Advanced Medical Support Assistant

Duties

The Advanced Medical Support Assistant (AMSA) Operating Room (OR) Scheduler position assigned to Operating room Nurse Manager. The Operative team generally consists of surgeons, registered nurses, surgical technicians, and nursing assistants. The position comes under the direct supervision of the Nurse Manager/Designee and/or the Associate Nurse Executive (ANE}, Specialty Care. The Nurse Manager/Designee and/or the ANE, Specialty Care will make assignments by defining objectives, establishing priorities, and determining deadlines. Duties of the position may include but are not limited to:

• Reviews active/pending consults for accuracy and disposition
• Schedules appointments accurately and in a timely manner in coordination with attending staff, Residents, OR Nursing Staff, and all other involved
• Reports backlogs, difficulties in meeting deadlines, uncooperative physicians, or difficulty in securing information from clinicians or the record
• Monitors pre-appointment requirements to assure readiness for patient procedure (e.g., pre-op, X-ray, lab work).
• Educates providers about shared patients (those who receive their care at multiple VAs or those who have care in the community) and bringing to the attention of the provider
• Maintains the confidentiality of information obtained to carry out required duties
• Refers medical related questions to the appropriate healthcare provider
• Manages independently position responsibilities with little supervision as well as set priorities and deadlines adjusting the flow and sequencing of the work to meet team and patient needs
• Trains other MSA levels on processes
• Screens/receives phone calls in a courteous and timely manner, determine the nature of requests and provide the information desired using privacy rules and established clinic processes
• Participates in the daily huddles and weekly team meetings where patient care planning and management occur, independently follows up by sharing information and collaborating with the medical team to assure continuity of care
• Enters appropriate information into the electronic record, completely and accurately
• Assembles and summarizes data, background information, and other materials from publications and other sources
• Reviews surgical requests, procedure description, venue requests, time requests, and patient demographics for omissions and inconsistencies
• Develops/maintains effective and efficient communication with the patient, interdisciplinary team, VA medical centers, and others
• Ensures the OR schedule setup is closely monitored to effectively support the needs of the operating room and make any necessary adjustments
• Plans and carries out the day*to-day operation of the surgery/procedure schedule independently, utilizing initiative to resolve problems
• Performs work related to the acquisition of operating room supplies and/or development of program information and resource material
• Ensures patients scheduled for surgery or special procedures are medically/surgically pre-op'd prior to their appointment
• Coordinates with the patient care team to review the operating room utilization by using various reports
• Assists in the planning, reviews, and reporting of data/statistical results of program/project studies relating to the operating room
• Organizes and establishes computerized data sets and retrieves computerized patient data for research initiatives
• Collects, compiles, and tracks data and statistical information in support of the Medical Center and the Operating room
• Interprets and communicates requirements of VHA Scheduling Directives and complete accurate scheduling responsibilities
• Handles scheduling problems and deviations based on personal knowledge and collaboration with the Nurse Manager/Designee Specialty Care operations, policies, schedules, and providers preferences and notifies manager when or if an individual patient cannot be scheduled within the operating room or procedural suites timeframes
• Receives, records, and transmits information regarding preoperative scheduling, preoperative patient care issues, preoperative personnel, and operating room scheduling knowledge and experience
• Plans and organizes work with general assistance from the supervisor as to meet local and VA-wide time frames to complete analysis requirements, reports and special assignments and only refers to the non-routine and high technical problems to his/her supervisor.
• Projects milestones, progress reports, funding accomplishments, and compliance strategies
• Communicates with surgeons, anesthesia, registered nurses, and other allied health professional staff using sound interpersonal skills and is constantly aware of the sensitive information

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
• Privacy Act
• Transcript
• DD-214/ Statement of Service
• Most recent, non-Award SF-50 to verify Tenure and Experience (Award SF-50s do not provide sufficient information).
• Signature and false statements
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Resume

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request
• Financial suitability
• Cover Letter
• SF-15
• BenefitsA 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. Review our benefits 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.
• Disability Letter (VA)

• Required Documents

  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.

  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
  

  • Resume

  
  Resume Requirement: * Your resume must include the following information: Job title, description of duties, beginning and ending date (month/year) of employment; and average hours worked per week.
  SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (REQUIRED for ALL current Federal Employees):

  • Most recent, non-Award SF-50 to verify Tenure and Experience (Award SF-50s do not provide sufficient information).
  • Failure to provide the REQUIRED SF-50(s) will result in disqualification.

  
  The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to 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.
  

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • Other (1)
  • Resume
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

  
  Selections from this announcement will be made without regard to Veterans preference in accordance with OCHCO Bulletin dated 9/30/2022.
  Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
  Does not apply to Internal announcements

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  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.

  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.

• How to Apply

  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 05/11/2023 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11932080.

  • 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.

  • Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

  
  NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
  To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

  Agency contact information

  Derrick Ellis

  Phone

  832-818-6098

  Email

  [email protected]

  Address

  New Orleans VA Medical Center
  2400 Canal Street
  New Orleans, LA 70119
  US

  Next steps

  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.
  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.
  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.

• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Failure to provide the REQUIRED SF-50(s) will result in disqualification.
• Other (1)
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• 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.
• Resume
• Social security number request
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Required Documents