Job Listing: ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE TECHNICIAN

Duty Locations

 1 vacancy - Honolulu, HI "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan."

The position is located in the Accounts Receivable Section, Financial Resources Management Service, Pacific Islands Health Care System, Honolulu, Hawaii. The selectee will be responsible for managing receivables and performing budget administration support, financial systems support, payroll, cash processing, voucher examination, or accounting technician work.

 

The salary shown includes a 25% cost-of-living allowance.

 

The agency desires candidates who have completed their immunizations.

 

More than one vacancy may be filled through this announcement should the need arise.

 

Full Performance Level is GS-06

Major Duties

The incumbent will serve as an accounts receivable technician with the Veterans Affairs Medical Care Cost Recovery program which is designed to recover medical care costs from veterans or other individuals who are covered under other insurance carriers. Specifically, the incumbent is responsible for auditing all types of complex vouchers dealing with the collection of indebtedness due to the medical center. Specifically, the incumbent will review all billings to ensure that they are complete and accurate, ensure that billings are established, follow up collection requirements; determine if collection actions are cost effective or whether write-off procedures should be initiated.  This is a dual billing and collections position.

How to Apply

A complete Application Package must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on the closing date of Thursday, June 05, 2008.

 

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes both of the following parts:

(1)     Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire (completed online or a hard copy Form 1203-FX (Form C)), and

(2)     Your résumé and any other documents specified in the Required Documents section below.

 

Your application package may be submitted in full or in parts via Application Manager, fax, or mail delivery. In other words, you may submit your resume online, then submit your transcripts via fax, then submit your DD-214 via regular mail.

 

Use Application Manager for convenience and quickest processing. Track your progress to a Complete Application Package using the My Application Packages checklist and status displays in Application Manager. (NOTE: Application Manager has a navigation box that appears on the left side of the screen whenever you are working on an Application Package. The items listed in the navigation box are pages you need to visit, and represent steps you need to complete, in order for your Application Package to reach the status of Complete.) Your Application Package status must be Complete by Thursday, June 05, 2008.

 

Option A:  Application Manager

To begin, choose ONE of these options:

·         If your résumé is going to be one you prepared outside of USAJOBS Résumé Builder, click this link to begin the process:  Online Questionnaire.

OR

·         If your résumé is going to come from the USAJOBS Resume Builder, you begin the process by clicking the Apply Online button near the bottom of this page. Your résumé will be attached only to the Application Package you complete and Submit immediately after you click the Apply Online button for this job announcement, not to any Application Packages you may already have created.

 

To return to Application Manager at any time, click this link: https://ApplicationManager.org.

 

Option B:  Paper Qualifications Questionnaire

If it is not possible for you to use Application Manager, you can write your answers on paper, and submit the form, with your resume and any supporting documents by fax or by mail.  Obtain and print a copy of the OPM Form 1203-FX (Qualifications and Availability Form C), which you will use to provide your answers. You can obtain the form at this URL http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf or by calling USAJOBS by Phone at (703) 724-1850; after the introduction, press 1, and listen for instructions. (Note:  Use the “Instructions for Completing the Hard Copy Questionnaire” below (in the Required Documents section) as a guide to filling out the form.)

 

To Fax Resumes, Documents and/or Forms:  

·            If you are faxing a Form 1203-FX, do not use a separate cover sheet. Simply make sure the Form 1203-FX is on top of any other documents you are faxing.

·            If you are faxing any documents (such as a resume or transcripts) without the Form 1203-FX on top, always use the official cover sheet which is here -- http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf -- and be sure to fill it out completely and clearly.  The information contained on the cover page should match exactly the information you provided to the assessment questionnaire (Vacancy ID number FS185255, your name, and SSN).

The fax number is 1-478-757-3144.  Feed all documents into your fax machine top first so that we receive them right-side up.

 

To Mail:  If you must mail any of your application materials, please use the address shown at the end of this vacancy announcement.  Indicate the vacancy announcement number (FS185255-SH-08) on your application materials and on the envelope.  Your application materials will not be returned, so please do not submit original documents that you may need in the future.

