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SummaryThe Advanced Medical Support Assistant (AMSA) position is to provide administrative and team support in a wide variety of basic administrative functions within the Vascular Surgery section of Surgical Service. This incumbent is considered the team's authority on a variety of clinical processes, regulations, policies, and procedures regarding eligibility and benefits, clinic support, statistical and data collection, medical record management, and customer service.ResponsibilitiesMajor duties: Clinic Management - Incumbent will provide significant coordination and support to ensure smooth clinic flow and operations. Responsibilitiesinclude, but are not limited to, the following:a.Coordinate labs and clinic schedules at PAD, LVD, and MONT with the Vascular surgeons, nursing staff, vascular technicians, clerks, and schedulers to ensure patient's ultrasound and imaging is completed. The incumbent reviews clinic utilization and look at ways on how to improve clinic setup and patient flow.b.Work with various providers to ensure that the necessary studies are completed before clinic appointment. Call patients before scheduled vascular lab to decrease "No Show" statistic.c.Serve as the first line of communication to the patients, family members, clinical and support staff on many varied issues. Answer a high volume of phone calls and elicit administrative and clinical information from callers through utilization of interviewing skills and a sound knowledge base. Prioritize calls and make independent decisions through timely problem resolution. Collaborate with other team members in emergent or urgent care need through prompt identification of problem and appropriate referral. Ensure timely and accurate delivery of messages to team members and patients. Administrative Support- Incumbent will provide administrative support to the Vascular Surgery team, with duties to include:a.Maintain letterhead to create form for "return to work" letters as stated by physician, which is typed and submitted to the attending surgeon for signature.b.Keep the team informed and up-to-date concerning appropriate administrative regulations and ensuring reports and notes are signed off in a timely manner.c.Maintain and update various files, forms, and publications, etc. Statistical and Data Collection - Incumbent will participate in statistical and data collection projects/programs in support of the Vascular Section, Surgical Service. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:a. Compile data regarding clinical-related items such as appointment utilization and inventory. Clerical Activity - The incumbent will be responsible for some general clerical activities, which include:a.Receive and distribute mail, packages for proper routingb.Assures necessary supplies and forms are available as needed.c.Maintain files on a regular basis. are reviewed and periodically cleared of out of date material. Medical Record Management - In the performance of official duties, the incumbent has regular access to printed and electronic files containing sensitive data which must be protected under the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, and other applicable laws, Federal regulations, Department of Veterans Affairs statutes and policies, and VHA policies. The incumbent is responsible for (1) protecting that data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion, and (2) following applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc. The incumbent is considered a resource person for this issue and will ensure co-workers and team members follow appropriate laws, regulations, etc.a.Initiate action to request records from other facilities, both VA and non-VA for new Vascular patients. Ensure appropriate forms are completed and dialysis informed consent signatures obtained from the physician and the new Vascular patient.b.Complies with all safety/fire pr.evention rules/regulations and promptly reports all accidents and notifies supervisor of unsafe/unhealthful conditions in the workplace. Attends scheduled training sessions and partiicpates in facility or service level safety promotions as directed by supervisor. Knows the drill and emergency plans for work area, including location of all emergency fire equipment. Customer Service - The incumbent comes into daily and frequent personal and telephonic contact with a variety of individuals, including physicians, nurses, technical support staff, veterans, families of patients, Veteran Service Officers, etc. Interpersonal communication skills must be exceptional.a.Professional relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and others in the organization are consistently courteous and cooperative in nature and, overall, contribute to the effective operations of the workplace and the development of a collaborative working relationship. Display behavior that reflects the dignity and respect that each patient, visitor, and fellow employee deserves. In this regard, the incumbent is responsible for interacting with others in a manner that fosters favorable relations and public image. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:30Financial Disclosure Report: Not requiredRequirementsConditions of EmploymentQualificationsApplicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. Experience: Six months experience of clerical, office or other 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 an entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Certification: None required. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency: AMSA must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment listed, the following experience must be met when determining the grade of candidates.GS-6: Advanced Medical Support Assistant(a) Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5) that equips the candidate with the following: Must be flexible and able to accomplish other duties as assigned by the Supervisor; Routinely communicates with physicians, case managers and other allied health professional staff using sound interpersonal skills and remains consistently aware of sensitive information; Consistently communicates and treats customers (Veterans, their representatives, visitors, staff, and internal and external providers) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner; Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures; Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately; Has a clear understanding of the diverse nature of beneficiary base and sensitivity towards the cultural and spiritual differences of all; Provides care and/or services appropriate to the age of the patients being served, and which is appropriate to the cognitive emotional, and chronological maturation of the patient; Assesses data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age-specific needs and to provide care needed as described in the services' policies and procedures; Takes into consideration age-related differences of the various Veteran populations within this institution. AND Candidates must be able to demonstrate all of the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities below: 1. Ability to collaborate, communicate, set priorities, and organize the work in order to meet deadlines, ensuring compliance with established process, policies, and regulations.
Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively, both orally and in writing, in order to meet program objectives. This may include preparing reports in various formats and presenting data to various organizational levels.
Advanced knowledge of the technical health care process as it related to access to care.
Advanced knowledge of managing a clinic. This includes independently utilizing reference sources, decision making, and empowering the team to collaborate and resolve problems within a complex system environment.
Advanced knowledge of policies and procedures associated with operational activities that affect the patient flow, patient care, and the revenue process.
Advanced knowledge of medical terminology. Preferred Criteria
Knowledge of overall functions of this VA Medical Center and the Vascular Clinic is required to enable the clinic to maintain consistent quality work performance. The incumbent is responsible for participating in the patient care mission in an accurate and independent manner to allow the professional staff to concentrate on the other extensive professional and patient care duties. Highly developed skill in performing these procedures has a significant impact on the well being of the patients and the productivity of the clinic. References: VA Handbook 5005/117, Appendix G45, Medical Support Assistant Qualification Standard, dated August 1, 2019. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-6. Physical Requirements: This position requires light lifting and carrying under 15 pounds; reaching above shoulders; use of fingers, and both hands and legs; walking and standing up to 4 hours daily; repeated bending up to 3 hours; hearing with aid permitted; working closely with others and/or alone; protracted or irregular hours; and unusual emotional strain.EducationIMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.Additional InformationThis job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. 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. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members. If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
Vacancy expired!