What are the responsibilities and job description for the Physician Assistant-Plastics-Education Debt Reduction Program position at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs?
Summary
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
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Duties
The incumbent works effectively with other health care providers and interdisciplinary health care teams to deliver cost effective, quality health care for both inpatients and outpatients. The Physician Assistant (PA) is responsible and accountable for providing, and assuring provision of direct patient centered care to individuals, and accurately assesses patients, effectively intervenes during critical, emergency, or crisis situations.
The Physician Assistant (PA) participates, as an agent of the collaborating physician, in primary care clinics, specialty clinics, inpatient medical coverage, and compensation and pension examinations as needed.
The PA delivers holistic and comprehensive patient focused services as the agent of the specialty service, utilizing the medial processes which includes: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation, and modification based upon the response to the plan of care. Serves as an agent of the specialty service, prescribing and monitoring the implementation of pharmacological and other methods of management for health promotion.
The PA clinical responsibilities include, but may not be limited to:
and controlled substances. Medications will be given to manage neurosurgery
conditions of outpatients and inpatients.
notifying responsible physician's of signification changes in the patient's
condition.
Other duties as assigned.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 07:00am-04:00pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply for EDRP incentive. Contact VISN17EDRP2@va.gov , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
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.
HPTs who are on track to graduate/complete the requirements should respond as if they have met the requirements. Provide details in the narrative sections of the assessment.
Physician Assistant Basic Requirements
Preferred Experience:
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.
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: 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.
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 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: i. 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 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.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is 03. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 01 to 03.
Physical Requirements: Lifting up to 35
The training program must be accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education of PA (ARC-PA) or one of its predecessor organizations.Verification of accreditation may be made obtained from www.arc-pa.org.
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
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.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
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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.
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
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Duties
The incumbent works effectively with other health care providers and interdisciplinary health care teams to deliver cost effective, quality health care for both inpatients and outpatients. The Physician Assistant (PA) is responsible and accountable for providing, and assuring provision of direct patient centered care to individuals, and accurately assesses patients, effectively intervenes during critical, emergency, or crisis situations.
The Physician Assistant (PA) participates, as an agent of the collaborating physician, in primary care clinics, specialty clinics, inpatient medical coverage, and compensation and pension examinations as needed.
The PA delivers holistic and comprehensive patient focused services as the agent of the specialty service, utilizing the medial processes which includes: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation, and modification based upon the response to the plan of care. Serves as an agent of the specialty service, prescribing and monitoring the implementation of pharmacological and other methods of management for health promotion.
The PA clinical responsibilities include, but may not be limited to:
- Performing initial histories and physical examinations on inpatients and outpatients. All admitting inpatient history and physical exams will be reviewed and countersigned by a physician.
- Provides ongoing outpatient care for assigned patients.
- Performing periodic physical examination on nursing home, residential, and
- Screening outpatients to determine need for further care.
- Prescribing medications within defined scope of practice.
- Orders diagnostic studies (such as laboratory tests, x-rays, electrocardiograms,
- Carry out health promotion and disease prevention activities.
- Draws blood specimens for testing and performing other comparable lab
- Initiates and expedites requests for consultations and scheduling special tests
- Make interim summaries of the patient's medical record.
- Initiates requests for consultation services with other VA and Non-VA services,
- Accumulation, correlation, and presentation of the above data to the physician
- Venipuncture and arterial puncture.
- Visual screen tests.
- Performance of standard 12 lead resting electrocardiogram.
- Formulate and recommend tentative diagnostic evaluations and therapeutic
- Implementing diagnostic evaluations and therapeutic regimens after the approval
- Referral to other medical subspecialties with approval of the responsible
- Prescribe medication in accordance with VACO policy using the VA North Texas
and controlled substances. Medications will be given to manage neurosurgery
conditions of outpatients and inpatients.
- Make daily rounds to observe and record patient's medical progress, updating
notifying responsible physician's of signification changes in the patient's
condition.
- Evaluate patients from Ambulatory Care clinics as needed.
- Assist in the OR and perform duties as designated by responsible physician.
- Initiate appropriate consults to other services.
- Perform injection and aspiration procedures as designated by responsible
- Perform PPM tests.
- Education and evaluation of health care students, to include Physician Assistant
- Evaluation of new consults with faculty and fellows.
- Provides history and physical examinations for preoperative patients.
- Provides postoperative evaluations, wound check, removal of sutures and
Other duties as assigned.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 07:00am-04:00pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants are ineligible to apply for EDRP incentive. Contact VISN17EDRP2@va.gov , the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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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. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- 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.
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.
HPTs who are on track to graduate/complete the requirements should respond as if they have met the requirements. Provide details in the narrative sections of the assessment.
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.
Preferred Experience:
- Experience with CPRS
- Hand surgery, basic exam, interpretation of radiology
- Experience splinting
- Experience with wound care
- Skin/Breast oncology beneficial, but not required
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.
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: 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.
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 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: i. 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 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.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is 03. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 01 to 03.
Physical Requirements: Lifting up to 35
- pounds for 8-12 hours, intermittently, moderate carrying (15-35 pounds) for 8 to 12 hours, intermittently, lifting over 35 pounds with assistive devices in accordance with the Safe Patient Handling Policy except in emergent situations requiring prompt patient care, pulling for 8 to 12 hours intermittently, pushing for 8-12 hours, intermittently, reaching above the shoulders for 8-12 hours, intermittently, both hands required, walking 8-12 hours, intermittently, standing 8-12 hours intermittently, kneeling 8 to 12 hours, intermittently, repeated bending for 8-12 hours, intermittently, climbing and use of both legs and arms for 8-12 hours, intermittently, both legs required, near vision at 13 to 16" Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other eye, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing aid permitted, twisting, simple grasp and fine manipulation.
The training program must be accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education of PA (ARC-PA) or one of its predecessor organizations.Verification of accreditation may be made obtained from www.arc-pa.org.
- If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
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.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
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- Help 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 windowLearn 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.
Salary : $120,192 - $203,856
