Summary PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE ANNOUNCEMENT TO ENSURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET. This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and will remain on file through December 31, 2024. Eligible applicants will be referred each month as vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled. This announcement has been amended to update the salary range to match the new 2024 pay scales. Responsibilities In compliance with VA Policy & union requirements/recommendations for Title 38 clinical positions, internal facility employees must receive first consideration prior to hiring managers making selections externally to other applicants. So, this internal announcement ensures this is met by posting all positions internally to facility employees throughout the year. This announcement does not signify that a vacancy exists at this time. Should a true vacancy become available in this occupation/specialty, applicants will be reviewed & referred to hiring managers for consideration at that time. You will receive notification when/if your application progresses to the next stage of recruitment. You must select the location(s) that you wish to be considered for at your facility. If a vacancy becomes available, you will only be referred for the location(s) you select when you apply. You may select one (1) or multiple locations. Note that there may not be any current vacancies at the time of this announcement, however, applicants may be considered for future and any additional vacancies that become available until the announcement closes. 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 core Physician Assistant privilege elements are based on nationally standardized training by PA training programs accredited by the Rulemaking Authority and laws established by the state of current licensure and provide evidence of board certification as a PA by a national certification agency vetted by the VA and listed on the Office of Nursing (ONS) website. The Physician Assistant is authorized to perform the following core duties. Duties: Obtain medical histories and perform physical examinations. Provide and coordinate medical care for assigned patients, including establishing diagnoses, formulating and implementing care plans, and providing follow-up care. Evaluate outpatients to determine the need for further health care. Order and interpret diagnostic testing results and therapeutic modalities. Order ancillary services, including but not limited to, pharmacy, social services, physical medicine and rehabilitation therapies, prosthetic services. Order VA specialty service consults and initiating requests for non-VA medical care and consults in accordance with VHA and local facility policy and procedures. Order or prescribe devices, supplies, and durable medical equipment. Order or prescribe medications for patients under their care. Initiate and renew non-formulary medications. Admit and discharge patients in consultation with, and on behalf of, the attending physician, obtain admission history and performing physical examinations, conducting patient rounds, documenting progress notes and summaries in the patient record, and writing patient orders on assigned patients. Obtain and document informed consent for treatments and procedures for which the Physician Assistant is responsible according to the Hospital Policy Memorandum on Informed Consent. Provide education and counsel patients and families in preventive care, medical conditions, and the use of prescribed treatments and drugs. Perform certain minor surgical/therapeutic procedures including but not limited to: suturing/closure of lacerations, removal of sutures and staples, obtaining biopsies, incision and drainage of abscess or superficial thrombosis, skin and soft tissue biopsies, removal or exchange of indwelling drains or tubes, insertion or removal of peripheral venous or arterial catheters, removal of central venous catheters, wound debridement/cultures/VAC dressing application and changes, nitrogen skin applications, insertion and irrigation of Foley catheters, insertion and irrigation of nasogastric tubes, administration of local and topical anesthesia. Work Schedule: Various work schedules available. May require rotating call coverage, weekdays, nights, weekends and/or holidays. The supervisor will determine the actual work schedule (FT, PT, Intermittent & the hours worked) upon selection based on the needs of the organization. Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Discloser Report: Not required 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. BASIC REQUIREMENTS: All applicants must meet the following basic qualifications. Citizenship. Must be a 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). Licensure. 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. Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d). Physical Standards. Must pass a pre-employment examination. See below for additional information GRADE REQUIREMENTS: In addition to the basic requirements above, all applicants must also meet one of the following grade requirements for a specific grade level. Physician Assistant-I (PA-I): None beyond the basic requirements. This is the entry level. 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. Physician Assistant-II (PA-II): 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: (1) Two years of successful practice as a PA. -or- (2) 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- (3) A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 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. Skill to incorporate training and experience into the successful practice of patient care including telehealth medical care. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care. Ability to practice with colleagues and peers collaboratively. Physician Assistant-III (PA-III): PAs at this 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: (1) Three years of successful practice as a PA. -or- (2) 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- (3) 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. 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. 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. Reference: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G8 Physical Requirements: Must pass a pre-employment physical examination as required by VA Handbook 5019. This examination is administered by VA Occupational Health. This position requires moderate lifting up to 44 lbs., carrying objects up to 15 lbs., frequent reaching, use of hands and fingers, use of cranes and motor vehicles, walking, standing, bending and climbing. The incumbent must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential functions of this position without hazard to themselves or others. 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional Information NOTE: This announcement has been amended to update the 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. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.