Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)-Community Care

Veterans Health Administration•Saint Cloud, MN

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Advanced Medical Support Assistant (AMSA) provides specialized and expert administrative patient support in Community Care, working collaboratively within an interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery model. The role requires specialized administrative judgment and flexible use of clinical flow processes to support access to care across multiple clinics, specialties, and community care resources. The AMSA may recommend changes to clinic procedures based on current administrative guidelines. The AMSA maintains effective communication with patients, interdisciplinary teams, VA medical centers, and community providers. Work includes coordinating approved community care, managing follow-up tracking, supporting patient care planning, monitoring readiness for appointments or procedures, and obtaining requested records and alerting providers. Performance is evaluated based on operational effectiveness, work quality and accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with procedures, policies, and instructions. This is a permanent, non-virtual position with a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telework is not available. The full-performance level is GS-6. The position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
High school diploma, GED, or a qualifying proficiency certificate.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
One year of experience equivalent to the GS-5 level, including independently performing healthcare administrative duties in an inpatient or outpatient setting.
Advanced knowledge of technical healthcare processes related to access to care, including interdisciplinary scheduling, community care models, and patient healthcare portals.
Advanced knowledge of policies and procedures for coordinated care and community care operations affecting patient flow and administrative support, including appointment cycles, outside referrals, follow-up care, overbooking, and provider availability.
Advanced knowledge of medical terminology.
Ability to collaborate and communicate with medical clinicians across multiple disciplines to support team goals and patient care.
Ability to independently set priorities and organize work to meet deadlines while following established processes, policies, and regulations.
Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively with internal and external customers electronically, by phone, in person, and in writing; this may include preparing reports, presenting data, and resolving patient concerns.
Successful completion of required application steps and an online assessment.
Ability to meet background and security investigation requirements and complete online onboarding.
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Willingness to serve a one- or two-year trial period.
Compliance with applicable pre-employment physical examination or evaluation requirements.

Nice To Haves

One year of Community Care scheduling experience.

Responsibilities

Communicate and coordinate with patients, interdisciplinary teams, VA medical centers, and community providers.
Communicate with community medical facilities and release appropriate medical information to community providers.
Collaborate with patients and the VA care team, and notify patients of approved care.
Develop and manage tracking systems for follow-up care, including consults and tests.
Participate in team huddles and meetings to manage and plan patient care.
Set priorities and deadlines for assigned work.
Monitor pre-appointment requirements to ensure readiness for visits or procedures, such as X-rays and laboratory work.
Provide input on operational problems or procedures during team meetings and perform administrative follow-up actions.
Independently follow up on an individual caseload.
Authorize care in the community while exercising fiscal responsibility.
Obtain requested records and alert providers to results.
Perform administrative duties related to healthcare access and patient support.