Vacancy Identification Number (VIN): 641171 Additional vacancies may be filled under this recruitment.
The Central Alabama Veteran Health Care System (CAVHCS), VISN7, is a consolidated health care system that includes VA Medical Centers in Montgomery and Tuskegee Alabama, as well as Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) in Dothan Alabama, Ft. Rucker Alabama and Columbus Georgia. The primary duty station for this position is station 619T - Tuskegee , Alabama. The incumbent will be required to work on site at the other locations as required.
To fulfill President Lincoln's promise - "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans.
How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate care to Veterans?
As a VA Physician Assistant, your opportunities are endless. With many openings in the multiple functions of VA, you will have a wide range of opportunities at your fingertips. Not only is it the largest, most technologically advanced integrated health care system in the nation, but we also provide many other services to Veterans through the Benefits Administration and National Cemeteries.
Your grade and step will be determined by the Professional Standards Board (PSB). The PSB is a peer review process. The PSB will review your qualifications, education, professional training/internship(s) and professional experience to determine the most appropriate grade and step based on your individual accomplishments.
Vacancy Announcement Closing Date: May 8, 2012 or until filled. FIRST CUTOFF: April 16, 2012. Applications received by the first cutoff date will receive first consideration. Applications of qualified applicants received after this date will be referred to the selecting official once every week until the closing date or a selection made.
SPECIAL NOTE: This position(s) may also be filled as Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) under separate vacancy announcement. The CRNP will be posted under Vacancy ID Number VA-619-12-617777-LB. If you have questions regarding the CRNP vacancy, please notify the contact person listed within that announcement. If you wish to receive consideration for CRNP, please do not apply under this vacancy.
Special Employment Consideration: VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply.
The Department of Veterans Affairs may offer Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocation services. Permanent Change of Station is the relocation of household due to government convenience with a transfer between duty stations or facilities. For more information, go to http://vaww.fscdirect.fsc.va.gov/pcs.asp
VA offers generous paid time off and a variety of predictable and flexible scheduling opportunities. For more information on the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to http://www.va.careers.va.gov/ .
KEY REQUIREMENTS
U. S. Citizenship
Must pass pre-employment examination
English Language Proficiency required
Designated and-or Random Drug Testing required
Background and-or Security Investigation required
Certification-NCCPA
DUTIES: Work Schedule: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Recruitment or Relocation Incentive : Not authorized
Relocation Expenses: Not authorized
This position will provide psychiatric/medical care to veterans who are requesting or continuing care in the Mental Health Clinic at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS). The position is under the operational/functional control of the Associate Chief of Staff for Mental Health & Behavioral Medicine (MH&BM).
Performs initial evaluations of patients referred for diagnostic assessment. This includes: history and physical examination; mental status exams; treatment plans; ordering and interpretation of laboratory, radiological and diagnostic tests; initiating consultations; ordering of medications.
Performs ongoing outpatient treatment to include: mental status examination; monitoring medications to adjust for changes in symptoms and/or side effects; providing supporting psychotherapy and/or case management services including outreach activities.
Attends Mental Health Clinic treatment/clinical care planning conferences. Dictates intake summaries, progress notes, consultations and discharge summaries.
Responsible for screening for infectious diseases; education and counseling of the patient. Summarizes medical records; changes orders; completes appropriate disability paperwork.
Teaches psycho-educational classes; conducts individual and group psychotherapy; supervises/teaches students/interns; participates in program design and outcome evaluation/research; performs administrative duties as assignment.
Serves as consultant to the MH&BM and other agencies providing care to veterans for medical and psychiatric issues.
Utilizes knowledge and skills in the use of the computer software applications for drafting documents, data management, and tracking especially those programs in use by CAVHCS.
Meets the needs of customers while support VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Handles conflicts and problems in dealing with customers constructively and appropriately.
Considers age-related differences of the various veteran populations served and is competent to evaluate patients ranging from ages 18-84 plus.
Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statues and policy, and VHA policy. Protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
Citizenship. Citizen of the United States.
