Program Support Assistant (Credentialing Specialist) - Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration

Summary The Cincinnati, OH VA Medical Center is currently recruiting for a Program Support Assistant (Credentialing Specialist). This position is assigned to the Credentialing and Privileging (C&P) Office, which is under the Chief of Staff Service and is responsible for providing administrative and technical direction and support to the credentialing operations. The Credentialing Specialist is aligned to and supervised by the C&P Manager. Responsibilities The Cincinnati VA Medical Center (CVAMC) is a two-division campus located in Cincinnati, OH and Fort Thomas, KY serving 15 counties in Southwest OH, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana with 6 Community Based Outpatient Clinics located in Bellevue, KY; Florence, KY; Lawrenceburg, IN; Hamilton, OH; Clermont County, OH, and Georgetown, OH. The CVAMC also supports two off main campus locations in the Cincinnati area via an Eye Center and Mental Health Outreach Community Division. The Credentialing and Privileging Program Office supports all divisions of the VAMC to include support of the credentialing and privileging specialist and the Medical Staff membership, which is comprised of physicians, dentists, optometrists, psychologists, audiologists, and physician extenders including full-time, part-time, temporary, intermittent, contract, without compensation (WOC), fee basis and telehealth. Support includes Non-Licensed Independent Practitioners (Non-LIPs), such as Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Respiratory Therapists, Physical Therapists, etc. The functions of the Credentialing and Privileging Program Office are critical to accreditation and for assuring safe patient care provided by the VAMC. Major Duties: Ensures compliance with guidelines of the Department of Veterans Affairs, The Joint Commission (TJC), Office of Inspector General, (OIG), Government Accountability Office (GAO) and other internal or external reviewers as appropriate. Responsible for collecting relevant data and the decision-making process to ensure that qualified health care professionals are providing appropriate care in appropriate settings. Responsible for the audit of all required credentials for authenticity and veracity in accordance with TJC standards and VHA policies and procedures. This includes the analysis and documentation of responses, identification of variances, and the resolution of discrepancies and problems. Receives and reviews correspondence and communications for the credentials function and determines which items require immediate attention and which are confidential in nature. Receives and reviews VetPro reports detecting problem areas requiring further investigation. Researches reference materials, regulations, and standards to identify appropriate action necessary to correct the problem. Manages provider applications (initial) for Non-LIPs credentialing within the VAMC. Upon receipt of individual credentials' files for review, ensures primary source verification to include, but not limited to, state licenses, certifications, and required certifications. Primary source verification includes, but may not be limited to, the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), state licensing agencies, specialty certification boards, universities, DoD and healthcare facilities and assist with verification of LIP applications. Assures application packages and other documents meet technical requirements per specialty of provider and assures application folder and database account (VetPro or other internal databases and spreadsheets) meet technical requirements. Provides oversight to application process; analyzes exceptions and deviations in expected application process; determines course of action and makes recommendations. Conducts final appointment into the VetPro database, after thoroughly researching, analyzing and validating all data, information, documents and signature authorities. Develops and provides routine and special reports as requested. Maintains local VAMC requirement files and records pertaining to the credentialing process. Maintains confidentiality of information in accordance with the Privacy Act in releasing information. Manages, administers and assures accuracy, security and maintenance of operations of database systems. Meets the needs of customers, while supporting VA missions and consistently communicates and treats internal and external customers in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Holds the credit card and is responsible for maintaining records, reconciling monthly charge statements and verifying legitimacy of requests for NPDB Single and CQ enrollments/ renewals, licensure verification, National Student Clearing House, Work Number and certifications. Responsible for compliance with all purchase card requirements including reconciling transactions and resolving discrepancies with Fiscal Service and is an authorized user of the Government Purchase Card. Responsible for meeting the standards for documentation and reconciliation of the purchase cards as set forth in Financial Policy, Charge Card Program, Volume XVI, Chapters 1A, 1B and 1C. Performs other credentialing duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description Title/PD#: Program Support Assistant (Credentialing Specialist)/PD99868S Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. You may qualify based on your experience as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-6. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Collecting, analyzing and validating data; preparing correspondence and reports; purchase card training/experience; knowledge of medical specialties; ability to communicate to leadership and appropriate administrative staff of credentialing program changes, new regulatory requirements, policies and procedures or issues and concerns pertaining to the credentialing program; managing provider applications; managing and reviewing database reports detecting problem areas requiring further investigation; researching reference materials, regulations, and standards to identify appropriate action necessary to correct the problem; training/experience with primary source verification; assure data entry is complete and accurate, understanding of Joint Commission; knowledge of medical specialties. proficient computer skills and utilizing automated software (such as Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.);ability to multi-task with good time management skills; excellent customer service skills. Note: Must be demonstrated in your resume. 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: The work is mostly sedentary. Occasionally, light physical effort may be required, such as that involved with walking, stair climbing, and carrying of light office items. The work is performed in an office setting which require normal safety precautions typical for offices and meeting rooms. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Education There is no educational substitution at this grade level. Additional Information 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. A supports the use of telework as a way to help attract and retain talented individuals in public service, increase worker productivity, and better prepare the agency to operate during emergencies. This position may be authorized for telework. Telework eligibility will be discussed during the interview process. Participation in the seasonal influenza program is 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.