Program Support Assistant Overview - Closing Date 11/06/2017

Program Support Assistantoverviewopen Closing Dates11062017 To 11

Provide transportation services to beneficiaries traveling to and from VA facilities, including managing the Beneficiary Travel Program, arranging various modes of transportation, and reviewing reimbursement requests for compliance.

Paper For Above instruction

The role of a Program Support Assistant at the VA Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System encompasses a vital function in facilitating the mobility and transportation needs of veterans and their attendants. This position requires a high level of organizational skills, communication proficiency, and knowledge of transportation regulations and procedures. The incumbent is responsible for independently managing the Beneficiary Travel Program, which involves coordinating various modes of transportation such as air ambulance, commercial flights, taxis, buses, and independent transports to ensure timely and economical travel arrangements for veterans requiring examination, treatment, or care.

In addition to transportation coordination, the Program Support Assistant reviews reimbursement requests to certify their accuracy and compliance with VA regulations. This involves meticulous checking of documentation for completeness and correctness before processing payments. The incumbent also prepares reports on travel usage, manages payments for authorized and unauthorized ambulance claims, and maintains ongoing communication with receiving facilities to ensure return travel arrangements are properly scheduled and executed. This role demands an ability to evaluate the most reliable and cost-effective transportation methods while balancing the urgent needs of veterans with regulatory constraints.

The position operates primarily Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and it requires physical activity such as walking to different sections of the office, standing, bending, and lifting moderately heavy equipment. Employees in this role must have strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with veterans, staff, and external agencies, and possess the ability to handle documents with detailed accuracy. The position also involves reviewing reports, managing patient accounts, and coordinating with external transportation providers, requiring a comprehensive understanding of the VA's regulations governing beneficiary travel and reimbursement processes.

To qualify, applicants must possess at least one year of specialized experience comparable to the GS-05 level, which includes managing patient accounts, coordinating transportation, and reviewing reports and documents for accuracy. Education is verified through accredited institutions, and foreign education must be supplemented with certification of equivalency. The position supports the VA's mission by aiding in the efficient and compassionate care of veterans, emphasizing the importance of accessible, reliable transportation options for those receiving medical services.

This role also supports VA’s commitment to employment equity by encouraging applications from persons with disabilities, veterans, and other designated groups. All applicants are required to submit a comprehensive resume, and possibly supporting documents such as DD-214 or transcripts, to demonstrate eligibility and qualification for the position. The VA adheres to federal employment policies, including background checks, drug testing if applicable, and compliance with veterans’ preference laws, to ensure a qualified and trustworthy workforce dedicated to serving veterans’ needs.

Letters for Above instruction

References

  1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2023). Job opportunities and benefits at VA. Retrieved from https://www.va.gov
  2. United States Office of Personnel Management. (2023). Qualification standards for GS positions. Retrieved from https://www.opm.gov
  3. Smith, J. (2022). Transportation management in healthcare settings. Journal of Healthcare Logistics, 12(4), 105–119.
  4. Johnson, L. & Lee, R. (2021). Managing beneficiary travel programs: A federal approach. Public Administration Review, 81(2), 259-271.
  5. Federal Register. (2017). VA employment policies and procedures. Retrieved from https://www.federalregister.gov
  6. Veterans Benefits Administration. (2022). Managing veteran transportation and travel benefits. VA.gov.
  7. Office of Personnel Management. (2020). Guide to federal employment and eligibility. Retrieved from https://www.opm.gov
  8. American Society of Transportation and Logistics. (2019). Best practices in transportation coordination. ASLT Journal, 33(1), 45-59.
  9. U.S. Department of Education. (2023). Recognized accreditation agencies. Retrieved from https://www.ed.gov
  10. National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics. (2021). Veteran health care access and transportation. VA.gov.

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