Education or Training. The candidate must meet one of the following:
(1) A bachelors degree from a PA training program which is certified by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education of the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA); or
(2) Graduation from a PA training program of at least 12 months duration which is certified by the ARC-PA and a bachelors degree in a health care occupation or a health-related science; or
(3) Graduation from a PA training program of at least 12 months duration which is certified by the ARC-PA and a period of progressively responsible health care experience such as an independent duty medical corpsman, licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, medical technologist, or medical technician. The duration of approved academic training and health care experience must total at least 5 years.
Certification. As of March 12, 1993, certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physicians Assistants (NCCPA) is a requirement for employment. This requirement does not apply to non-certified PAs on VA rolls as of that date.
Physical Standards. A pre-placement examination is required prior to entry on duty.
English Language Proficiency. Physician Assistants appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).
GRADE DETERMINATIONS: In addition to meeting the above basic qualifications standards, the following criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment:
Associate Grade. None beyond basic requirements.
Full Grade. Completion of one of the following requirements:
(1) Successful practice as a PA which demonstrates the abilities in subparagraphs (a) and (b) below. Generally, individuals meeting the education requirements in paragraph 2c of section A can demonstrate these skills after approximately 2 years of practice as a PA. The complexity of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures which the candidate is capable of performing, as a result of experience as a PA, have expanded significantly beyond those required of employees meeting the minimum requirements for entry into the occupation.
(a) Ability to work effectively with patients, families or significant others, with professional and supportive personnel who provide patient care, and with members of other services; and
(b) Ability to provide effective care to patients; i.e. assesses, plans, implements, documents, evaluates patient care; manages care for assigned patients; initiates effective actions in emergencies; or
(2) A Bachelors degree from a PA training program which is certified by the ARC-PA and practice as a PA which demonstrates abilities such as those described in paragraph (1) above. Generally, individuals attaining the education level specified in this subparagraph can demonstrate the abilities described in subparagraphs (a) and (b) above after approximately 1 year of practice as a PA; or
(3) Masters degree in a health care occupation or a health-related science and a baccalaureate degree from a PA training program which is certified by the ARC-PA; or
(4) Masters degree from a PA training program which is certified by the ARC-PA.
Intermediate Grade. Completion of requirements in one of the following paragraphs:
(1) PA practice characterized by leadership in improving patient care; demonstrated ability to work effectively with others; and proficiency in one of the following four groups of behaviors (subparagraphs (a), (b), (c), or (d) below). The PA is able to perform more complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures than PAs at Full grade and seeks guidance from the supervising physician less frequently than PAs at lower grade levels and more readily identifies complex patient care situations where referral to the supervising physician is required. Generally, individuals meeting the education requirements in section A of this appendix can successfully demonstrate one of these groups of behaviors after approximately 4 years of practice.
(a) Clinical Skills. Uses sound judgment in assessing, planning, implementing, documenting and evaluating patient care; applies current concepts and findings from research and/or studies to practice; shares clinical expertise with professional and supportive personnel; accurately documents and reports care; identifies, analyzes and resolves patient care problems whose resolution results in the significant improvement of care to patients; demonstrates such expertise in patient care so as to be recognized by others.
(b) Managerial Skills. Assesses, plans, implements and evaluates the delivery of patient care; applies current concepts and findings from research and/or studies to practice; uses sound judgment in making decisions; is timely and accurate in corresponding and reporting; analyzes and resolves problems that impede the delivery of patient care and services.
(c) Instructional Skills. Assesses, plans, implements, documents and evaluates educational activities; applies current concepts and findings from research and/or studies to practice; uses effective and creative teaching methods; encourages active participation of learners in meeting their own needs.
(d) Research Skills. Under supervisory guidance of the managing physician, accepts professional responsibility for a scientific investigation expected to result in a publishable addition to scientific knowledge; resolves problems ordinarily entailed in the accomplishment of a project; interprets findings; prepares reports and papers; or
(2) A bachelors degree from a PA training program which is certified by the ARC-PA and practice as a PA which demonstrates behaviors such as those described in paragraph (1) above. Generally, an individual with the education in this paragraph can demonstrate these behaviors after approximately 3 years of practice as a PA; or
(3) Masters degree in a health care occupation or a health-related science and a baccalaureate degree from a PA training program which is certified by the ARC-PA; and practice as a PA which demonstrates behaviors such as those described in paragraph (1) above. Generally, an individual with the education described in this paragraph can demonstrate these behaviors after approximately 2 years of practice as a PA; or
(4) Masters degree from a PA training program which is certified by the ARC-PA; and practice as a PA which demonstrates behaviors such as those described in paragraph (1) above. Generally, an individual with the education described in this paragraph can demonstrate these behaviors after approximately 2 years of practice as a PA; or
(5) Doctoral degree in a health care occupation or a health-related science and a baccalaureate or masters degree from a PA training program which is certified by the ARC-PA.
