<p>Summary</p> <p>This position is located at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The employee works within Patient Business Service (PBS), a large, complex, and very active administrative service.</p> <p>This is an open-continuous announcement. The first cut-off date for referring applicants will be 5/9/2025. Additional applicants may be referred after that date until all positions have been filled.</p> <p>Help</p> <p>Overview</p> <ul> <li>Accepting applications </li><li>Open & closing dates </li></ul> <p>05/05/2025 to 08/01/2025</p> <ul> <li>Salary </li></ul> <p>$42,010 - $54,608 per year</p> <ul> <li>Pay scale & grade </li></ul> <p>GS 5</p> <ul> <li>Help </li></ul> <p>Location</p> <p>5 vacancies in the following location:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Cincinnati, OH</p> </li><li> <p>Remote job</p> </li></ul> <p>No</p> <ul> <li>Telework eligible </li></ul> <p>No</p> <ul> <li>Travel Required </li></ul> <p>Not required</p> <ul> <li>Relocation expenses reimbursed </li></ul> <p>No</p> <ul> <li>Appointment type </li></ul> <p>Permanent</p> <ul> <li>Work schedule </li></ul> <p>Full-time</p> <ul> <li>Service </li></ul> <p>Excepted</p> <ul> <li>Promotion potential </li></ul> <p>None</p> <ul> <li> <p>Job family (Series)</p> </li><li> <p>0679 Medical Support Assistance</p> </li><li> <p>Supervisory status</p> </li></ul> <p>No</p> <ul> <li>Security clearance </li></ul> <p>Not Required</p> <ul> <li>Drug test </li></ul> <p>No</p> <ul> <li>Position sensitivity and risk </li></ul> <p>Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk</p> <ul> <li> <p>Trust determination process</p> </li><li> <p>Credentialing</p> </li><li> <p>Suitability/Fitness</p> </li><li> <p>Financial disclosure</p> </li></ul> <p>No</p> <ul> <li>Bargaining unit status </li></ul> <p>Yes</p> <ul> <li>Announcement number </li></ul> <p>CBSR-12732324-25-JS</p> <ul> <li>Control number </li></ul> <p>836415900</p> <p>Help</p> <p>This job is open to</p> <ul> <li>The public </li></ul> <p>U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.</p> <p>Clarification from the agency</p> <p>All Eligible U.S. Citizens</p> <p>Videos</p> <p>Help</p> <p>Duties</p> <p>VA Careers - Medical Support Assistant: https://youtube.com/embed/EE9c4XkaELo</p> <p>Total-Rewards-of-an-Allied-Health-VA-Career-Brochure.pdf</p> <p>Medical Support Assistant: vacareers.va.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/Total-Rewards-of-a-MSA-VA-Career-Flyer.pdf</p> <p>VA Healthcare System Serving Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan (VISN 10) advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.</p> <p>Major Duties:</p> <ul> <li>Advises clinical staff on current administrative processes </li><li>Responsible for answering phones, greeting patients, relaying messages to appropriate staff inside or outside of the unit, scheduling appointments, including interpreting and verifying provider orders in accordance with VHA national scheduling guidelines </li><li>Participates in huddles with other MSAs and/or clinic staff to determine the daily needs of the clinic, monitoring both inpatient and outpatient appointments in areas of responsibility </li><li>Verifies and updates demographics and insurance information when patients check-in for appointments </li><li>Assists in the coordination and arrangement of transportation services, verifying appointment dates, location, and pickup times </li><li>Records and relays messages and/or redirects calls as necessary </li><li>Ensures eligibility for care and contacts appropriate staff members for verification, when necessary </li><li>Attempts to resolve complaints of a local administrative nature and refers other complaints to appropriate authorities </li><li>Coordinates and/or schedules patient appointments with other clinics or specialties </li><li>Ensures database integrity by monitoring, for accuracy and completeness, all systems of data entry and collection, which includes current software, as well as future updates and revisions </li><li>Performs other duties as assigned </li></ul> <p>Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 1st shift, specific hours will be discussed during interview</p> <p>Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized</p> <p>Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized</p> <p>Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases</p> <p>Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)</p> <p>Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience.</p> <p>Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.</p> <p>Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66.</p> <p>Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA</p> <p>Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)</p> <p>Telework: Not Available</p> <p>Virtual: This is not a virtual position.