Career Center

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until December 30, 2022. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be February 16, 2022, with subsequent cut off dates on a bi-weekly basis. This announcement may close without prior notification. Applicants selected for this position may be required to provided coverage and travel to one of the CBOC's located in Athens, Statesboro GA or Aiken SC; this work maybe virtual in nature. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/30/2022. Basic Requirements: Citizenship. Citizen of the United States Education. Graduate of a training program which is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education of PA (ARC-PA) or one of its predecessor organizations. Additionally, candidates must meet one of the following:(1) Master's degree in any discipline; OR (2) Bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a PA. Certification. Must have successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE) NOTE: Current and continuous certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is no longer required for employment in VHA. Licensure PAs must possess an active, current, full, and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. PAs must maintain current registration in the State of licensure if this is a requirement for continuing active and current licensure in that State. English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determinations: 1. Physician Assistant-I (PA-I)Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. This is the entry level for PAs. 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: 1. Ability to utilize the principles of PA practice in the care of assigned patients to provide appropriate care. 2. Ability to perform patient history and physical. 3. Ability to formulate a plan and provide treatment to the patient. Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession. 2. Physician Assistant-II (PA-II) 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: Two years of successful practice as a PA. OR 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 A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 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: 1. Skills to analyze and solve complex medical problems. 2. Ability to function autonomously and make independent medical decisions. 3. Skill to incorporate training and experience into the successful practice of patient care including telehealth medical care. 4. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care. 5. Ability to practice with colleagues and peers collaboratively. 3. Physician Assistant-III (PA-III) Experience and Education. PAs at the PA-III grade are at the full performance level and lead and organize patient care independently, practice within multidisciplinary 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: Three years of successful practice as a PA. OR 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 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. 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: 1. Ability to clinically evaluate facility patient care delivery systems and validate or identify barriers to safe and effective patient care. 2. 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). 3. Ability to present clinical findings and recommendations to appropriate management officials. 4. Ability to clinically facilitate the delivery of patient care in collaboration with health professionals, health managers, and other health care personnel. 5. 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. 6. Ability to participate clinically in the development of the PA patient care audit processes involving in-depth review and analysis of medical records. References: Candidates must meet all the requirements identified in the VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G8. Physician Assistant Qualification Standards http://vaww1.va.gov/ohrm/HRLibrary/Dir-Policy.htm.The full performance level of this vacancy is VN-III. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of VN-1 to VN-III. Physical Requirements: Standing, walking, lifting light loads, assisting patients with positioning and transfers. Must be able to use a computer to input orders, review reports etc. Must be able to communicate directions and patient orders. Light lifting (under 15lbs), light carrying (under 15lbs), use of fingers, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other, hearing (aid permitted), emotional stability, mental stability, working closely with others, working alone, and working with bio hazardous materials. ["Supervise and coordinate activities of the physician health team to ensure optimal patient care services. Demonstrates leadership skills in improving patient care delivery systems. Perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, diagnose medical and surgical problems, prescribe necessary treatment and services for quality patient care. Documents appropriately in the EMR. Take patient histories, conduct physical examinations, and record the date in the EMR; write progress notes and narratives discharge summaries; prepare patient workups and summaries noting pertinent positive and negative findings. Order laboratory studies and diagnostic procedures; explain the necessity preparation, nature and anticipated effects of scheduled diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to the patient. Monitor progress of patients, follow up as indicated, and maintain adequate records of patient's progress in the EMR. Facilitate the delivery of patient care in collaboration with health professional, clinical managers, nurse managers, and other healthcare personnel, Make decisions which serve to enhance the distinctive and contributory role of a Physician Assistant within the healthcare system. May make work assignments for assigned nursing and technical personnel; review the work of lower level employees and train new personnel. Develops and coordinate complex programs, training and/or education related to primary care. Establishes and maintains relationships within the service, facility management and other services that result in improved care. Participates in long range program planning and model development for the delivery of primary care and related services.- Assure implementation, maintenance, and compliance with standards of professional practices of all health care personnel within the service. The above functions describe the general nature and level of work being performed, this is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm (occasional weekends, holidays and/or extended hours pending operational needs.)\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required\nRecruitment/Relocation Incentive: Not authorized\nPCS Expenses: Not Authorized"]