Total 54 job vacancies by Veterans Health Administration

VA Careers - Medical Support Assistant: https://youtube.com/embed/EE9c4XkaELo

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf

Medical Support Assistant: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-MSA-VA-Career-Flyer.pdf

Work Schedule: 8:00am to 4:30pm(Monday to Friday)
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Adhoc-Available-(Employees who telework on an occasional, episodic, or short-term basis, and have completed required telework training and telework agreement.) (Portion of day acceptable)
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

- Uses the nursing process and evidence-based practice to collaborate with the Teamlet and larger Team (family/caregiver, internal and community-based services involved in providing care to the patient) in developing and patient -driven holistic care plan for life.
- Provides patient and family health education with a focus on self-management, prevention, and wellness, based on the patient's goals.
- Follows the patient's personalized health care plan as designated by the patient and Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT).
- Demonstrates advanced clinical knowledge in assessing planning, implementing, documenting, and evaluating care for a designated group of patients across the continuum of care
- Triages and applies a collaborative team approach in identifying, analyzing, and resolving patient care problems.
- Time management skills and excellent communication skills which enhance the nurse's ability to effectively work with others to facilitate the day-to-day mission of the clinic.
- Patients are to be triaged in a timely manner within 45 minutes of check in time and appointment is to be completed within 30 minutes.
- Provides indirect patient care in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team; serves as clinical resource expert; and functions as an educator for the team and patient.
- Functions as a systems coordinator; monitors progress and intervenes as necessary to ensure that patient outcomes are achieved within anticipated timeframes. Monitors progress along clinical pathways, analyzes variations and initiates appropriate actions.
- Is a role model in the provision of excellent customer service.
- Reviews Message Manager and assist Team to address/complete pending alerts communicated throughout tour of duty to facilitate care and address needs of the caller within 48 hours.
- Completes and documents Nursing Notes in CPRS, as applicable, in a timely manner and closes the Encounter Notes for patients not seen by a provider. Notes will be closed by the end of tour of duty daily. Areas to be addressed include: Encounters: reasons for visit-Service Connection; Primary assignment-Service connected conditions under the Diagnosis tab; Procedures, ACSC conditions, etc.
- Completes all clinical reminders that may be completed by the RN or LVN prior to the due date.
- Provides Care Management to patients with Ambulatory Care Sensitive Conditions (ACSCs) including reviewing the patient record, decide if the patient needs more in-depth education (formal and/or informal); nursing visits and/or telephone calls between provider visits to assist in care management. Collaborates with the High Risk Care Coordinators, Home Telehealth, social work, and/or dieticians for referrals and care management.
- Complete the Blood Glucose meter check daily, as applicable. After completing quality check, if applicable, and entering correct patient information for testing.
- Completes and documents secure messaging within 72 hours. Surrogate is identified at all times. Escalation of secure messaging must be maintained at 10% or less.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards

Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards
Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory

Work Schedule: 8 - 4:30pm, Monday thru Friday
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

The Acute Critical Care Advanced Nurse Practitioner practices as a Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) to provide a full range of services emphasizing quality, timeliness, and the advancement of the VA mission. The Acute Critical Care CNP provides advanced clinical practice, consultation, and management.

The Acute Critical Care CNP practices to the full extent of their education, training, and
certification. Core functions are outlined in the clinical privileges that correspond with this
position. The CNP has prescriptive authority for a panel of patients or program as indicated by
their position.

Major duties and responsibilities of the position
- Independently manages a panel of patients with acute and chronic health conditions with an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention using evidence-based practice
- Develops and implements an individualized plan to achieve optimal population health and disease management
- Demonstrates leadership and works collaboratively with Primary Care Team and other interdisciplinary team members
- Orders and interprets diagnostic studies
- Prescribes pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions.
- Initiates referrals/consults to specialty services
- Provides education to patients and their families
- Assesses and adjusts the plan of care as needed to achieve optimal patient outcomes
- Exemplifies the ICARE core values of-Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards

Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards
Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 7:30 to 4:00 pm
Telework:
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Contact , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf

Medical Support Assistant: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-MSA-VA-Career-Flyer.pdf

The Supervisory Medical Support Assistant position serves as the direct line supervisor for the Lead Medical Support Assistant(s) and all Medical Support Assistant staff and is a foundational role within the VHA Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT).