Required Documents:

In addition to your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire, the following documents are required:  

 

Resume
A copy of your college transcripts or list of college courses, if applicable
Veterans Preference documentation, if you are claiming veteran preference
CTAP/ICTAP documentation, if applicable
Miscellaneous - No documents are required in this category, however, you may submit a cover letter for examples as a miscellaneous document.

If you fail to submit all of the required materials, we will not be able to fully process your application, and you may lose consideration for this position.  No additional information will be solicited or accepted after the closing date.

 

RESUME:  In your resume, be sure you provide all of the information requested below:

 

1.       Vacancy Announcement Number (FS185255-SH-08), title and grade(s) for which you are applying.

2.       Your full name, mailing address (with zip code) and day/evening telephone numbers (with area code); Social Security Number; Country of Citizenship. If ever employed by the Federal Government, please show the highest Federal civilian grade held, job series, and dates of employment in grade.

3.       Education - High School name, city, state and zip code, date of diploma or GED. For any Colleges and/or Universities attended, include city, state and zip code; major field(s) of study; type and year of degree(s) received. If no degree received, show total credit hours received in semester or quarter hours. 

4.       Work Experience - List each paid or non-paid position held related to the job for which you are applying (do not provide copies of job descriptions). Include job title; duties and accomplishments; number of hours per week; employer's name and address; supervisor's name and phone number; starting and ending dates of employment (month and year); salary. Indicate if your current supervisor may be contacted.

5.       Other Qualifications - Job-related training courses (title and year); job-related skills (e.g., other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, etc.); job-related certificates and licenses; job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments (e.g., publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking, performance awards, etc.). Do not send copies of documents unless specifically requested.

 

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:

 

College Transcripts - If you are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify,  or if there are mandatory course requirements for the job, you must submit copies of college transcripts or a list of college courses taken that identify for each course the college or university, semester or quarter hours earned, grade and grade-point received. (Official transcripts are not required.) If your school does not operate on a semester hour (SH) or quarter hour (QH) system (i.e., academic credit is expressed in contract months, units, or other terms that differ from conventional SH/QH), you must include a statement of equivalency from your school equating the school's credits to SH or QH. (This information is often found on the back of college transcripts.) You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. educational standards and that you have the required knowledge, skills and abilities for this position.

 

Veterans’ Preference - If you are claiming 5-point veterans’ preference, you must submit a copy of your military discharge certificate, DD-214, or other valid proof of eligibility. If you are claiming 10-point preference, you must submit an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference, SF-15, and the required documentation specified on the form. The SF-15 can be downloaded from the USAJOBS website. IF YOU DO NOT SUBMIT ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE ADDITIONAL VETERAN PREFERENCE POINTS.

 

Surplus or Displaced Federal Employees:  Eligible Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) applicants may apply for special selection over other candidates for this position. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, you must be rated at 85 or above on the rating criteria for this position.  You must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority:  a separation notice; a “Notice of Personnel Action” (SF-50) noting current or last position, grade level, duty location and documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.

 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE HARD COPY QUESTIONNAIRE (FORM 1203-FX).  If you are applying to this announcement by completing the OPM 1203-FX form instead of using the Online Application method, please use the following step-by-step instructions as a guide to filling out the required questionnaire. You will need to print the vacancy announcement (or at least the following instructions) and refer to it as you answer the questions. You may omit any optional information; however, you must provide responses to all required questions. Be sure to double check your application before submission.

