Physician Assistant

Summary

A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive is authorized for a highly qualified candidate.

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Overview

• Accepting applications

• Open & closing dates

06/25/2024 to 07/09/2024

• Salary

$104,264 - $179,575 per year

• Pay scale & grade

VN 00

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Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

• Decatur, IL 1 vacancy

• Remote job

No

• Telework eligible

No

• Travel Required

25% or less

• You may be expected to travel for this position.

• Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

• Appointment type

Permanent

• Work schedule

Full-time

• Service

Excepted

• Promotion potential

2

• Job family (Series)

0603 Physician Assistant

• Supervisory status

No

• Security clearance

Not Required

• Drug test

Yes

• Position sensitivity and risk

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

• Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

• Announcement number

CAZP-12454335-24-AW

• Control number

797075100

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This job is open to

• Internal to an agency

Current federal employees of this agency.

• The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

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Duties

Some positions/specialties are eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP). If selected, you will be notified if your specialty is eligible for EDRP or not. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.

The Physician Assistant is a professional with advanced clinical knowledge and competence to function in a variety of roles. She/he is accountable for the management and evaluation of patient care under her/his care. She/he holds clinical privileges and practices in collaboration with a physician. The Physician Assistant provides comprehensive wellness care, as well as acute, episodic, and chronic care, of adult veterans. The Physician Assistant is prepared by advanced practice in adult health care across the health continuum. This practice includes independent and interdependent decision making, and direct accountability for clinical judgment. The Physician Assistant will evaluate and treat adult and elderly patients in the Community Living Center. The Physician Assistant will also perform activities related to follow-up of abnormal lab and radiology results, keeping communication open with veterans and their families, and ensuring that staff is kept abreast on the veteran's clinical condition. He/She will provide care under the supervision of the Geriatrics and Extended care attending physician.

FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES:PRACTICE: Provides leadership in the application of clinical care processes as they relate to patient care, organizational processes, and/or systems, thus, improving outcomes at the program or service level.CRITERIA:1. Conducts a comprehensive assessment to determine veteran's nature and degree of health care problems & constructs and implements an appropriate plan of care.2. Develops a data base on veterans by performance of:(1) Health history(2) Physical assessment(3) Diagnostic testing3. Assesses and interprets patient data differentiating between normal and abnormal findings; formulating differential diagnosis; Develops appropriate diagnosis and treatment plans.4. Prescribes and performs selected laboratory and other diagnostic tests, treatments, referrals, and consultations deemed pertinent, as defined in individual clinical privileges as delineated by PA/NP board.5. Manages veterans with acute and chronic diseases or other health problems, as well as preventive health where appropriate; thorough health teaching for veterans, family, peers, and community, increases veteran and family understanding of disease processes, self-care, and treatment plans.6. Reviews patient management with collaborating physician as appropriate; Collaborates & makes recommendation with other disciplines and community resources to ensure continuity of care.7. Maintains up-to-date records of all veteran interactions to document care provided, and facilitates intervention of various other health care providers.8. Demonstrates the skills and knowledge necessary to provide care appropriate to the veterans served, including the ability to obtain and interpret information to identify veteran needs and to provide the care needed.9. Maintains compliance with the various standards of care & practice. These include but are not limited to H&P completion, Medication Reconciliation, "Hand Off" communication standardization, patient education and documentation and assisting with patient flow and discharge processes

Work Schedule: Monday

• Friday, 07:45 am

• 4:15 pm

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• All qualified candidates encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.

• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.

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

• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.

• 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.

• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.

• 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

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.Physician Assistant Basic Requirements

• Master's degree in any discipline or a bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a Physician Assistant ~AND~
• Successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE) (or are you in the process to taking the exam) ~AND~
• Currently hold, or will hold, a full and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or in the District of Columbia.

Grade Determinations: The full performance level of this vacancy is PA-III. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of PA-1 to PA-III.