Senior Grade. Completion of the requirements in one of the following paragraphs:
(1) Practice as a PA which demonstrates the behaviors described below. Generally, individuals with the education in section A of this appendix can demonstrate these behaviors after approximately 6 years of practice as a PA.
(a) Working effectively with others on a consistent basis and establishing relationships with professional and/or other health care related groups in the community, and
(b) Significant and sustained contributions to the PA profession which may include publication or publishable works, membership on task forces, intramural or extramural committees, consulting, development of educational media, scientific inquiry, or use of creative approaches to enhance quality of patient care and productivity of providers, and
(c) Practice as a PA characterized by leadership and accomplishments in developing and implementing programs to improve the delivery of patient care, and by proficiency in one of the following areas:
1. Clinical Practice. Systematically evaluates current clinical practice; initiates change in clinical practice based on current concepts and findings from research and/or studies; demonstrates such expertise in patient care that advice is sought by others. PAs involved in surgical procedures perform as first or second assistant to the surgeon in charge. Assesses, plans, implements and evaluates patient care programs;
2. Administration. Initiates changes in the system for delivering patient care based on current concepts and findings from research and/or studies; uses sound judgment in making decisions; manages staff; develops staff for patient care leadership assignments.
3. Education. Assesses, plans, implements, coordinates and evaluates educational programs and activities; initiates change in education programs based on current concepts and findings from research and/or studies; teaches effectively and creatively; provides guidance to others involved in the delivery of the education program.
4. Research. Demonstrates thorough grounding in research methodology; designs and conducts scientific inquiry; promotes and assists others in the application of findings from research and/or studies; guides and directs others in research activity; contributes through conducting scientifically meritorious inquiry and publishable findings; or
(2) A Bachelors degree from a PA training program certified by the CAAHP; and successful practice as a PA which demonstrates behaviors such as those in paragraph (1) above. Generally, an individual with the education in this paragraph can demonstrate these behaviors after approximately 5 years of practice as a PA; or
(3) Masters degree in a health care occupation or a health-related science and a bachelors degree from a PA training program certified by the CAAHP; and successful practice as a PA which demonstrates the behaviors such as those in paragraph (1) above. Generally, an individual with the education in this paragraph can demonstrate these after approximately 4 years of practice as a PA; or
(4) Masters degree from a PA training program certified by the CAAHP; and successful practice as a PA which demonstrates the behaviors such as those in paragraph (1) above. Generally, an individual with the education described in this paragraph can demonstrate these behaviors after approximately 4 years of practice as a PA; or
(5) Doctoral degree in a health care occupation or a health-related science and a bachelors or masters degree from a PA training program certified by the CAAHP; and successful practice as a PA which demonstrates the behaviors such as those in paragraph (1) above. Generally, an individual with the education in this paragraph can demonstrate these behaviors after approximately 2 years of practice as a PA.
Chief Grade.
(1) General. Chief grade is restricted to selected leadership positions. The individuals qualifications as well as the scope and complexity of the assignment are considered.
(2) Education. The preferred minimum education for this grade is a masters degree from a PA training program certified by the ARC-PA or a masters degree in a health care occupation or a health-related science and a baccalaureate degree from a PA training program certified by the ARC-PA. However, experience as a PA may be substituted for the masters degree where the individual has an equivalent knowledge of the profession and has successfully undertaken difficult or complex clinical, administrative, research and/or educational assignments which have required an unusual degree of leadership and competence.
(3) Experience. Professional practice characterized by progressively more responsible leadership assignments in clinical, administrative, educational and/or research areas. An individual can demonstrate these abilities after approximately 8 years of practice as a PA. Practice must have consistently demonstrated all of the following behaviors (if applicable to the assignment):
(a) Establishes and maintains relationships within the service, with facility management and other services that result in improved patient care.