 

Social Security Number

Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated. Providing your Social Security Number is voluntary, however, we cannot process your application without it.
Vacancy Identification Number

FS185255
1. Title of Job

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE TECHNICIAN
2. Biographic Data

All biographic information is required, except for country (unless you reside in an overseas area), your telephone number, the contact time and fax number.
3. E-Mail Address

Would you like to be notified by e-mail? If so, please enter your e-mail address in the space provided.
4. Work Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

5. Employment Availability

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

6. Citizenship

(Required) Are you a citizen of the United States?
7. Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

8. Other Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

9. Languages

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

10. Lowest Grade

Enter the lowest grade you are willing to accept.
05
11. Miscellaneous Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

12. Special Knowledge

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

13. Test Location

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

14. Veteran Preference Claim

Enter your veterans' preference claim. (Note: If you are claiming veterans' preference YOU MUST submit supporting documentation as specified in the vacancy announcement to receive eligibility consideration.)
15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

These dates are required if you have claimed veterans' preference, unless you have claimed derived preference (i.e., widow, spouse, etc.). Please use this format: (mm/dd/yyyy)
16. Availability Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

17. Service Computation Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

18. Other Date Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

19. Job Preference

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

20. Occupational Specialties

(Required) The specialty code for this position is:
001 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE TECHNICIAN
21. Geographic Availability

(Required) The location code for this position is:
0768 Honolulu, HI
22. Transition Assistance Plan

Complete this section ONLY IF you are a surplus or displaced Federal employee requesting special priority consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP). To be considered, you must be a surplus or displaced Federal employee as defined in the regulations, be applying for a vacancy at or below the grade level of the position from which you have been or are being separated (and with no greater promotion potential than your position), and be occupying or have been displaced from a position in the same local commuting area as the vacancy.

Note: To receive consideration for the CTAP or ICTAP, you must submit the necessary supporting documentation as specified in the vacancy announcement.

23. Job Related Experience

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

24. Personal Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:

Please note that your answers may be verified against the information you provide in your resume. The quality, type, and scope of your experience, education and/or training must demonstrate that you are fully qualified to perform the duties of the position to be filled. Be sure to explicitly describe your background as it relates to the duties of this position since your narrative resume must support the responses you select in this questionnaire.

1. Select one statement from the choices below that shows how you meet one of the qualification requirements for this position. If you are qualifying based on your education, please submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of college courses to receive consideration. Please select only one response from the choices below. Multiple responses will result in an ineligible rating.

A. I qualify for this position because I have one year of full-time specialized experience, or the equivalent, comparable to the GS-04 grade level in the Federal Service, performing clerical and administrative support work in support of fiscal operations. (As a reminder, qualifying experience would include responsibilities such as verifying the accuracy and completeness of accounting information in a variety of formats; processing or recording financial transactions or numerical information such as: payroll, payments, travel authorizations or travel vouchers; monitoring obligations, expenditures and cash flow; maintaining administrative files, forms, records, manuals, handbooks, regulations and other related matters; preparing reports using various software (i.e., spreadsheets, databases, etc.); communicating orally and in writing; and, performing various clerical/administrative duties.)

B. I qualify for this position because I have successfully completed at least four years of study in any field leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, or at least 20 hours of classroom instruction per week for approximately 36 weeks in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school. One year of full-time academic study is defined as 30 semester/45 quarter hours, or the equivalent. (Applicants applying under this option must include a copy of their college transcripts or list of courses with their application package.)

C. Although I do not meet the complete requirements of response A or B above, I do have a combination of experience as described in A above and college level education as in B above; less than one year of specialized experience and post-high school education beyond the second year which equates to 100% of the qualification requirement when combined.

D. My background is not reflected in any of the above statements, but I am interested in this type of work and I am willing to learn.

ABILITY TO COLLECT DEBTS SUBJECT TO PRIVACY CONCERNS

For the remaining questions, choose the ONE letter from the list below that best describe your experience and/or training.

A- I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.
B- I have had education or training in performing this task, but have not yet performed it on the job.
C- I have performed this task on the job. My work on this task was monitored closely by a supervisor or senior employee to ensure compliance with proper procedures.
D- I have performed this task as a regular part of a job. I have performed it independently and normally without review by a supervisor or senior employee.
E- I am considered an expert in performing this task. I have supervised performance of this task or am normally the person who is consulted by other workers to assist them in doing this task because of my expertise.

2. Resolve complex account processing technical questions and problems which require special handling such as sensitive patient information and level of care issues.

3. Audit complex vouchers dealing with the collection of debt

4. Apply public laws and mandates, federal regulations, VA regulations, pay contract records, benefit debts standards, compromise of debts standards and Department of Justice enforced collection standards to debt collection.