The primary duties of the Supervisory Medical Support Assistant (SMSA) may include but are not limited to:

• Planning and directing programs at medical centers and/or satellite outpatient clinics and has full supervisory responsibility for supervising at least one subordinate team leader or supervisor.
• Assigning and evaluating the work of subordinate staff; resolving complex problems to ensure patient services are met.
• Evaluating new products, equipment, and systems in order to make recommendations for improved operations.
• Assisting with clinic access contingency plans by adjusting appointment times, location, or dates as well as shift patients to other healthcare providers as conflict with staffing and/or coverage occurs.
• Ensuring that all necessary health/administrative information are integrated into Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) by sending the documents to the appropriate department for scanning.
• Participating in the daily teamlet huddles and weekly team meetings where patient care planning and management occur.
• Utilizing knowledge of VA regulations, Systems Redesign Principles, local Medical Center Memoranda/policies, and standard operating procedures.
• Extracting and analyzing data in order to provide reports in support of performance measures to senior management.
• Providing information about VA Medical Care Cost Recovery Program to patients regarding insurance data collection and revenue collection.
• Compiling readily available data from prescribed sources; knowledge of the organization to search records, files, or electronic data banks to locate information needed, and to verify information given.
• Applying policies and procedures associated with operational activities that affect workload data.
• Providing supervisory medical administrative support to one or more outpatient clinics and is an integral member of the outpatient clinic team to effectively carry out day-to-day administrative operations of the clinic.
• Assuring accurate appointment management and the coordination of all administrative information between the professional staff and the patient.
• Assuring appointment schedules are maintained by MSA staff for one or more outpatient clinics.
• Updating and verifying demographic information, scheduling appointments, collecting insurance information, data entry, administratively managing consultation requests and the electronic waiting list, and notifying the patient of his/her scheduled appointment.
• Orienting medical staff to basic administrative policies and procedures dealing with outpatient scheduling and other administrative topic.
• Providing administrative support to Physicians, Physician's Assistants, Nurses, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners, Dietitians, Social Workers, and other administrative and professional staff throughout the Service area.
• Scheduling and coordinating appointments for diagnostic testing, and consultative appointments for many clinical services.
• Conducting individual quality assurance/process improvement checks/studies.
• Assisting staff with a variety of clerical duties in one or more outpatient clinics that provide a variety of medical services.

Major Duties (To include but not limited to):

• Leads the provision of nursing care to patients with complex care needs utilizing the nursing process in alignment with the ANA Standards of Nursing Practice.
• Improves Veteran/patient driven care by resolving experience issues such as coordination of care, timeliness or process issues, common themes of dissatisfaction, or environment of care concerns for the immediate practice setting.
• Serves as an advocate for patients, families, and caregivers, improving outcomes for the immediate practice setting.
• Leadsthe implementation of high reliability principles and I CARE valuesto increase consistency of care delivered and improve patient outcomes.
• Demonstrates the ability to improve the effectiveness of communications and interactions with others, to inspire their cooperation and confidence to ensure safe and effective outcomes in the current practice setting.
• Considers alternative courses of action. Respectsthe opinions, abilities, and contributions of others. Encourages individual growth and development.
• Expands knowledge base and practice evaluation through mentoring, precepting, and/or teaching to improve outcomes in the immediate practice setting.
• Takesresponsibility for personal and professional career goals. Supportsthe professional growth of others.
• Applies evidence-based practice/research resulting in improved outcomesin the immediate practice setting.
• Leads patient care improvement through monitoring, analyzing, and evaluating care outcomes in the immediate practice setting.

