The Ann Arbor, MI VA Medical Center is currently recruiting for a Program Support Assistant (Credentialing Specialist). This position is assigned to the Credentialing and Privileging (C&P) Office, which is under the Chief of Staff Service and is responsible for providing administrative and technical direction and support to the credentialing operations. The Credentialing Specialist is aligned to and supervised by the C&P Manager.

Duties

The Credentialing Specialist has continuing responsibility for specialized duties to accomplish the mission and function of the credentials program at the VAMC. Serves as subject matter expert (SME) in the field of credentialing. Uses significant judgement to inform leadership and appropriate administrative staff of program changes, new regulatory requirements, policies and procedures or issues and concerns pertaining to the credentialing program. Assists C&P Manager or Analyst in drafting local credentialing procedures for LIP and Non-LIPs. Receives and reviews correspondence and communications for the credentials function and determines which items require immediate attention and which are confidential in nature. Receives and reviews VetPro reports detecting problem areas requiring further investigation. Upon identification of a problem, researches reference materials, regulations, and standards to identify appropriate action necessary to correct the problem. Issues of a serious nature are elevated to C&P Manager/Analyst for guidance. Manages provider applications (initial) for Non-LIPs credentialing within the VAMC. Credentialing Specialist must have knowledge of medical specialties. Upon receipt of individual credentials' files for review, Credentialing Specialist ensures primary source verification to include, but not limited to, state licenses, certifications, and required certifications. Primary source verification includes, but may not be limited to, the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), state licensing agencies, specialty certification boards, universities, DoD and healthcare facilities and assist with verification of LIP applications. Assures application packages and other documents meet technical requirements per specialty of provider and assures application folder and database account (VetPro or other internal databases and spreadsheets) meet technical requirements. Communicates with Non-LIPs to assure timely completion of applications and VetPro requirements. Provides oversight to application process; analyzes exceptions and deviations in expected application process; determines course of action and makes recommendations. Determines processes for coordination of incoming data and documents from a variety of sources. Documents include, but are not limited to, VA applications for employment, primary source verifications of education and training, peer recommendations, licensure, certifications, NPDB single or NPDB Continuous Query (CQ) reports (Category 2 occupations) and personal history. Reviews documents and applications for omissions and inconsistencies and assures data entry is complete and accurate to meet VHA policy and regulation, and TJC standards. Reviews documents received and determines course of action based on information provided within documents. Contacts provider for omissions and/or inconsistencies in information; initiates primary source verification of credentials. Analyzes and manages issues related to documents that do not meet expected requirements, regulations or guidelines such as adverse actions against licensures, certifications, and NPDB) CQ reports. Independently selects appropriate method of validation, based on approved sources. As SME, may be requested to meet with surveyors such as TJC face to face to present non-LIP files and answer questions concerning the program. Manages the work involving the tracking of data and documents in support of the credentialing operation. Refers current issues, trends, problem areas as well as recommended program revisions to Credentials functions through the C&P Manager/Analyst. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Compressed/Flexible: Available Telework: VA supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Program Support Assistant (Credentialing Specialist)/PD99868A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/24/2024. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-7 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-6. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. Note: You must submit a copy of your most recent personnel action/SF-50. Additionally, An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. Interchange Agreement: Applicants must be eligible under the VA Interchange Agreement, having served continuously for at least one year in the other merit system under this interchange agreement. For more information regarding the VA Interchange Agreement please visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-authorities/competitive-hiring/. You may qualify based on your experience as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-6 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Comprehensive knowledge of VetPro policies, including but not limited to, VetPro Data Integrity, VAMC level access control, mandatory annual VetPro security and confidentiality training, and mandatory annual privacy act training; Ability to communicate orally technical information to a diverse group of individuals with varying levels of understanding; Knowledge of the contacts required for verification of information in health care provider files; Ability to communicate in writing to prepare emails, letters, and reports; Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities and meet deadlines. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Attention to DetailClericalTechnical Competence 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: The work is mostly sedentary. Occasionally, light physical effort may be required, such as that involved with walking, stair climbing, and carrying of light office items. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Contacts

• Address Ann Arbor VA Medical Center 2215 Fuller Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 US
• Name: Jessica Kidd
• Phone: 734-596-3177
• Email: [email protected]