Job Information
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration Advanced Medical Support Assistant (Environmental Health Registry) in Columbus, Ohio
Summary The Environmental Health Registry Evaluation program provides environmental registry examinations to Veterans who were exposed to environmental and occupational hazards during military service. The Environmental Exam Coordinator / AMSA is responsible for the administrative coordination of these environmental examinations and registries. The position is supervised by the Primary Care Supervisory Program Specialist / Administrative Officer who have oversight of the Environmental Health programs. Responsibilities This position is responsible for the overall administrative process of the environmental exam program, including elements and provisions from the passage of the PACT ACT of 2022. This includes processing of all environmental examinations including Toxic Exposure Screening navigation, Agent Orange, Prisoner of War, Ionized Radiation, Gulf War, Airborne Hazards, Toxic Embedded Fragment, Camp Lejeune, etc. The employee is responsible for requesting related documentation from veterans in sufficient time for the professional staff to review scheduled appointment, ensuring that examinations are accurate and timely. The employee is responsible for the effective management and coordination of the CERNER EHRM/VISTA/CPRS applications as they relate to the Agent Orange, Prisoner of War (POW), and other specialty environmental programs. A thorough knowledge of the scheduling and registration software packages is essential for the successful performance of assigned duties. The employee orients and advises the professional staff of the administrative process regarding VA regulations, public law, policies, guidelines, and procedures related to the environmental examination program. The employee has access and knowledge to highly sensitive data, including the veterans' medical information. Many of the requested examinations are for veterans who are not in the VA Central Ohio Healthcare System EHRM/CPRS/VISTA databases; therefore, the employee is responsible for registration data entry to ensure workload is credited to the Austin Data Processing Center. The employee will need expertise in utilizing numerous advanced patient systems in support of multiple clinics involved in an interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery model. Reviews, monitors, and maintains assigned registry programs system, independently identifying discrepancies and providing quality assurance of registry worksheets prior to submission to the Environmental Agents Service (EAS) database located at the Austin, Texas Corporate Franchise Data (CFD) Center. Coordinates activities such as: Scheduling Environmental Registry, Environmental Exposure and Toxic Exposure Navigator appointments within the mandated time frame and exploring other options if the time requirement cannot be met. Scheduling other environmental examinations (i.e., SHAD, Camp Lejeune, K2, etc.). Collecting both demographic and medical data for medical records and data entry into the Environmental Agents Service database or ensuring proper preregistration for the Airborne Hazards registry prior to scheduling. Monitors timeframe compliance, ensuring follow-up letters are mailed within 2 weeks of the initial registry examination, prompt data entry into the EAS database, proper consult resolution and scheduling, etc. Assisting in composing and mailing follow-up letters to veterans regarding their medical evaluations within the required time frame. Checks consults on a weekly basis to ensure timely resolution (includes updating consults by making status changes, discontinuing, etc.). Disseminating information each veteran should be fully advised of their environmental registry examination program and advised to enroll in the VA health care system on the initial visit; related information regarding registry exams, enrollment, and benefits should also be provided. Reviews records for accuracy and completion to include ensuring worksheets and questionnaires are completed prior to examination. Completes ongoing training and education courses through TMS and keeping up to date on various topics as they relate to environmental hazards through publications from the Office of Health Outcomes Military Exposures (HOME). Shares knowledge of the six VA Environmental Exam Registries, health conditions identified as presumptive conditions, the definitions of each exposure type, locations of exposures, history of the registries, historical theaters of US combat, basic PACT ACT of 2022 elements and provisions, VA claims filing process, PACT team administrative processes, and specialty care administrative processes. Practices technical rules for VA eligibility and apply them while meeting objectives of Health Outcomes Military Exposures (HOME). Gathers basic data through questionnaires, worksheets, interviews, and surveys to use in research and to enter into EAS or VIRP registries; uses data from the registries in order to review eligibility of VA healthcare and to successfully manage clinic scheduling and patient flow. Additionally, draws data from the registries, analyze the data, and presents data to the supervisor, VISN Lead Coordinator, or higher authority based on the project worked. Work Schedule: Full Time; shifts available from 0800-1630; or 0700-1530; or 0730-1600 Telework: Ad Hoc, Per service/Agency need. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 92779-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical evaluation. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. 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: Must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3.j. 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 Education: One year above high school; OR Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable. Grade Determinations: Below are the requirements to be found eligible for the GS-06 grade level Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level and the ability to collaborate and communicate with a wide range of medical clinicians across multiple disciplines (e.g. medical doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, clinical pharmacists, and nursing staff) to accomplish team goal setting to ensure medical care to patients is met. Ability to independently set priorities and organize work to meet deadlines, ensuring compliance with established processes, policies, and regulations. Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively, electronically, by phone, in person], and in writing, with internal and external customers. This may include preparing reports in various formats and presenting data to various organizational levels, as well as resolving patient concerns. Advanced knowledge of the technical health care process [(including, but not limited to, scheduling across interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery and/or care in the community models and patient health care portals)] as it relates to access to care. Advanced knowledge of policies and procedures associated with interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery and/or care in the community operational activities that affect patient flow, and patient support care [administrative functions] to include, but not limited to appointment cycles, outside patient referrals, follow-up care, overbooking, provider availability, etc. Advanced knowledge of medical terminology due to the technical nature of language utilized by clinicians. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Candidates must demonstrate all of the KSAs below: 1. Ability to collaborate [and] communicate with a wide range of medical clinicians across multiple disciplines (e.g. medical doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, clinical pharmacists, and nursing staff) to accomplish team goal setting to ensure medical care to patients is met. 2. Ability to independently set priorities and organize work to meet deadlines, ensuring compliance with established processes, policies, and regulations. 3. Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively, electronically, by phone, in person, and in writing, with internal and external customers. This may include preparing reports in various formats and presenting data to various organizational levels. 4. Advanced knowledge of the technical health care process [(including, but not limited to, scheduling across interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery and/or care in the community models and patient health care portals)] as it relates to access to care. 5. Advanced knowledge of policies and procedures associated with interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery and/or care in the community operational activities that affect patient flow, and patient support care administrative functions to include, but not limited to appointment cycles, outside patient referrals, follow-up care, overbooking, provider availability, etc. 6. Advanced knowledge of medical terminology due to the technical nature of language utilized by clinicians. References: Medical Support Assistant Qualification Standard, dated August 1, 2019. ?The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. Physical Requirements: he work is sedentary. Occasionally requires carrying of light objects such as files, books and papers; some walking, standing and bending. No special physical qualifications required Education Education cannot be used to qualify at this grade level. Additional Information During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.