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf
Medical Support Assistant: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-MSA-VA-Career-Flyer.pdf

Incumbent is responsible for assuring that various aspects of staffing, training, compliance, reporting, quality assurance, and budgetary initiatives are met. These activities directly affect the revenue cycle, patient access to care, hospital performance goals and objectives, as well as VHA public image. The incumbent plays an integral role in identifying and developing ways to resolve problems with the administrative and clinical staff on access, customer service, patient flow, revenue, and data validation issues. Their work also impacts processes, action plans, monitoring, and reporting. Failure to perform these duties properly could result in the Veteran not receiving the treatment to which they are entitled or priority access to care to which they are entitled. The lack of coordination provided by this employee could have a negative impact upon clinical and/or administrative functions. A large part of the duties of the incumbent is acting as a receptionist at the clinic, either face-to-face or telephonic, requiring excellent customer service skills. The work requires a high degree of judgment in responding to both employee and patient concerns and providing solutions to process problems as they affect day-to-day operations. The work is mostly sedentary and is performed in various outpatient clinic or office settings responsible for treating patients with a wide variety of medical problems. The performance of daily rounds to the assigned clinic areas is required. This may include frequent visits to off-site clinics to fill-in for or interact with the Clinical Support Section employees and clinical/administrative staff in these areas. Maybe required to work staggered shifts and/or weekend clinics in support of access to care initiatives.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized
Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases
Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year). Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.
Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 000000

The RN Care Coordinator provides care coordination for veterans who are assigned to a Geriatric Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT). Coordination of care and services for veterans that includes but is not limited to veterans with chronic disease, veterans with limited functional status, complex medical, psycho-social and/or mental health needs, severely-injured service members and veterans, and veterans with intensive continuing care needs that will require coordination of and referrals to various levels of care. The incumbent begins the coordination process at the time the patient is identified and works collaboratively with staff within the Patient Aligned Care Team as well as staff throughout the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facility that may also be involved in his/her care, staff from other VHA facilities, Military Treatment Facilities, and referring facilities/community agencies. The RN Care Coordinator completes an assessment of functional status, acuity level, prognosis, and assesses the need for treatment services and resources. The RN Care Coordinator initiates contact with the veteran and/or caregiver to assist and ensure best clinical outcomes, quality of life, and a seamless transition between facilities and levels of care. The RN Care Coordinator monitors veteran's status and health services use while the veteran is receiving care from the PACT. The incumbent communicates and collaborates with the Interdisciplinary Team to develop and coordinate the treatment plan for veterans in the inpatient or outpatient setting.. The incumbent, in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Team, is responsible for coordinating performance improvement initiatives and for collecting relevant data required for Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) certification and Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) standards. The RN Care Coordinator provides appropriate care for the veterans, taking into consideration diagnosis and physical, psychosocial, spiritual, cultural, environmental and social support needs.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards

Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards
Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday,0800-1630
Telework: Available Ad Hoc only
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Duties
may include but are not limited to:

• The Mobile Provider iPad Program and the Digital Divide Program are sponsored by the VHA Office of Connected Care (OCC). The Mobile Provider iPad Program provides iPads to Clinicians to use in the day-to-day patient care activities. The Digital Divide Program provides electronic devices to veterans in need, assisting them in communicating with their care providers;
• The incumbent is a point of contact for providers desiring to enroll in the Mobile Provider Program. The incumbent is knowledgeable of OCC's rules governing eligibility for enrollment. Assists providers to navigate the iPad request process. The incumbent assists providers with initial device setup as well as problem solving/troubleshooting device issues;
• Incumbent maintains inventory of iPads issued to STX providers, tracks, and reports to Connected Health Coordinator when iPad Data Plans are due for renewal. Works with providers who no longer desire or need an iPad follows proper protocol to return the devices to OCC;
• The incumbent works with stakeholders to provide device training to those patients enrolled in the OCC Digital Divide Program. Ensures patient has necessary software applications and is familiar with usage;
• The incumbent is responsible for training service and facility staff in various information technology packages to include but not limited to Secure Messaging. provides oversight for a variety of software programs integral to the overall administration and operations of the Health Informatics;
• The incumbent provides user support through training and troubleshooting problems; equipment support including maintaining the inventory, assisting with requests for repair and maintenance, and assisting with new equipment requests. The work involves preparing reports and presentation materials, managing, and responding to routine and recurring IT support needs, training, and office support needs within the Health Informatics Service line;
• Position will required travel to VA outreach and training events for coverage and will require irregular tour of duties to meet support needs. Government Vehicle or Travel reimbursement will be requested when traveling beyond 50 miles of your base location.

