Physician Assistant (Oca)(Deu) Job in Throughout South Dakota - 97699815 - ZAA/YJJUQSNDC

Job Title:
Physician Assistant (OCA)(DEU)

Department:
Department Of Health And Human Services

Agency:
Indian Health Service

Job Announcement Number:
IHS-11-PR-450407(DE)

SALARY RANGE:
$62,019.00 - $92,418.00 /year

OPEN PERIOD:
Friday, March 11, 2011 to Friday, March 09, 2012
SERIES & GRADE:GS-0603-11/12

POSITION INFORMATION:
Multiple Schedules Career/Career Conditional

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:
12

DUTY LOCATIONS:
many vacancies - Throughout South Dakota, SD

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:
To be eligible for this position under the Delegated Examining (DE) hiring plan, you MUST be a U.S. Citizen.

JOB SUMMARY:

Become a part of the Department that touches the lives of every American!  At HHS you can give back to your community, state, and country by making a difference in the lives of Americans everywhere.  Join HHS and help make our world healthier, safer and better for all Americans.

The Indian Health Service (IHS), an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, is responsible for providing federal health services to American Indians and Alaska Natives.  The IHS provides a comprehensive health services delivery system for American Indians and Alaska Natives with opportunity for maximum tribal involvement in developing and managing programs to meet their health needs.

To be eligible for this position under the Delegated Examining (DE) hiring plan, you MUST be a U.S. Citizen.

This position is also being announced under Announcement # IHS-11-PR-441341-ESEP-MP for those who want to be considered under Merit Promotion Plan/Excepted Service Examining Plan. If you wish to be considered under all hiring plans you MUST submit an application to BOTH job opportunity announcements.

ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION: Positions will be filled at the following locations as vacancies occur. There MAY NOT be immediate vacancies at all locations. Intrested applicants should check with the local Administrative Officer or Service Unit Director concerning immediate employment needs. HOSPITALS: Pine Ridge Service Unit, Pine Ridge, South Dakota "HEALTH CENTERS" Kyle and Wanblee, South Dakota. Positions may also be filled at other Indian Health Service locations including the Aberdeen Area Office and Tribal Organizations as vacancies occur or are established in the area.

POSITION DETAILS:

Salary range: $62,019.00 - $92,418.00 (Annually)

Promotion potential: GS-12

Merit Promotion Position: YES

Travel Required: YES--Some travel is required.

Supervisory/Managerial Position: NO

Relocation Expenses Paid:  YES--Relocation & Travel Expenses WILL BE paid in the interest of the government and not in the interest of the selected employee.  

Is position covered by PL 101-630?  YES--(See item # 6 in the How to Apply Tab) .

Is drug testing required? NO

Is government housing available?  Yes (depending on availability).

Is this a bargaining unit position? YES

TOUR OF DUTY (Work Schedule):Nights--7 am.-11 pm./Weekends--YES 12 hour/ Day shifts--8 hour days.  

IF applicable:  This position requires that you obtain and maintain clinical privileges. If they are not obtained or maintained during employment, the employee may be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from the Federal service.

WHO MAY APPLY:

***Any U.S. Citizen ***

VISIT:jobs@ihs.gov for more information on "Who May Apply".

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• MUST be a US Citizen.
• Position subject to background investigation.
• As part of the pre-employment process, fingerprint checks are required.
• If applicable-Selective Service registration (Males born after 12/31/59)
• A COPY of Current Unrestricted License is required (Submit a Photo-Copy).

Additional Duty Location Info:
many vacancies - Throughout South Dakota, SD

Please ensure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may impact your rating or result in you losing consideration for the job.

DUTIES:

