The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-5. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-3 to GS-5. Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

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 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.

What we offer

This occupational series may be eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP). Repayment is limited to $40,000 annually, up to $100,000 in lifetime awards. Participants must sign a three-year service agreement and maintain an acceptable level of performance to remain eligible for this program. Contact VHAV23SLRP@va.gov for more information.