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf

Medical Support Assistant: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-MSA-VA-Career-Flyer.pdf
The AMSA:

• acts in the capacity of liaison/expeditor between patients and clinical staff as well as specialty staff and ancillary services. In both PACT and Specialty Care Support, patient care is delivered in a team based, or "teamlet" model, and PACT principles are fully utilized. Members of the teamlet include the MSA, a Registered Nurse Care Manager, a Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse and a Primary Care Provider or Specialty Care Provider.
• works collaboratively in an interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery model in PACT or specialty care setting where the PACT model is used and may be required to serve on more than one team.
• independently manages position responsibilities with little supervision as well as set priorities and deadlines adjusting the flow and sequencing of the work to meet team and patient needs.
• sets tone for perception concerning quality of healthcare services at the VA. Must determine nature of requests and provide information desired using privacy rules and established clinic processes. High degree of tact and diplomacy is required when dealing with veterans who have multiple health problems and who may be frustrated with the administrative process associated with diagnosis and treatment.
• is responsible for proper and timely treatment of patients, maintains appointment schedules for one or more outpatient clinics.
• reviews clinic utilization by using various reports (e.g., Clinic Utilization Statistical Summary) and assist with clinic access contingency plans by adjusting appointment times, location, or dates as well as shift patients to other healthcare providers as conflict with staffing and/or coverage occurs.
• notifies supervisor when clinic access is outside established performance guidelines or if an individual patient cannot be scheduled within mandated clinic timeframes and/or by the patient's desired date.
• works with team to reinforce plan of care by entering appropriate information into the electronic record (when directed) and through monitoring pre-appointment requirements to assure readiness for patient visit/procedure (e.g., X-ray, lab work).
• schedules appointments in accordance with current established VA/VHA Directives, Handbooks, policies, and procedures.
• reviews active/pending consults, Electronic Wait List, and Recall List reports for accuracy and disposition daily. All appointments will be made with the patient's input or based on instructions from the clinic provider or other appropriate clinic staff. This may require a high level of coordination to avoid patients having to make multiple trips to the medical center or clinic whenever possible.
• notifies provider or other appropriate clinical staff if scheduling instructions are contrary to current established VA/VHA Directives, Handbooks, policies and procedures. Scheduling instruction conflicts which cannot be appropriately resolved within teamlet must be elevated to the MSA's supervisor.
• supports patient safety standards using the correct Veterans Affairs identification of all patients through use of two forms of ID, name, and full Social Security Number. Patient may also present Veterans Identification Card (VIC) for identification.
• uses each interaction with patient to validate and update patient demographic information, either in person during check-in or over the phone, to decrease the incidence of returned mail due to incorrect addresses and inability to contact patient by phone due to incorrect number.
• explains the VA's mandate to collect insurance information to veterans, their families, and other eligible patients.
• collects, scans, and updates health insurance information serving a major role in the revenue process.
• contributes to the revenue collection process by identifying patients with third party insurance.
• may also be required to train other MSA levels on the Insurance Capture Buffer (ICB) process.
• promotes veteran registration for and utilization of My HealtheVet (MHV).
• ensures that all necessary health/administrative information are integrated into Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) by scanning the documents into the records, when received.
• performs the scanning duties and may be asked to train other MSAs on the process. All documents signed by the provider, nurse or other staff to be given to the patient will be scanned under the miscellaneous tab in the patient's records.
• fully participates in the daily teamlet huddles and weekly team meetings to manage and plan patient care; setting priorities and deadlines, adjusting the patient/workflow and sequencing of the work to meet team and patient needs.

