Supervisory Medical Support Assistant (HAS)

The Walla Walla VA Health Administrative Service (HAS) line is looking to fill four (4) Supervisory Medical Support Assistant positions:

• Two positions in Walla Walla
• One in either Richland, WA or Yakima, WA
• One in either Lewiston, ID or La Grande, OR

First list of eligible candidates will be sent for review on December 27, 2023. The list generated from this announcement can be used up to 90 days to fill any additional vacancies that may arise.

*** INCENTIVES MAY BE AUTHORIZED ***

Qualifications:

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements within 30 days of this announcement closing date 01/22/2024.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• 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 3j.

Specialized Experience must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level leading or supervising MSAs or equivalent administrative patient support staff in a non-VA medical inpatient, outpatient, or interdisciplinary setting. **Resume must include hours per week for work experience credit.**

Candidates must demonstrate the KSAs below:

1. Ability to provide the full range of administrative and supervisory duties to at least one subordinate MSA supervisor or team leader in a patient support setting which includes assignment of work, performance evaluations, selection of staff, and recommendation of awards and/or advancements.
2. Ability to collaborate, communicate, and demonstrate customer service and interpersonal skills with internal and external customers to ensure quality/continuity of care and ensure compliance with established policies and regulations.
3. Ability to provide briefings, orientations, staff development, and training in a patient support setting.
4. Ability to manage fiscal matters, forecast resource and equipment needs, and identify budget needs.
5. Advanced knowledge of managing or leading patient support staff in a clinic. This includes independently utilizing reference sources, decision making, and empowering the team to collaborate and resolve problems within a complex systems environment.

References: VA Handbook 5005/117, Part II, Appendix G45, Medical Support Assistant Qualification Standard, GS-679. Published August 1, 2019.

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 8.

Physical Requirements: The work is mostly sedentary but may require periods of standing or walking however, there are no physical requirements for the 0679 Medical Support Assistant occupation.

Responsibilities:

The duties of this position include but are not limited to the following:

• Plans, organizes, administers, and directs how the support services work will be accomplished for the organizations served.
• Assigning work of subordinate staff which requires developing performance standards.
• Resolving complex issues to ensure that patient services are met.
• Provides the technical and management guidance necessary to achieve the optimum use of the support service resources which require the application of highly specialized knowledge and skills.
• Carries out a full range of administrative and supervisory duties, to include assignment of work, performance evaluations, selection of staff and recommendations for awards and advancements.
• Organizes work, sets priorities and delegates tasks and responsibilities in order to meet deadlines.
• Manages staffing requirements, manages priorities and coordinates work in order to complete duties in an accurate and timely manner.
• Provides briefings, orientations, staff development and training.
• Develops and formalizes performance evaluations for those under the direct supervision of this position.
• Provides advisory services to all levels of management regarding the requirements and implications of the services provided and following protocols regarding the hospital's policy and regulations.
• Successfully transitions new hires into the position by promptly communicating performance elements and standards within applicable timeframes, providing ongoing feedback and coaching, and making appropriate use of the probationary period to assess the employee's ability to perform.
• An in-depth knowledge of governing laws, regulations, policies and procedures is required in order to provide services within accepted guidelines; and to plan, revise, update and write policies and memorandums affecting support services.
• Applies knowledge of Medical Terminology, demonstrates advanced knowledge of medical terminology due to the technical nature of language utilized by clinicians in order to be able to communicate effectively with both professional and non-professional employees in a variety of occupations and at various levels of responsibility.

Work Schedule: A typical tour of duty is Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm. *Available shifts will be discussed during the interview process.
Telework: Ad-hoc to be determined by supervisor.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Recruitment Incentives: Recruitment incentives may be authorized for new Federal appointees, in accordance with agency policy.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS):Not Authorized.
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.
Travel Required: One (1) position in Walla Walla requires no travel.
One (1) position in Walla Walla requires 25% travel or less.
One (1) position in either Richland, WA or Yakima, WA requires 50% travel or less.
One (1) position in either Lewiston, ID orLa Grande, ID requires 50% travel or less.