• 1. Physician Assistant-I (PA-I)
  
  

• (a) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. This is the entry level for PAs.

• (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The following list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) present the minimum skill set expected of an Entry Level PA. This practice may include, but is not limited to:

• i. Ability to utilize the principles of PA practice in the care of assigned patients to provide appropriate care.

• ii. Ability to perform patient history and physical.

• iii. Ability to formulate a plan and provide treatment to the patient.

• iv. Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession.

• (2) Physician Assistant-II (PA-II)

• (a) Experience and Education. The PA at this grade is at the intermediate grade level and has had progressively increasing responsibility and experiences as indicated in the KSAs listed below. Individuals will have demonstrated the ability to analyze and solve more complex medical problems than at the entry level grade and can utilize their training in the successful practice of patient care and participate in team problem solving. Individuals demonstrate the KSAs of PA-II intermediate level by:

• i. Two years of successful practice as a PA. OR

• ii. Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, U.S. Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency. OR

• iii. A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

• (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). PAs at this level are not required to meet each individual KSA listed below to qualify, but should be able to demonstrate, develop, or acquire those not met upon appointment for PA-II:

• i. Skills to analyze and solve complex medical problems.

• ii. Ability to function autonomously and make independent medical decisions.

• iii. Skill to incorporate training and experience into the successful practice of patient care including telehealth medical care.

• iv. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care.

• v. Ability to practice with colleagues and peers collaboratively.

• (3) Physician Assistant-III (PA-III)

• (a) Experience and Education. PAs at the PA-III grade are at the full performance level and lead and organize patient care independently, practice within multi-disciplinary teams, and coordinate all aspects of patient care across the health care system. They utilize advanced clinical knowledge and judgment in decision-making and evaluating outcomes. They function as experts in clinical practice and/or in areas related to the assigned roles and responsibilities, may serve as mentors for transitioning PAs, and may provide training for health care students. Individuals can demonstrate the KSAs for the full performance level by:

• i. Three years of successful practice as a PA.OR

• ii. Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program sponsored by VHA Office of Academic Affiliations or other postgraduate residency programs accredited by VA, ARC-PA, U.S. Armed Forces, or another accrediting agency and one year of professional practice as a PA.OR

• iii. A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and one year of professional practice as a PA.

• (b) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. PAs at this level are not required to meet each individual KSA listed below to qualify, but should be able to demonstrate, develop, or acquire those not met upon appointment for PA-III:

• i. Ability to clinically evaluate facility patient care delivery systems and validate or identify barriers to safe and effective patient care.

• ii. Skill to consistently demonstrate an elevated level of expertise and autonomy in diagnosing and treating seriously ill, multi-symptomatic patients through facility Focused Professional Practice Evaluation (FPPE) and Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE).

• iii. Ability to present clinical findings and recommendations to appropriate management officials.

• iv. Ability to clinically facilitate the delivery of patient care in collaboration with health professionals, health managers, and other health care personnel.

• v. Ability to implement and initiate clinical changes to established treatment protocols based upon new medical literature research findings to enhance patient delivery care for improved patient outcomes.

• vi. Ability to participate clinically in the development of the PA patient care audit processes involving in-depth review and analysis of medical records.

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/103 PART II APPENDIX G18.Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the position without hazard to themselves or others. Normal work of the position requires visual acuity (with the ability to read typewritten characters without strain, corrective lenses permitted), keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially moderate levels of lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds). The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.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.Due to COVID-19, VA is currently in an expanded telework posture. If selected, you may be expected to temporarily telework, even if your home is located outside the local commuting area. Once employees are permitted to return to the office, you will be expected to report to the duty station listed on this announcement. Management officials will provide information about returning to the official, pre-pandemic worksite, when applicable. At that time, you may be eligible to request to continue to telework depending upon the terms of your organization's telework policy and the duties of the position.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.

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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.

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 MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.NOTE: A formal pay-setting process will be used to determine your salary. The salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.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.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.