</p> <p>Functional Statement #: 92722-A</p> <p>Help</p> <p>Requirements</p> <p>Conditions of Employment</p> <ul> <li>You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. </li><li>Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. </li><li>Must be proficient in written and spoken English. </li><li>You may be required to serve a probationary period. </li><li>Subject to background/security investigation. </li><li>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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. </li><li>Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). </li></ul> <p>Qualifications</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Basic Requirements:</p> <ul> <li>United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. </li><li>Must be proficient in the English language. </li><li>Experience/Education/Combination: </li><li>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; </li><li>OR, Education: One year above high school; (Transcripts Required) </li><li>OR, Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combination of experience and education are qualifying for entry level for which both education and experience are acceptable (Transcripts Required). </li></ul> <p>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).</p> <p>Grade Determinations:</p> <p>To qualify for the GS-05 level, you must have one of the following:</p> <ul> <li>Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-4 grade level; OR </li><li>Education. Four years of education above high school. </li></ul> <p>Candidates must also demonstrate all of the knowledge, skills, and abilities below:</p> <ul> <li>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. </li><li>Advanced knowledge of medical terminology specific to understand medical diagnosis and procedures sufficient to communicate clinical staff instructions to patients. </li><li>Ability to schedule medical appointments in a clinical setting. </li><li>Ability to work independently in the accomplishment of a wide variety of duties performing patient support work. </li><li>Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in person, electronically, and/or by telephone, with internal and external customers. </li><li>Skill in customer service with the ability to identify customer concerns, and refer to the appropriate staff, as necessary, to ensure a satisfactory resolution. </li></ul> <p>Preferred Experience: N/A</p> <p>Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.</p> <p>Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary. The incumbent is required to sit for various lengths or time as well as some bending, walking, and lifting. Must be able to operate a computer terminal and be able to manage multiple activities at one time.</p> <p>Education</p> <p>Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.</p> <p>Additional information</p> <p>Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.</p> <p>This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Read more</p> <ul> <li>Benefits </li></ul> <p>Help</p> <p>A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.</p> <p>Review our benefits</p> <p>Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.</p> <p>How You Will Be Evaluated</p> <p>You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.</p> <p>IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.</p> <p>Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.</p> <p>The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.</p> <p>It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.</p> <p>Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.</p> <ul> <li>Benefits </li></ul> <p>Help</p> <p>A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.</p> <p>Review our benefits</p> <p>Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.</p> <ul> <li>Required Documents </li></ul> <p>As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.</p> <p>To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:</p> <ul> <li>Resume </li></ul> <p>The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.</p> <ul> <li>Cover Letter </li><li>DD-214/ Statement of Service </li><li>Disability Letter (Schedule A) </li><li>Disability Letter (VA) </li><li>License </li><li>Most recent SF-50 is required for current/recent federal employees (Must be from past 52 weeks) </li><li>Other (2) </li><li>Other (3) </li><li>Performance Appraisal </li><li>Professional Certification </li><li>Resume </li><li>Separation Notice (RIF) </li><li>SF-15 </li><li>SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action </li><li>Transcript </li></ul> <p>If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:</p> <p>Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.</p> <p>Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.</p> <ul> <li>How to Apply </li></ul> <p>All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 08/01/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12732324.