Medical Support Assistant (Eligibility)

Medical Support Assistant (Eligibility)Department of Veterans AffairsVeterans Affairs, Veterans Health AdministrationOverview

##### Open & closing dates

10/21/2019 to 11/05/2019

##### Service

Excepted

##### Pay scale & grade

GS 00

##### Salary

$29,974 to $48,938 per year

##### Appointment type

Permanent

##### Work schedule

Full-TimeLocation1 vacancy in the following location:-Manchester, NHRelocation expenses reimbursedNoTelework eligibleNo- DutiesSummaryThe purpose of the position is to serve as a Medical Support

Assistant (MSA), also known as Health Benefits Advisor, to the

Manchester Business Office. The incumbent is responsible for a wide

range of assignments and provides administrative support to the

section, and the clinical staff recovery aspects of this position

have a direct impact on the reimbursement of the facility.Learn more about this agencyResponsibilities

Verifies eligibility/entitlement for benefits of all applicants

using various methods including income assessments, military

discharge documents, computer hospital inquiry (HINQ), Veterans

Information Solution (VIS) and other means, such as

communications with VA Regional Office or VA Records Processing

Centers.

Advises the veterans of their entitlement to various medical

benefits and discusses co-payment requirements of veterans in

discretionary categories. Extreme tact, diplomacy and privacy

are required to explain complicated laws in this area.

Responds to inquiries from veterans, Medical Center staff and

other agencies regarding applying for care, eligibility, etc.

Accurately generates patient data cards for veterans applying

for care using the Veterans Identification Card (VIC) system.

Monitors enrolled patient data base information on a regular

basis (at a minimum, annually) to perform updates to health

insurance data, income assessments for the Means Test and

Pharmacy Co-pay Exemption programs as mandated by law.

Identifies and collates health insurance information from all

applicants for entry to the VistA, copies or scans insurance

company enrollment identification cards, researches employers as

needed to obtain complete data when applicants do not have

complete information.

Ensures that all new veterans to the system are registered

within 7 days of receipt of their application. New eligible

applicants will be given the appropriate appointments and

receive proper notification either by letter or post card.

In the performance of official duties, the employee 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, VA

statutes and policy, and VHA procedures.

The employee will have regular and recurring contact with

personnel external to the agency for the obtainment of services,

sharing of information and authorization, clarification or

denial of payment.

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

Financial Disclosure Report: Not requiredTravel RequiredNot requiredSupervisory statusNoPromotion Potential5

#### Job family (Series)

0679 Medical Support Assistance- RequirementsConditions 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

You may be required to serve a probationary period

Subject to a background/security investigation

Must be proficient in written and spoken English

Selected applicants will be required to complete an online

onboarding process

Most recent SF-50 with salary data

QualificationsBasic Requirements:

a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may

be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens

in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A,

paragraph 3g.)

b. Experience and Education

(1) 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

(2) Education. One year above high school; or

(3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of

experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which

both education and experience are acceptable.

c. English Language Proficiency. MSAs must be proficient in

spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part

II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met when

determining the grade of candidates.(1) GS-3 MSA (Entry Level)

(a) Experience or Education. None beyond the basic

requirements.(2) GS-4 MSA (Developmental Level)

(a) Experience or Education. One year of experience in

clerical or office work that indicates the ability to acquire the

particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the

position or two years of education above high school.

(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

Candidates must demonstrate 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 complete job assignments.

2. Ability to use various types of office automation equipment and

software.

3. Ability to set up, organize, and maintain record systems.(3) GS-5 MSA (Full Performance Level)

(a) Experience or Education. One year of experience equivalent

to the next lower grade level or 4 years of education above high

school.

(b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

Candidates must demonstrate the KSAs below:

1. Ability to operate computerized programs and databases in order

to enter, modify and retrieve sensitive information/data into or

from electronic medical records, scheduling systems and/or

reports.

2. Knowledge of basic medical terminology.

3. Ability to make appointments in a clinical setting.

4. Ability to work independently in the accomplishment of a wide

variety of duties, including setting priorities and coordinating

work.

5. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with

employees at varying grade levels.

6. Ability to identify customer's concerns, perform the tasks

required to resolve the issue accurately and timely, and follow-up

as necessary to ensure a satisfactory resolution.References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/53 PART II APPENDIX G45The 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: The majority of the work is performed in

an office setting, primarily while sitting. The position requires

some standing, ambulation, bending, and carrying of items such as

training materials.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.If you are unable to apply online view the following link for

information regarding an Alternate Application.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the

qualifications above.IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE

MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your

application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be

verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or

omissions may affect consideration for employment.Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer

work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps,

AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional;

philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and

skills and can provide valuable training and experience that

translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for

all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Background checks and security clearanceSecurity clearanceNot RequiredDrug test requiredNo- Required DocumentsTo apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application

Package which includes:

Resume

VA Form 10-2850c Application for Associated Health Occupations can

be found at:

http://www.va.gov/vaforms/searchaction.asp?FormNo=2850&tkey=&Action=Search.

(REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION)The following documents are accepted, and may be required if

applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this

position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all

documents required for your application, such as a copy of your

transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former

Federal employees), etc.

Cover Letter

VA Form 10-2850c

Performance Appraisal

Resume

SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

Transcript

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution

recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be

credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the

attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting

institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this

vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may

affect the overall rating.- BenefitsA career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a

comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your

family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to

make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal

benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold

and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.

Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific

benefits offered.- How to ApplyAll applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this

position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the

documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The

complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on

11/05/2019 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire

click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10634165.

To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log

in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your

USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete

the occupational questionnaire.

Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and

appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS

account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the

Application Status link and then select the more information link

for this position. The Details page will display the status of your

application, the documentation received and processed, and any

correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your

uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan

process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA

JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy

announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents

from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a

condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of

Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). HCP are individuals

who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where

patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients as

part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to,

VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers

(CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary

units, Vet centers and VA-leased facilities. HCP include all VA

licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and

unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee

basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers,

and trainees who work at these facilities. HCPs that are unable to

receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a

face mask throughout the influenza season.Agency contact informationBrian StrikePhone6036244366 [email protected] VA Medical Center

718 Smyth Road

Manchester, NH 03104

USLearn more about this agencyNext stepsOnce your online application is submitted you will receive a

confirmation notification by email. After we receive application

packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy

announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure

qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review

is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will

be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be

notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office

for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final

notification once a selection decision has been made.You may check the status of your application at any time by logging

into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information

regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help

Center.- Fair & TransparentThe Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent.

Please read the following guidance.Equal Employment Opportunity PolicyThe United States Government does not discriminate in employment on

the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and

gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual

orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age,

membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental

status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job

applicants

Reasonable Accommodation PolicyFederal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants

with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable

accommodation for any part of the application process should follow

the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part

of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the

hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable

accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work

environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an

individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties

or receive equal access to job benefits.Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide

reasonable accommodations when:

An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an

equal opportunity to apply for a job.

An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform

the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.

An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive

equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and

office-sponsored events.

You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the

application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are

considered on a case-by-case basis.Learn more about disability employment and reasonable accommodations

or how to contact an agency.Legal and regulatory guidance

Financial suitability

Social security number request

Privacy Act

Signature and false statements

Selective Service

New employee probationary period

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to

apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/549267000. Only resumes

submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed

at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.