Medical Support Assistant- Domiciliary

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.

01Basic Requirements

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

02Experience

None.

03Education

High school diploma, General Education Development equivalency certificate, or proficiency certificate from a State or territorial-level Board or Department of Education. Licensure/Certification/Registration: None. Grandfathering Provision: May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Foreign Education: To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials.

04Physical Requirements

See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).

05Grade Determinations

Medical Support Assistant, GS-5: In addition to the basic requirements, you must meet the grade requirement: Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GS-4 grade level; OR, Education: Two years of education above high school; AND, Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Candidates must demonstrate all of the KSAs below: Advanced knowledge of medical terminology specific to understand medical diagnosis and procedures sufficient to communicate clinical staff instructions to patients.

Skill in customer service with the ability to identify customer concerns, and refer to the appropriate staff, as necessary, to ensure a satisfactory resolution. Ability to operate computerized programs and systems in order to enter, modify, and retrieve sensitive medical and patient identifying information (PII) into or from electronic health records, scheduling systems, and/or reports. Ability to schedule medical appointments in a clinical setting.

Ability to work independently in the accomplishment of a wide variety of duties performing patient support work. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in person, electronically, and/or by telephone, with internal and external customers.

06Preferred Experience

None. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

VA Careers - Medical Support Assistant: https://youtube.com/embed/EE9c4XkaELo Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Major Duties include but are not limited to: Processes and orients patients upon admission to assist with their adaptation to residential community living. Files medical records and administrative documents accurately. Schedules ancillary service appointments. Processes patient authorized absences according to program procedures.

Documents patient behaviors and incidents in the appropriate timeframe according to guidance. Completes independently the electronic "Incident Reporting" document in VISTA. Orders and cancels patient meals. Communicates effectively with Veterans, families, and staff in the domiciliary setting by using age-appropriate language and interactions. Maintains a clear, pleasant, respectful, and understandable tone and speaking pace, adjusting volume and communication style to meet individual needs and circumstances.

Processes patient admissions/discharges/transfers, electronically enters diet orders, organizes medical chart assembly and removal of doctor's orders from the medical record, makes appointments, coordinates consults, and referrals. Observes the use of program facilities and furnishings for appropriate and scheduled usage. Performs patient dining room duties of food cart management, tray distribution and cleanup. Prepares and submits daily patient activity and bed-census audio-taped reports.

Monitors program-unit security procedures as outlined and maintained in program management guides. Verbalizes appropriate problem solving methods and intervention techniques necessary for the diffusion of potentially volatile situations. Initiates a "Missing, Incapacitated Resident/Patient Reaction" incident report accurately. Completes proper procedures for conducting and recording daily positive and negative controls, per the Ancillary Testing Manual, prior to completing screening procedures.

Practices infection control practices and proper techniques, in accordance with the Ancillary Testing Manual criteria, for securing and maintaining the integrity of the urine specimen, performing screening procedures and preparing the necessary documents for submission of the specimen for confirmation testing. Records screening results properly in the program logbook and entered into the VISTA lab menu. Communicates clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

Demonstrates patience, tact, perseverance, and self-control in dealing with patients, families, and other medical center personnel Handles difficult patient interactions using established communication and de-escalation techniques. Manages patient records and program documents responsibly while maintaing reasonable security provisions to minimize unauthorized access. Answers telephone calls appropriately. Assists co-workers as needed.

Addresses customers respectfully while maintaining a manner of confidentiality Maintains working knowledge of applicable VA Central Office policy, JCAHO, CARF and OIG requirements as they related to the DRRTP Utilizes great flexibility and responsiveness in functioning in a variety of roles.

Exercises a high degree of originality and resourcefulness in his/her guidance and assistance with directing treatment activities to the treatment teams within the DRRTP Possesses a well-rounded knowledge of the variety of therapeutic and rehabilitative services and experiences available and give particular attention to the individual background, strengths, needs, abilities and preferences of the physically or psychologically handicapped Veterans, and subsequently provide effective information to the treatment team in the selection of the best possible activities available to meet that individual's daily living and/or planned rehabilitation program needs Consults with the DRRTP Chief on all significant programmatic and administrative issues, operations and problems.

Work Schedule: Rotating night shifts 12:00am - 10:00am; consisting of 4-10 hour shifts with three (3) consecutive days off. Compressed: Available. Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.