The Registered Nurse, Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Completes face to face, telephone, and video assessments to establish nursing diagnoses as needed.
• Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates care based on population specific components.
• Carries out assigned patient care based on the patients' conditions; to use judgment in selecting the appropriate order and sequence of procedures and treatments; and to accurately recognize, report and record relevant patient information.
• Observes, identifies and responds to the patient's needs for care, including medication, equipment-assisted care, and patient/family education.
• Provides health education and procedural teaching to patients and significant others.
• Performs procedures per established policies and guidelines.
• Influences care outcomes using effective communication and collaboration with members of the interdisciplinary team.
• Administers medicine per established policies and guidelines.
• Establishes priorities and making ethically-sound decisions to ensure safe patient care.
• Assists the physicians during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to promote optimal patient outcomes by team collaboration.
• Responds to emergency situations to promote optimal patient outcomes by recognizing changes in patient's health status.
• Performs diagnostic studies within the scope of nursing practice as ordered by the physician.
• Documents patient data to ensure continuity in the provision and coordination of patient care.
• Collaborates with other health care professionals.
• Communicates with veterans and family members regarding veteran's care.
• Applies knowledge and understanding of human behavior, patient motivations and reactions to situations, and ability to appropriately utilize this knowledge in working effectively with patients, family members and other staff.
• Establishes constructive relationships with individual patients and their families to promote positive relationships and communication.
• Fosters an environment of respect for individual patient and family rights to privacy and dignity in all aspects of care delivery.
• May be responsible for charge nurse duties.
• Manages follow-up care.
• Acts as resource to others.
• Participates in continuing education, achieving/maintaining certification.
• Possess knowledge of unit level quality improvement indicators.
• Applies knowledge and actively participates in unit/program level quality improvement processes and initiatives. -
• Provides excellent customer service according to ICARE values.
• Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience, and creative approaches in the management of complex patient care.
• Additional duties as assigned such as covering/float to other teams (Teamlet).

Major Duties as Assigned, but not limited to:

• Incumbent will be the first line of contact with the Veteran and must be knowledgeable on a wide variety of subjects regarding the VA.
• Responsible for running the Encounter Action Required Report (EARR) and providing findings to providers to facilitate accurate workload credit and revenue collection.
• Promotes Veteran registration for and utilization of MyHealtheVet (MHV), an online personal health record for Veterans.
• Performs in-person authentication (IPA) for Veterans requesting initial access to individually identifiable health information within the MHV web-based application.
• Responsible for receiving and routing all Veterans who report to the facilities for scheduled and unscheduled examinations and appointments.
• Ensures that the patients are electronically checked in for their appointments.
• Responsible for processing first party requests and ensuring forms are complete and accurate.
• Responsible for ensuring non-VA records are forwarded to the appropriate provider for review and forward to the appropriate agency prior to inclusion into the patient's medical record.
• Captures insurance and demographic information on all Veterans, explaining VA's role in insurance reimbursement.
• Responsible for running the following reports/queries on a daily basis (not all-inclusive): Open Text Orders, Patient Care Encounter (PCE), Recall Reminder Delinquent Report, Recall Reminder Non-Compliant Report, and Consult Tracking Report.
• Receives telephone calls and visitors to the VA, (i.e., patients, families, and friends of patients) regarding such things as the availability of, and procedures for obtaining medical assistance, directions and information for contacting various departments, services and requests for changes in scheduled appointments.
• Schedules outpatient clinic appointments according to VHA Directive 2010-027 using Veterans Heath Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VistA) scheduling options or VistA Scheduling Enhancement (VSE).
• Must work in a multi-screen computer environment being able to use VistA and CPRS (Computerized Patient Record System) screens bilaterally.
• May be required to cross cover for other areas of the service due to patient care needs, workload demands or staff shortages.

Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf

Medical Support Assistant: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-MSA-VA-Career-Flyer.pdf

The Medical Support Assistant (MSA) position serves as a Consult Coordinator for Community Care. The MSA works collaboratively with other members of expanded health care teams (i.e., Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT), specialty care) including Community Care providers, pharmacists, social workers, dieticians, behavioral health staff, etc. to provide a robust interdisciplinary approach to care. Important interfaces and collaborations also occur with larger health care system providers including VA and non-VA specialists, hospitals, diagnostic and treating facilities, and community-based programs. The primary duties of the Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) may include but are not limited to:

• Maintains appointment schedules for Community Care.
• Communicates with Community Care providers to ensure they accept VA patients and payments.
• Prepares any required pre-appointment documents.
• Schedules the appropriate level of care and documents the schedule in the appropriate consult.
• Obtains medical documentation from community providers, scans to appropriate consult within the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) and alerts VA providers for continuity of care.
• Coordinates internal and external care between customers and providers.
• Processes consults following Office of Community Care procedures and guidelines and enters appropriate authorizations, if required, utilizing the correct Fund Control Point (FCP)/Obligation number and correct cost estimations.
• Supports patient safety standards using the correct Veterans Affairs identification of all patients through the use of two forms of identification, name and Social Security Number. The patient may also present the Veterans Healthcare Identification Card (VHIC) for identification.
• Validates and updates patient demographic information, either in person during check-in or over the phone, to decrease the incidence of returned mail due to incorrect addresses and inability to contact patient by phone due to incorrect number.
• Explains the VA's mandate to collect insurance information to Veterans, their families, and other eligible patients.
• Collects, scans, and updates health insurance information, serving a major role in the revenue process. The AMSA contributes to the revenue collection process by identifying patients with third-party insurance.
• Promotes Veteran registration for and utilization of My HealtheVet (MHV).
• Schedules Veteran appointments with community providers using VistA or other software scheduling options.
• Uses established business rules to schedule appointment for Veterans which includes clinic visits, consultations, and entries into the Recall Reminder system and Electronic Wait List (EWL).
• Complies with the mandatory training requirements for the outpatient scheduling processes.
• Ensures all appointments are scheduled timely and the provider and patient's desired dates are met.

The Registered Nurse for Acute Care is responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct patient care. Assesses, plans, implements and evaluates care based on age specific components. Assumes responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient transition through the continuum of care, patient and family education, patient self-management after discharge, and supporting factors that impact customer satisfaction. Considers all characteristics of the individual, including age and life stages, state of health, race and culture, and previous experiences. Administers medications and procedures per established policies and guidelines. Influences care outcomes by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team. Core elements of performance include knowledge and active participation in the unit/program level quality improvement process and initiatives as well as customer service programs.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards

Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards
Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory

Work Schedule: 8 and 12 hour shifts, to include days, nights, weekends and holidays
Compressed/Flexible: Available
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
Bargaining Unit: This position is part of the Bargaining unit.

Duties may include but are not limited to:

