Program Support Assistant (Credentialing Specialist)

Summary

The Credentialing Specialist has continuing responsibility for specialized duties to accomplish the mission and function of the credentials program at the VAMC. Serves as subject matter expert (SME) in the field of credentialing. Uses significant judgement to inform leadership and appropriate administrative staff of program changes, new regulatory requirements, policies and procedures or issues and concerns pertaining to the credentialing program.

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Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates

07/02/2024 to 07/12/2024

• Salary

$49,146 - $63,892 per year

• Pay scale & grade

GS 7

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• Reno, NV 1 vacancy

• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

Yes-as determined by the agency policy.

• Travel Required

Not required

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent

• Work schedule

Full-time

• Service

Competitive

• Promotion potential

None

• Job family (Series)

0303 Miscellaneous Clerk And Assistant

• Supervisory status

No

• Security clearance

Other

• Drug test

No

• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

• Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CBSW-12462954-24-NM

• Control number

798214000

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This job is open to

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.

• Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of this agency.

Clarification from the agency

This vacancy is open to facility employees only.

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Duties

Major duties include but are not limited to:

• Assists C&P Manager or Analyst in drafting local credentialing procedures for LIP and Non-LIPs.

• 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.

• Ensures primary source verification to include, but not limited to, state licenses, certifications, and required certifications.

• 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.

• Communicates with Non-LIPs to assure timely completion of applications and VetPro requirements.

• Provides oversight to application process; analyzes exceptions and deviations in expected application process; determines course of action and makes recommendations.

• Determines processes for coordination of incoming data and documents from a variety of sources. Documents include, but are not limited to, VA applications for employment, primary source verifications of education and training, peer recommendations, licensure, certifications, NPDB single or NPDB Continuous Query (CQ) reports (Category 2 occupations) and personal history.

• Reviews documents and applications for omissions and inconsistencies and assures data entry is complete and accurate to meet VHA policy and regulation, and TJC standards.

• Reviews documents received and determines course of action based on information provided within documents.

• Contacts provider for omissions and/or inconsistencies in information; initiates primary source verification of credentials.

• Analyzes and manages issues related to documents that do not meet expected requirements, regulations or guidelines such as adverse actions against licensures, certifications, and NPDB) CQ reports. Independently selects appropriate method of validation, based on approved sources. As SME, may be requested to meet with surveyors such as TJC face to face to present non-LIP files and answer questions concerning the program.

• Manages the work involving the tracking of data and documents in support of the credentialing operation.

• Refers current issues, trends, problem areas as well as recommended program revisions to Credentials functions through the C&P Manager/Analyst.

• Conducts final appointment into the VetPro database, after thoroughly researching, analyzing and validating all data, information, documents and signature authorities. Delegated authority to initiate requests for information to the NPDB, and to respond to correspondence for requests for provider credentialing information from external entities in accordance with the System of Records Notice 77VA10E2E.

• Develops and provides routine and special reports as requested by the C&P Manager/Analyst.

• Composes correspondence requiring Clinical Service Chiefs and Medical Center Director signatures for credentialing actions.

• 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.

• Provides quality control checks on data. Completes Mandatory Annual VetPro Security & Confidentiality training and Mandatory Annual Privacy Training.

• Uses appropriate safeguards to ensure provider confidentiality during the C&P process Meets the needs of customers, while supporting VA missions.

• Consistently communicates and treats internal and external customers in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner.

• Provides the customer with consistent information according to 3 established policies and procedures.

• Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately.

Performs other credentialing duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday

• Friday 7:30am

• 4:00pm

Telework: Ad-hoc. Will be discussed during the interview process

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Program Support Assistant (Credentialing Specialist)/PD99868S

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report: Not Required

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job

• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

• You may be required to serve a probationary period

• Subject to background/security investigation

• 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)

• 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.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/12/2024.

Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

For a GS-07 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-06. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade.

Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.

You may qualify based on your experience described below:

• One (1) full year of specialized experience that equipped you with the the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties the Program Support Assistant at the full performance level (GS-07), and that is typically in our related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-06) in Federal service.

• Specialized Experience Includes: Verifying of information in the health care provider files; maintaining confidentiality of information in accordance with the Privacy Act; provides quality control checks on data; managing multiple projects and priorities and meets deadlines; using software applications such as word processing and data bases and internet database applications for data entry, file maintenance and data retrieval; researching reference materials, regulations, and standards to identify appropriate action necessary to correct problems or issues.

You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position:

• Attention to Detail

• Clerical

• Technical Competence

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

The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

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.

Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply, including those eligible for hiring under 5 CFR 213.3102(u), Schedule A, Appointment of persons with disabilities [i.e., intellectual disabilities, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities], and/or Disabled veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more. Contact the Agency Contact for information on how to apply under this appointment authority via the Selective Placement Coordinator.

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.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

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.

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.

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• Benefits

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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 window

Learn 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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

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.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

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.