• The purpose of this position is to provide direct and comprehensive primary, preventive, and therapeutic medical care to individuals across the lifespan.
• Assesses plans and provides direct and comprehensive primary, therapeutic and preventive medical care to individual geriatric, adult, adolescent, pediatric and infant patients and their families.
• Performs a physical examination of the patient using palpation, percussion, auscultation, observation skills, using appropriate diagnostic instruments.
• Orders and/or performs screening and diagnostic tests and procedures (lab studies, x-rays, EKG's, audiograms, pulmonary function tests, etc.).
• Makes diagnosis and decisions concerning medical needs of patients, formulates /implements plan of care which may involve various treatment modalities, prescribing medications, consultations with other health care providers, referrals, etc.
  Identifies /manages both minor and serious acute and chronic illnesses (e.g., upper respiratory infections, venereal diseases, hyper tension, HIV, heart disease, trauma, etc.).
• Performs minor surgical and invasive procedures, such as suture of lacerations not involving nerves or tendons, incision and drainage of abscesses, insertion of intra uterine device for contraception, insertion/removal of Norplant capsules, etc.
• Provides direct physical and psychological care in emergencies in order to maintain life, provide comfort, reduce stress and enhance coping ability and summons physician when appropriate.
• Evaluates medical aspects of the plan of care periodically, recognizing the need for reassessment by a physician or other health professional.
• Documents data, patient assessment and care plan in acceptable form in medical records.
  Teaches and counsels patients and family on disease prevention /health maintenance techniques.
• Collaborates with other health care professionals to develop treatment protocols, standards of practice and policies.
• Maintains and improves professional knowledge and skills by participating in seminars, accredited home study, in-service education and/or individuals preceptorship; Attends all mandatory training.
• Routine duties include providing medical care/public health services to individuals eligible for services provided by the IHS in homes, schools, clinics, job sites, and other locations within the Service Unit.
• Performs other position related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

All applicants MUST meet the qualification requirements of this position by the closing date of the job announcement: Friday, March 09, 2012. 

Your education and work experience may be combined to meet the qualification requirements of this position.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Applicants who meet the above basic requirements may qualify for the following grade levels if they meet the educational and/or specialized experience requirements described below.

GS-11 (or equivalent):  Applicants who meet at least one of the following requirements qualify for positions at this grade level:

• A minimum of one full year of work experience as a certified physician assistant equivalent to the GS-09 grade level and completion of an accredited physician assistant educational program as described above; or
• PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a related health field and completion of an accredited physician assistant educational program. Examples of related doctoral degree programs include, but are not limited to, public health; allied health field; public health education; or other related health science

GS - 12 and above (or equivalent):  A minimum of one full year of work experience as a certified physician assistant equivalent to the next lower grade level and completion of an accredited physician assistant educational program is required.

***BASIC QUALIFICATIONS***

ALL Applicants MUST meet the following basic requirements for all grade levels:

• Graduation from a physician assistant educational program, accredited by the Accreditation Review Committee on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) or its predecessors, at a college, university, or educational institution that is accredited by an accredited body or organization recognized by the Secretary, U.S. Department of Education.
• Successful completion of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) examination; must maintain status as a certified physician assistant, including completion of all requirements for continuing medical education (CME) and re-certification.

GS-11:  One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least a GS-9 grade level.

GS-12:  One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at lest the next lower grade level.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:   Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

EXAMPLES OF SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:   The work requires knowledge of specific observation and examination procedures, and the ability to perform diagnostic and therapeutic tasks.  The work does not include the full scope of interpretation of medical findings requiring the full professional background of the licensed physician.  Physician assistants assist in the examination and observation of patients by performing such duties as taking case histories, conducting physical examinations, and ordering laboratory studies during hospital rounds and clinic visits.  As directed by a physician, physician assistants carry out special procedures; for example, they give injections or other medication, apply or change dressing, perform lumbar punctures, or suture minor lacerations.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

The HHS Careers system simplifies the Federal application process by replacing the former KSA job-element statements with on-line self-assessment questions. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications requirements will be invited to complete an on-line questionnaire assessing the following: 

• Diagnostic Tasks: Provides diagnostic, preventative and therapeutic health services to patients and families.
• Oral Communication:Expresses information (for example, ideas, or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
• Medical Reasoning: Analysis of a variety patient health data and, in accordance with established procedures, develops a treatments plan for care; Identifies and analyzes medical problems and uses sound reasoning to arrive at a plan of care.

If found qualified, your score will range from 70-100 points (not including points that may be assigned for Veterans' Preference).  We will compare your resume and supporting documentation to your responses on the assessment questionnaire.  If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job.  You will be deemed well qualified if you score 85 and above.

BENEFITS:The federal government offers a number of exceptional benefits.
OTHER INFORMATION:

If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and your most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be well qualified with a score of at least 85 for this position.  For information on CTAP/ICTAP, VISIT

http://www.ihs.gov/JobsCareerDevelop/JobsAtIHS/doc/ctap.doc

http://career.psc.gov/chpublic/ictap.html

Candidates must meet qualification requirements, licensure requirements (possess and maintain a current, valid, active State license/registration as a XXXX), performance requirements, citizenship and suitability requirements, and any other eligibility requirements by the closing date of the vacancy announcement: Friday, March 09, 2012.

Selectee may be required to serve a one year probationary period.

