About this role
Job SummaryServes as a Lead Medical Support Assistant, providing guidance, workload coordination, and training for staff in Community Care. Reviews assignments, ensures timely consult and authorization processing, resolves workflow issues, and supports interdisciplinary teams. Acts as a key resource on Community Care programs and systems to ensure efficient, patient-centered service delivery.
QualificationsApplicants 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: To qualify for appointment to this position, all applicants must possess the following: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 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 English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. 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: GS-0679-07 Lead Medical Support Assistant Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to meeting the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: 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. Skill in communicating with individuals to obtain the desired effect and coordinating with a variety of interdisciplinary care team staff. Ability to utilize numerous advanced patient systems in support of multiple clinics in an interdisciplinary setting. Ability to organize work, set priorities, and delegate tasks/responsibilities in order to meet deadlines. Ability to provide staff development and training. 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. 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. Preferred Experience: Experience independently managing a wide range of administrative duties, including setting priorities, coordinating care, and organizing workflow. Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively, both orally and in writing, including preparing reports, presenting data, and evaluating team-level process efficiency. Proficiency with electronic medical records, scheduling systems, and computerized databases to enter, retrieve, and update sensitive information; Excel experience preferred. Skill in using reference tools, sound decision-making, and teamwork to collaborate and resolve problems within a complex healthcare environment. Ability to identify and address customer concerns, resolve issues accurately and promptly, and follow up to ensure customer satisfaction. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for is GS-07. Physical Requirements: The work is sedentary. Some work may require movement between offices, hospitals, warehouses, and similar areas for meetings and to conduct work. Work may also require walking/standing, in conjunctions with travel to and attendance at meetings and/or conferences away from the work site. Incumbent may carry and lift light items weighing less than 15 pounds.
Major DutiesVA Careers - Medical Support Assistant: https://youtube.com/embed/EE9c4XkaELo Major duties include, but are not limited to: Managing and balancing workload for Community Care operations, including consults, authorizations, and scheduling. Providing technical guidance, staff training, orientation, and developing SOPs and training materials. Monitoring workflow, resolving issues, and ensuring compliance with VA policies and performance standards. Serving as a subject-matter expert on Community Care programs, systems, and consult management processes. Conducting audits, quality reviews, and performance improvement activities to support program effectiveness. Coordinating with interdisciplinary teams to support timely, patient-centered care and accurate documentation. Running reports, analyzing data, and supporting process improvement and operational efficiency initiatives. Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Telework: Position is eligible for Situational (ad hoc) Telework with supervisory approval on an occasional, non-routine basis. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: PD53372F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not AuthorizedRequirementsYou 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. Must pass pre-employment medical evaluation. 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.