• Extensive knowledge of SWS and its programs as they relate to administrative functions.
• Detailed knowledge of the organizational structure of the VA at local and higher levels, in-depth working knowledge of VA policies and regulations especially those pertaining to SWS and its Programs.
• Knowledge and ability to apply patient privacy regulations and release of information procedures.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and usages, (in general, medicine, surgical, geriatrics, hospital terms, medical abstracts, abbreviations, nursing, social work, pharmacology, aging, and home health), spelling, grammar, and composition, and ability to determine and follow required formats for VA memos and reports.
• Ability to plan effectively, set priorities, coordinate activities, have a high degree of skill in oral and written communications with a variety of people of different backgrounds and comprehension, and present a positive image of the VA to the community. This may include clerical, technical, administrative, and professional people at all levels in the medical center and community agencies.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations, to modify plans and demonstrate flexibility in changing circumstances, while displaying a high degree of interpersonal skill.
• Knowledge of the duties, priorities, commitments, policies, and program goals of SWS staff, and ability to support these with a spirit of teamwork in performing non-routine assignments. Knowledge sufficient to recognize which information is or is not relevant to the problem at hand. Ability to perform, plan and organize work in situations where numerous demands are made.
• Knowledge required to coordinate the work of the office with other stakeholders, and for recognizing the need for such coordination in various circumstances.
• Thorough knowledge of statistical and analytical processes and deductive reasoning to conduct problem and trend identification and resolution.
• Skill in use of Microsoft Work, Outlook, and Excel programs, scheduling, and other VISTA packages as indicated by duties of the position. Ability to retrieve information from CPRS to assist field staff with information needs by phone.
• Skill in operation and routine maintenance of facsimile and copier machines, as well as personal computers and printers.
• Ability to identify safety issues related to patient/staff safety and acts appropriately to report unsafe conditions.
• Skill in applying basic data gathering methods, such as standard interviewing or surveying techniques, to collect various types of factual information.
• Excellent telephone and personal interaction skills to ensure tact and diplomacy in dealing with veterans, families, high level officials, staff and other administrative and clinical departments, representatives from private and community corporations, members of service organizations and other stakeholders.
• Plans and carries out the successive steps and handles problems and deviations in the work assignment in accordance with instructions, policies, previous training or accepted practices in the occupation.
• The work includes various duties involving different and unrelated processes and methods.

The Primary Care Provider (PCP) Float will provide primary care services in support of primary care operations in the San Antonio service area. As a float provider, this position will provide support to Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) at an assigned San Antonio Clinic and may be detailed to other VA Clinics in San Antonio as staffing and workload dictate.

THE PCP Float may be asked to provide coverage for a vacant/absent PACT provider to supplement PACT services by delivering same-day care, routine scheduled care, or new patient intake for PACT panel(s).

The Primary Care Physician is responsible for providing Comprehensive Primary Care for Veterans and should, in the context of a longitudinal relationship, fulfill all primary care needs, including acute and chronic illness, gender-specific PC, mental health (Screen for conditions such as depression, substance use/abuse, military sexual trauma and PTSD, and evaluate and treat uncomplicated mental health disorders as well as substance use disorders and refer patients appropriately for further evaluation and treatment of sexual assault and military sexual trauma, mental health disorders and substance use disorders) and preventative care (age-appropriate cancer screening e.g., colon, breast and cervical cancer - as well as weight management counseling, Chlamydia screening (when indicated), smoking cessation and immunizations, etc.) along with coordination of care delivery (when specialty care is needed, the primary care provider will coordinate this care and communicate with the specialty provider regarding the evaluation and treatment plan to ensure continuity of care).

The PACT Model is a patient-driven, team-based approach that delivers efficient, comprehensive, and continuous care through active communication and coordination of health services through an interdisciplinary team that includes the PCP, RN Care Manager, LVN, clerical associate as well as other clinical services necessary to meet the health goals and needs of the Veteran patient including specialists. While the Primary Care provider's relationship with the Veteran patient will remain key, that bond will be augmented and strengthen by involving other health care staff as part of an integrated team. Together the team takes responsibility for the Veteran patient's ongoing care through a cooperative effort among all members.

Alternative or collateral duties may include management of a subsection of primary care patients, the subsection may be defined either by a disease status, or demographic status (e.g., women veterans, OIF/OEF veterans, employees, etc.). Typically these duties are designated at the time of joining but occasionally during the course of employment, participation in special projects pertinent to assigned section may be necessary as the projects become available through strategic or other initiatives.

Physicians may be assigned duty as a supervising or collaborating physician for one or more mid-level providers. Physicians are expected to provide clinical oversight and review the care provided by mid-level practitioners. Most providers will need to act as surrogates for the patients of their colleagues, when one or more of their colleagues are on leave.

Driving Requirement: Selectee will be expected to travel and must posses a valid and unrestricted driver's license.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday (8:00 a.m. - 4:30p.m)


VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards.

Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized for Internal Employees.
Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): Learn more.
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VISN17EDRP2@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance.
Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases
Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME)
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory
CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification)
Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided
Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting