Medical Support Assistant - Inpatient

Veterans Health Administration • Minneapolis, MN

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Support Assistant is a vital member of the inpatient healthcare team at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, a Complexity Level 1A tertiary care facility. The role provides reception, patient support, records, scheduling, and administrative services for inpatient care. The incumbent performs work with minimal supervision, communicates accurately and professionally, protects confidential patient information, and supports a positive and safe workplace. The full performance level is GS-5; selection may be at GS-3 through GS-5. The work schedule is 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., including every other weekend and every other holiday. Telework and virtual work are not available.

This occupational series may be eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program, with repayment limited to $40,000 per year and $100,000 over a lifetime. Participants must sign a three-year service agreement and maintain an acceptable level of performance. The position requires U.S. citizenship, spoken and written English proficiency, a background/security investigation, seasonal influenza vaccination, and completion of pre-employment and onboarding requirements. A one- or two-year trial period applies.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited as permitted by law.
• High school diploma, GED equivalency certificate, or a state or territorial proficiency certificate.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• For GS-4: one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade, or one year of education above high school, and the required demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• For GS-4: ability to interact courteously and helpfully with people from varied backgrounds and healthcare team members; use and navigate office automation equipment and software; apply basic medical terminology; and record patient messages and understand physician requests for follow-up care.
• For GS-5: one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade, or two years of education above high school, and the required demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• For GS-5: ability to use computerized systems to enter, modify, and retrieve sensitive medical and patient-identifying information; advanced medical terminology knowledge; ability to schedule clinical appointments and work independently; professional communication with internal and external customers; and customer-service skills to identify concerns and refer them appropriately.
• Complete the required application steps and online assessment.
• Undergo a background/security investigation and complete online onboarding and pre-employment requirements.
• Participate in the Department of Veterans Affairs seasonal influenza vaccination program.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period.
• Education used to qualify must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and from an accredited institution; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and transcript for consideration.

Responsibilities

• Perform assigned tasks with minimal supervision and in accordance with policies, guidelines, and procedures.
• Communicate thoroughly, correctly, and precisely in verbal and written interactions.
• Receive patients, visitors, and staff at the unit and handle reception duties in person, by telephone, patient callbox, email, written messages, or other methods.
• Interact with representatives of outside agencies, including the Joint Commission, Office of Inspector General, Veterans Integrated Service Network, and Veterans Health Administration, when necessary.
• Protect confidential patient information by using security practices such as protecting computer access and requesting identification from unknown individuals seeking patient information.
• Create, complete, distribute, and retain medical record documentation related to patient hospitalization and discharge, in accordance with facility policies and applicable requirements.
• Record or enter complex physician orders involving patient activity, diets, tests, appointments, treatments, and medications.
• Record, transcribe, and initiate computer entries for patient movement and status, including admissions, observation, inter-ward transfers, bed assignments, authorized absences, short stays, clinic and lodger check-in/check-out, provider entry, treating specialty, and discharge type.
• Coordinate and schedule inpatient appointments and discharge follow-up appointments using applicable interoffice scheduling methods.
• Manage multiple tasks and adjust short-term priorities to complete responsibilities efficiently and on time.
• Ensure office equipment is working and promptly correct or report failures.
• Maintain and replenish office supply inventory.
• Encourage a positive workplace and team building.
• Assist other Medical Support Assistants with difficult or uncooperative customers, emergencies, high workloads, and other needs.
• Maintain a neat and clean work area, including desks, countertops, and storage.
• Remain aware of safety concerns and applicable regulations, policies, and procedures, and use appropriate safety practices.
• Perform other Medical Support Assistant-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Potential eligibility for the Student Loan Repayment Program, subject to program requirements and a three-year service agreement.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED