Job Description
The Advanced Medical Support Assistant (AMSA) works as a team member of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PMRS) at the Butler VA Medical Center. You will schedule and manage patient appointments for physiatry, chiropractic, acupuncture, physical therapy, and occupational therapy clinics.
This role involves communicating effectively with internal and external customers, ensuring patients are offered video and telephone appointments, and collaborating with clinical staff to monitor clinic utilization. You will independently resolve problems, improve patient flow, and process walk-in patients.
This position is ideal for current federal employees of the Erie VAMC who have experience at the GS-5 level and are looking to advance their career in a clinical support role.
Qualification
To qualify for this GS-6 Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) position, you must be a U.S. Citizen and have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level. You must also demonstrate specific knowledge, skills, and abilities related to healthcare scheduling and interdisciplinary coordination.
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level.
- Advanced knowledge of the technical health care process, including scheduling across interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery and patient health care portals.
- Advanced knowledge of policies and procedures affecting patient flow, appointment cycles, outside referrals, follow-up care, overbooking, and provider availability.
- Advanced knowledge of medical terminology.
- Ability to collaborate and communicate with many medical clinicians across multiple disciplines.
- Ability to independently set priorities and organize work to meet deadlines.
- Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively, electronically, by phone, in person, and in writing.
- High school diploma or equivalent is required.
- English language proficiency required.
Role Responsibilities
Schedule new and follow-up clinic visits for patients in accordance with VHA Outpatient Scheduling Processes.
- Ensure patients are educated on and offered video and telephone appointments appropriately.
- Collaborate with the Program Manager and clinical staff to review clinic utilization using reports such as PM&RS Pending Consult List, RTC, and PCMM.
- Monitor clinic setup and make adjustments to support clinic needs.
- Check in/out patients using the Appointment Management software system.
- Improve patient flow, including receiving patients, family members, and guests, and processing walk-in patients.
- Resolve problems independently without manager or clinician intervention.
- Complete assignments promptly and demonstrate initiative and independence.
Conditions & Requirements
Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.
- Must serve a 1 or 2-year trial period.
- Selective Service Registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Acceptable form of identification (REAL ID compliant after May 7,)
- required for pre-employment.
Benefits
Complete benefits package as a federal employee.
- Access to health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave.
- Eligibility for benefits depends on position type and work schedule.
Additional Information
Open to current, permanent employees of the Erie VAMC and CTAP eligibles.
- Award SF-50s will not be accepted for verification.
- The 2-page resume requirement does not apply to this position.
- Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, VA prohibits requesting criminal history prior to tentative job offer.
- Veterans' preference applies; eligible veterans should claim preference in the questionnaire.
- Foreign education must be evaluated for equivalency.
- Contact Shawanda Jackson at 813-391-2368 or [email protected] for questions.
- Address: VA Butler Healthcare, 353 North Duffy Road, Butler, PA 16001.
About Company
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a federal agency that provides healthcare, benefits, and memorial services to U.S. Military veterans. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) operates the nation's largest integrated healthcare system, with facilities including the Butler VA Medical Center in Pennsylvania. This position is within the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Services (PM&RS) department, which offers specialized care such as physiatry, chiropractic, acupuncture, and therapy services. Working at the VA offers the opportunity to serve those who have served the country, with structured career paths and federal benefits.
FAQs
What experience is required for the GS-6 Advanced Medical Support Assistant position?
You need one year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level. This experience should demonstrate knowledge of healthcare scheduling, medical terminology, and the ability to communicate with clinical staff.
Can I apply if I am not a current federal employee?
This announcement is open only to current, permanent employees of the Erie VAMC and CTAP eligibles. If you are not in one of these groups, you are not eligible for this specific vacancy.
What documents do I need to submit with my application?
You must submit a resume (using the Clinical Resume Document format) and an SF-50 for verification. Additional documents like transcripts, DD-214, or disability letters may be required depending on your eligibility.
Is telework available for this role?
No, telework is not available for this position. The work is performed onsite at the VA Butler Healthcare facility in Butler, PA.
How will I be evaluated for this job?
Your application, resume, and supporting documents will be reviewed. You will also complete an online questionnaire and possibly USA Hire Assessments. Competencies such as customer service, interpersonal skills, and reasoning will be assessed.