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 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. The Program Support Assistant (Credentialing Specialist) serves as subject matter expert (SME) in the field of credentialing using 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. 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. Provides quality control checks on data. 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 may be considered after orientation period completed. Position Description Title/PD#: Program Support Assistant (Credentialing Specialist)/PD99868A Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-6, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. 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. Please note: This experience 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. Education There is no educational substitution for the GS-07 grade level. Additional Information VA 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. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/. Receiving Service Credit for 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. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. 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. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application. 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 (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.