The Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System is currently recruiting for one Lead Medical Support Assistant located in the Business Office at Bakersfield, CA or Santa Maria, CA. Lead MSA performs and assign workload of subordinates to conduct the intake, interviewing and administrative process for patients and beneficiaries applying for medical benefits and/or travel benefits. The Lead is expected to be competent in interpretations of all policies, laws, VA regulations, directives and procedures.

Duties

This position is located at the Bakersfield VA Clinic, 1801 Westwind Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93301 or Santa Maria VA Clinic 1550 E Main St, Santa Maria, CA 93454. Duties include but not limited to: Assist the supervisor as an administrative advisor to clinical and administrative staff. Competent interpretations of VA Regulations, Directives and the CFR are a major responsibility in assisting the clinical and Eligibility/Travel Unit staff in addition to creative problem solving. Responsible for resolving internal procedures requested by the clinical staff members as the incumbent is regarded as primary liaison between administrative and clinical staff in the Business Office section. Assist in congressional inquiries, investigating the impact of new directives, guidelines and Medical Center Memorandums and suggesting processes that need to be implemented or changed to assure compliance with policy changes. Extensive knowledge with matters pertaining to the administrative aspects of patient care and veteran medical benefits. Must be able to assess workload at any given time and assist all staff and/or redistribute workload. Vast knowledge of Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Veteran Health Administration (VHA) directives and laws governing VA medical benefits and travel benefits and the overall programs related to the health care delivery system. Knowledge and ability to locate, extract, and present information in clear and effective language so decisions may be made to best achieve facility goals. Able to provide accurate information to management, employees and patients regarding veteran benefits such as: applications and/or admissions to inpatient and/or outpatient status, nursing home care, and beneficiary travel benefits. Competent in determining eligibility pertaining to inpatient and outpatient care, death benefits, non-VA treatment, beneficiary travel benefits, etc. Must recognize potential workload problems resulting from shortages of personnel and be prepared to develop and suggest corrective measures to the supervisor and/or adjust as needed. Keep in touch with the status and progress of work and make day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities, obtaining assistance from the supervisor on problems that may arise, such as backlogs, which cannot be disposed of promptly. Give on-the-job training to new employees in accordance with established procedures and practices. Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday (8:00am - 4:30pm) Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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. English Language Proficiency: MSAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Policy. Experience and Education: Experience: Six months experience of clerical, office, customer service, or other administrative 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 entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. 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: In addition to the basic requirements above, all applicants must also meet the following grade requirement for a Lead Medical Support Assistant, GS-0679-07. They must have one (1) year of experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level and also be able to demonstrate the KSAs listed below: 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 resources. 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. Skill in communicating with individuals to obtain the desired effect and coordinating with a variety of interdisciplinary care team staff 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. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/117 PART II APPENDIX G45, dated August 1, 2019The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary with prolonged periods of sitting. The work requires moderate lifting, carrying, pushing, standing; reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; ability to read without strain; ability to hear the whispered voice with or without hearing aid; emotional & mental stability.

Education

IMPORTANT: 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System 11301 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90073 US
• Name: Michael Zimmerman
• Phone: (858) 552-8585 X5350
• Email: [email protected]