(b) Accepts substantial and continuing responsibility and accountability for planning, organizing, coordinating and controlling a complex integrated health care program.
(c) Makes decisions which serve to enhance the distinctive and contributory role of PAs within the local institution and the total health care system.
(d) Participates in long range program planning and model development for effective delivery of health services.
(e) Facilitates the delivery of patient care in collaboration with health professionals, health managers and other health care personnel.
(f) Assures implementation, maintenance and compliance with standards of professional practice of all health care personnel within the program.
(4) Scope and Complexity of Assignment
(a) PA Assignments. Examples of assignments which may justify Chief grade include coordinators or others in leadership roles in such areas as quality assurance, ambulatory care, nursing home care, domiciliary, cardiac catheterization, organ transplant, surgery, or spinal cord injury. These assignments are typically located in settings requiring extensive coordination with a wide variety of specialties/subspecialties and other special programs. The complexity of the assignment must also be such that leadership and an exceptional degree of competence are required.
(b) Complexity Determinations. Factors to be considered in evaluating the scope and complexity of an assignment in one or more of the following areas are as follows:
1. Clinical Practice
a. Systematically evaluates patient care program; and
b. Exhibits leadership in initiating changes in patient care programs based on current concepts and findings from research and/or studies; and,
c. Successfully integrates the activities of the employees assignment with other patient care programs at the facility and with similar programs on a broader geographic basis; and
d. Consistently demonstrates expertise in diagnosing and treating seriously ill multi-symptomatic patients.
2. Administrative Assignments
a. Plans, organizes, coordinates, controls and evaluates complex medical programs, including follow-up actions required by internal and external review organizations and/or accrediting bodies; and
b. Participates in executive-level decision-making deliberations; and
c. Performs a full range of administrative duties.
3. Educational Assignments
a. Develops and implements broad education and training programs involving a variety of specialties in widely diversified activities;
and
b. Provides personnel with the vital link between education and practice; and
c. Coordinates and maintains close relationships with affiliated schools, professional organizations, certifying bodies, and program directors of students of the PA program and other disciplines who rotate through the medical facility; and
d. Serves on education and training committees, advisory groups, and special task forces concerned with managing education and career development activities.
4. Research Assignments
a. Conducts merit-reviewed, approved research projects; performs independent research, serves as a primary contributing member of a research team or serves as co-chair of a research committee; formulates research proposals and protocol submissions to Central Office for merit review; and develops publishable material for appropriate professional journals or speaks to peer groups; or
b. Effectively researches problems of major scope; directs independent research of considerable interest and value, where the research contribution is highly productive and of such quality and originality as to have marked the PA as a significant contributor to advances in patient care and services.
References: VA Handbook 5005/37, Part II, Appendix G7, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT QUALIFICATION STANDARDS dated August 24, 2010.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
APPLICANTS PLEASE NOTE: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Applicants must, therefore, only report attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html . All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. *** 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. ***
Veterans' Preference:
When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference on their application or résumé. Applicants claiming preference based on service-connected disability, or based on being the spouse or mother of a disabled or deceased Veteran, must complete an SF 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference. Veterans who are still in the service may be granted tentative preference on the basis of information contained in their applications, but they must produce a DD Form 214 or other proof prior to appointment to document entitlement to preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/veterans.aspx .
HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:
Your application, résumé and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. You may also be evaluated based upon the question responses you provide during a structured interview. In responding to structured interview questions you should be sure to cite specific examples of experience, explain exactly what you did, and the outcome.
BENEFITS:
Working for the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, thrift savings plan, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. In addition to traditional "dollars and cents" benefits, we offer a range of benefits to help balance work and life. For more information please visit us at http://www4.va.gov/JOBS/Job_Benefits/benefits.asp .
SPECIAL NOTE: This position(s) may also be filled as Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) under separate vacancy announcement. The CRNP will be posted under Vacancy ID Number VA-619-12-617777-LB. If you have questions regarding the CRNP vacancy, please notify the contact person listed within that announcement. If you wish to receive consideration for CRNP, please do not apply under this vacancy.
OTHER INFORMATION:
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave.
Department of Veterans Affairs - 13 months ago
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