</p> <ul> <li>To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. </li><li>Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. </li></ul> <p>NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.</p> <p>Agency contact information</p> <p>Jennifer Shifflett</p> <p>Email jennifer.shifflett@va.gov</p> <p>Address Cincinnati VA Medical Center</p> <p>3200 Vine Street</p> <p>Cincinnati, OH 45220</p> <p>US</p> <p>Next steps</p> <p>Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.</p> <p>You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.</p> <p>NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.</p> <ul> <li>Fair and Transparent </li></ul> <p>The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.</p> <ul> <li>Criminal history inquiries </li><li>Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy </li><li>Financial suitability </li><li>New employee probationary period </li><li>Privacy Act </li><li>Reasonable accommodation policy </li><li>Selective Service </li><li>Signature and false statements </li><li>Social security number request </li></ul> <p>Help</p> <p>Required Documents</p> <p>To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:</p> <ul> <li>Resume </li></ul> <p>The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.</p> <ul> <li>Cover Letter </li><li>DD-214/ Statement of Service </li><li>Disability Letter (Schedule A) </li><li>Disability Letter (VA) </li><li>License </li><li>Most recent SF-50 is required for current/recent federal employees (Must be from past 52 weeks) </li><li>Other (2) </li><li>Other (3) </li><li>Performance Appraisal </li><li>Professional Certification </li><li>Resume </li><li>Separation Notice (RIF) </li><li>SF-15 </li><li>SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action </li><li>Transcript </li></ul> <p>If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:</p> <p>Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.</p> <p>Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.</p> <p>Help</p> <p>How to Apply</p> <p>All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 08/01/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12732324.</p> <ul> <li>To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. </li><li>Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. </li></ul> <p>NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.</p> <p>Read more</p> <p>Agency contact information</p> <p>Jennifer Shifflett</p> <p>Email jennifer.shifflett@va.gov</p> <p>Address Cincinnati VA Medical Center</p> <p>3200 Vine Street</p> <p>Cincinnati, OH 45220</p> <p>US</p> <p>Next steps</p> <p>Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.</p> <p>You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.</p> <p>NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.</p> <p>Read more</p> <p>Fair & Transparent</p> <p>The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.</p> <ul> <li>Criminal history inquiries </li><li>Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy </li><li>Financial suitability </li><li>New employee probationary period </li><li>Privacy Act </li><li>Reasonable accommodation policy </li><li>Selective Service </li><li>Signature and false statements </li><li>Social security number request </li></ul> <p>Print</p> <p>Share</p> <ul> <li>Email </li><li>Facebook </li><li>LinkedIn </li><li>Twitter </li></ul> <p>Help</p> <p>Overview</p> <ul> <li>Accepting applications </li><li>Open & closing dates </li></ul> <p>05/05/2025 to 08/01/2025</p> <ul> <li>Salary </li></ul> <p>$42,010 - $54,608 per year</p> <ul> <li>Pay scale & grade </li></ul> <p>GS 5</p> <ul> <li>Location </li></ul> <p>5 vacancies in the following location:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Cincinnati, OH</p> </li><li> <p>Remote job</p> </li></ul> <p>No</p> <ul> <li>Telework eligible </li></ul> <p>No</p> <ul> <li>Travel Required </li></ul> <p>Not required</p> <ul> <li>Relocation expenses reimbursed </li></ul> <p>No</p> <ul> <li>Appointment type </li></ul> <p>Permanent</p> <ul> <li>Work schedule </li></ul> <p>Full-time</p> <ul> <li>Service </li></ul> <p>Excepted</p> <ul> <li>Promotion potential </li></ul> <p>None</p> <ul> <li> <p>Job family (Series)</p> </li><li> <p>0679 Medical Support Assistance</p> </li><li> <p>Supervisory status</p> </li></ul> <p>No</p> <ul> <li>Security clearance </li></ul> <p>Not Required</p> <ul> <li>Drug test </li></ul> <p>No</p> <ul> <li>Position sensitivity and risk </li></ul> <p>Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk</p> <ul> <li> <p>Trust determination process</p> </li><li> <p>Credentialing</p> </li><li> <p>Suitability/Fitness</p> </li><li> <p>Financial disclosure</p> </li></ul> <p>No</p> <ul> <li>Bargaining unit status </li></ul> <p>Yes</p> <ul> <li>Announcement number </li></ul> <p>CBSR-12732324-25-JS</p> <ul> <li>Control number </li></ul> <p>836415900</p> <p>This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/836415900. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.</p>