The Lead Medical Support Assistant (MSA) serves within the Community Care Service line with Iowa City VA Healthcare System in Iowa City, IA. The Lead MSA must demonstrate the ability to effectively plan, organize, and execute a wide range of responsibilities and interactions with staff and Veterans. This position provides MSA leadership and is an integral member of the team to effectively carry out day to day administrative operations in the department.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS a. Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3.g.). b. Experience and Education. (1) 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, (2) Education. One year above high school; OR, (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. c. Certification. None required. d. Grandfathering Provision. All MSAs employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series, and grade held, which are a part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply: Such employees may be reassigned, promoted, or changed to a lower grade within the occupation Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. If an employee who was converted to Title 38 hybrid status under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. e. Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. f. Physical Requirements g. English Language Proficiency. MSAs must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3.j. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following experience criteria must be met. Lead Medical Support Assistant, GS-7 Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-6 (Advanced MSA) grade level. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate all of the KSAs below. i. 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. ii. Ability to utilize numerous advanced patient systems in support of multiple clinics in an interdisciplinary setting. iii. Ability to organize work, set priorities, and delegate tasks/responsibilities in order to meet deadlines. iv. Skill in communicating with individuals to obtain the desired effect [and coordinating with a variety of interdisciplinary care team staff]. v. Ability to provide staff development and training. vi. 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. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-7. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-7. Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary, however, there may be some walking, standing, bending and transporting items under 20 pounds. Works extensively in the hospital computer system.
The Lead MSA is responsible for daily workload assessments, assigning work, and assuring proper staffing coverage, evaluating training records, conducting appointment audits, and determining training needs of MSAs to provide support across interdisciplinary settings. The Lead assists the department with complex and non-standard procedures, including clinical flow processes. Assignments at this level include but are not limited to: Distributing and balancing the workload among employees, in accordance with established work flow or job specialization Assuring timely accomplishment of the assigned workload Monitors the status and progress of work, and makes day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities Obtaining assistance from the supervisor on problems that may arise Provides on the job training for employees in accordance with established procedures and practices Ensuring accurate and timely scheduling of appointments Providing guidance to staff members, to include changes in policies and procedures Acts as a liaison among Advanced MSA(AMSA) staff, Veterans, Vendors, and other interdisciplinary staff to resolve day-to-day conflicts. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized