Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, paragraph 3.g.)
• 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 3.j Experience and Education
• 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
• Certification: None required
• 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 have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019
• Grade Determinations: Supervisory Medical Support Assistant, GS-8 Experience: One year of 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
• Assignment
• Supervisory MSAs at this level plan and direct programs at medical centers and/or satellite outpatient clinics
• They have full responsibility for supervising at least one subordinate MSA team leader, supervisor, or equivalent administrative patient support staff in a non-VA medical inpatient, outpatient, or interdisciplinary setting
• Assignments at this level include, but are not limited to: evaluating the work of subordinate staff
• resolving complex problems to ensure patient services are met
• evaluating new products, equipment, and systems to make recommendations for improved operations
• identifying educational or training needs
• making final decisions on hiring selections
• evaluating performance, and taking disciplinary action when necessary
• Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Candidates must demonstrate all of 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
• Reference: VA Handbook 5005/117, Part II, Appendix G45, dated August 1, 2019
• Medical Support Assistant Qualification Standard GS-0679
• For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• Physical Requirements: The Medical Support Assistant work is mostly sedentary
• however, some walking
• standing, and carrying light items are required
• Light filing, sometimes involving working close to the floor, is involved
• Wrist and back protection can be provided to minimize the risks associated with prolonged use of automated data processing equipment
• See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.