Lead Medical Support Assistant

The Lead Medical Support Assistant position is located at the VAMC in West Haven Connecticut. S/He uses initiative in completing recurring assignments independently and without specific instructions, but refers deviations, problems and unfamiliar situations to the supervisor for assistance. The employee works with the staff in the in/outpatient clinic areas to ensure the activities related to the day to day care of patients is maintained.

The incumbent serves as a Lead Medical Support Assistant (MSA) within the Enrollment and Eligibility section at VA Connecticut Healthcare System. As Lead, the incumbent coordinates and oversees daily administrative functions related to the enrollment and eligibility determination of Veterans in VA health care. The work may be performed at the main facility, Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC), or other clinics where eligibility and enrollment processes take place. The Lead MSA assigns and monitors the daily work of MSAs, provides input regarding performance, resolves workflow issues, and ensures efficiency within the Enrollment and Eligibility team as well as proficiency with the Veteran Enrollment System (VES) and VISTA. Duties include but not limited to: The Lead MSA reviews and ensures all necessary documentation is properly integrated into the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) using VES, collaborating with the appropriate departments for timely scanning and processing. The incumbent manages high-call volumes, screens or receives calls with courtesy and professionalism, assesses the nature of requests and provides accurate information per privacy rules and clinic protocols The Lead MSA also encourages veteran registration with and utilization of MyHealtheVet (MHV) and helps facilitate patient understanding of the enrollment and eligibility process. Must keep abreast of rapidly changing regulations, directives, software patches, programs, and processes involved in the delivery of the healthcare benefits package. Assists with the clean-up of the EARR (Encounter Action Required Report) and delinquent recall report; supports clinics regarding utilization and clinic profile management i.e. set-up of clinic grids, cancel and restore clinics. Screens/receive phone calls in a courteous and timely manner, determine the nature of request and provide the information desired using privacy rules and established clinic processes. Schedule appointments and manage the Electronic Waiting List promptly and accurately with patient input, minimizing unnecessary visits. Promotes Veteran registration for and utilization of HealtheVet (MHV). Stocks basic office supplies for the executive suite. Enters Veterans seeking emergent/urgent care, scheduling appointments accurately. As Health Benefits Advisor, the Lead MSA assists veterans in determining eligibility, especially for specialized programs such as Dental. incumbent registers and enrolls new or transferring veterans using VES, performs verification using Hospital Inquiry (HINQ) or Veterans Information Solution (VIS), and ensures eligibility is accurately determined and recorded Communicates and interacts with patients in a manner which is appropriate to cognitive, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the adult and/or geriatric patient. Reviews active and pending consults, wait lists, recalls, and audio care communications daily for accuracy and resolution Assures that all appropriate VA forms are used correctly, and regulations followed. Additional duties or tasks may be assigned by the supervisor to ensure efficient daily operations VA Careers - Medical Support Assistant: https://youtube.com/embed/EE9c4XkaELo Work Schedule: 40 Hours a Week, Full-Time,8:00 AM - 4:30 PM,EST Telework: Per Supervisor Discretion. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: F01391 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized. Notifications: This position is in the Excepted Service. No EDRP. Salary Covered by OPM LPS Pay Scale Hartford-East Hartford, CT-MA. Veterans' Preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees. This Position is covered by a Bargaining Unit. Interchange Agreements with Other Merit System: Employees who occupy medical or medical-related positions and were appointed under 38 U.S.C. 4701(1) or (3) [formerly 38 U.S.C. 4104 (1) and (3)] must be serving in a full-time position without time limit and have served continuously for at least one year in the other merit system to be eligible to convert to the Title 5 System. Some exceptions to this rule may apply if you have previously acquired tenure under a Title 5 appointment.

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. 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). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Substitution of Education: There is no educational substitution for the GS-07 level.