5. Determine the action to be taken on delinquent accounts that will result in the highest amount of reimbursement.

6. Determine if collection actions are cost-effective or whether write-off procedures should be initiated.

7. Establish repayment plans for debtors and determine the amount of the monthly minimum payment.

8. Initiate new or revised billing and collection procedures as appropriate.

9. Make recommendations for processing billing adjustments to accounts.

10. Generate collection letters and follow-up with third parties, veterans and other receivables until payment is received or closure action is taken.

ABILITY TO MAINTAIN ACCURATE ELECTRONIC AND HARD COPY RECORDS

11. Obtain specific medical care documentation, certifications and prior approvals to fulfill insurance company requirements prior to payment.

12. Use appropriate third party health insurance claims processing procedures to ensure that charges are billed properly.

13. Review and post all payments received to electronic records systems within specified time limits.

14. Ensure that billings are complete and accurate.

15. Reconcile confusing, incomplete or missing medical, financial or insurance records.

16. Coordinate third party payments from multiple sources with payment by the patient.

17. Determine if acceptable requirements are met by payer or if accounts should be referred to legal counsel for further action.

18. Determine if correct payment amount has been received and if the balance should be processed for write-off or decrease.

19. Determine whether checks from third parties, IRS offsets and/or journal voucher documents are correct.

KNOWLEDGE OF A VARIETY OF BILLING AND COLLECTION STANDARDS

20. Apply billing and collection standards relating to patient care and other indebtedness in a hospital, clinic or other medical setting.

21. Establish administrative controls and procedures to ensure maximum payment is received on a timely basis.

22. Establish follow-up actions on delinquent bills using letters and telephone calls.

23. Refer uncollectible debts to Regional Counsel or equivalent legal resource such as the Department of Justice for debt collection.

24. Maintain good customer relations during contact with clients for collections.

KNOWLEDGE OF THE MEDICAL CARE COST RECOVERY SYSTEM (MCCR) AND OTHER REQUIRED TOOLS

25. Review and post all payments to the IFCAP aspect of VA's Hospital Information System (VISTA).

26. Review and post all payments using VA's Debt Management Center (DMC).

27. Review and post all payments to an Integrated Billing Software program.

28. Use account receivable information in the VA's Hospital Information System (VISTA) to ensure accuracy of bills to maximize collection.

29. Use accounts reconciliation (A/R) computer applications.

30. Use available third party insurance company computer software to guarantee approval of benefits, billing capability and prompt collection of monies due.

ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY ORALLY

31. Demonstrate consideration by providing patients and third party payers with satisfactory explanations for billing and collection policy and procedures.

32. Resolve billing and collection problems with insurance companies.

33. Resolve billing and collection problems with Federal agencies.

34. Resolve billing and collection problems with Veterans organizations.

35. Resolve billing and collection problems with Veterans and their families.

36. Resolve billing and collection problems with other third parties.

37. Answer inquiries and provide assistance in billing and collection matters to a wide variety of interested parties.

38. Answer technical billing and related questions from staff and third party insurance carriers and varied other customers.

39. Train and orient new staff members and carry out ongoing training for adoption of new/revised systems and procedures.

ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY IN WRITING

40. Communicate in writing with insurance companies to resolve billing and collection problems.

41. Communicate in writing with Federal agencies to resolve billing and collection problems.

42. Communicate in writing with Veterans organizations to resolve billing and collection problems.

43. Communicate in writing with Veterans and their families to resolve billing and collection problems.

44. Communicate in writing with other third parties to resolve billing and collection problems.

 

Contact Information:
Stephanie Huynh

Phone: (415)281-7074

Email: stephanie.huynh@opm.gov


Or write:
USOPM San Francisco Services Branch
San Francisco Federal Building
90 Seventh Street Suite 13-300
San Francisco, CA 94103


What To Expect Next:

You will receive notification of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official by mail or e-mail.  If further evaluation or interviews are required you will be contacted directly by the hiring agency.  The agency expects to make selection within 90 days from the closing date of this announcement.