IF you are selected for this vacancy, you MUST undergo a fingerprint check.  Fingerprint results must be cleared prior to hire.  You will receive instructions on how to obtain and submit fingerprints.

After you begin your employment, your continued employment is contingent upon the outcome of a complete background investigation as determined by the sensitivity level of your position.

The investigation must find that you are suitable for Federal employment in your position.IF you are found not suitable, you will be terminated after you begin work.  IF you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or subject to possible criminal charges.

"IHS - Operated Properties are tobacco free!"

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete Application Package, which includes the following parts:

1. Assessment Questionnaire
2. Résumé
3. Required Documents (Specified in the Required Documents section of this job announcement. An applicant may not be considered if proper documentation is not received.)

Use Application Manager for convenience and quickest processing. Track your progress to a Complete Application Package using the My Application Packages checklist and status displays in Application Manager. Your Application Package status must be Complete by, Friday, March 09, 2012, the closing date of this announcement.

Option A:  Application Manager (preferred method)

To begin, choose one of these options:

1. If your résumé is going to come from the USAJOBS Resume Builder, you begin the process by clicking the Apply Online button near the bottom of this page. Your résumé will be attached only to the Application Package you complete and Submit immediately after you click the Apply Online button for this job announcement, not to any Application Packages you may already have created.
2. If your résumé is going to be one you prepared outside of USAJOBS Résumé Builder, click this link to begin the process Online Questionnaire

To return to Application Manager at any time, simply go to https://applicationmanager.gov/

Option B:  Fax

If it is not possible for you to use Application Manager (you have a disability or do not have access to the internet), you can write your answers on paper.  Follow these steps:

1. Print a copy of this job announcement so that you can read the questions offline. View Occupational Questionnaire.  Obtain and print a copy of the OPM Form 1203-FX, which you will use to provide your answers. You can obtain the form at this URL http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf or by calling USAJOBS by Phone at (703) 724-1850; after the introduction, press 1, and listen for instructions.
2. You may submit the OPM Form 1203-FX (hard copy questionnaire), résumé, and/or any supporting documents by fax.

• If you are faxing a Form 1203-FX, do not use a separate cover sheet. Simply make sure the Form 1203-FX is on top of any other documents you are faxing.
• If you are faxing any documents without the Form 1203-FX on top, always use the official cover sheet which is here -- http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf -- and be sure to fill it out completely and clearly.  The fax number is 1-478-757-3144.  Feed all documents into your fax machine top first so that we receive them right-side up.

IF you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, PLEASE NOTIFY: The Human Resources Office, Mr. Troy Bad Moccasin, Staffing Officer,PHONE:(605) 226-7217 or E-MAIL:troy.badmoccasin@ihs.gov.  "The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis."
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

You MUST provide the required documents listed below during the online application process either through the document upload process or fax using instructions outlined in Section B above. If any of the following are missing when the announcement closes we will deem your application incomplete:

• ___Resume -You are encouraged to use the USAJobs online resume builder to ensure that all required information is in your resume. If you use your own résumé, curriculum vitae, the Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF 612), or any other written form you choose then you must describe your job-related qualifications that includes hours worked per week, month and year of employment.
• ____Childcare Addendum form must be included for this position and is available at: http://www.ihs.gov/NonMedicalPrograms/DHR/Documents/ApplicantInfo/ChildcareAddendumOMBApprovedForm-2012.doc
• ____Indian Preference applicants must supply the most recent version of the BIA form 4432 (expiration date of 8/31/2011) to be considered under the Indian Preference law. NOTE: If claiming preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the current Form BIA - 4432 (expiration date 8/31/2011), "Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only." Indian preference will not be given unless the current form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA official of tribal enrollment records, documentation of lineal descent, state or academic records that document you possess one-half degree Indian blood from a tribe indigenous to the United States, as well as official records that establish your degree of Indian blood, such as census records. The applicant must also complete the family history chart if necessary. (See the form for detailed instructions for the completion of the BIA-4432). Current IHS employees with a BIA form on file in their Official Personnel Folder are required to submit a copy of that form with their application.
• ___Qualifications -- example, typically used for licenses or other documents that attest to the qualifications of the applicant.  >>
• ___Transcripts - Transcripts must be provided if substituting education for experience and/or if education is required for this position.  Unofficial transcripts are acceptable but official transcripts will be required before entrance on duty.
• ___Veteran's Preference-If claiming Veteran's Preference, include a copy of DD-214 Form, and SF-15 if claiming 10 point Veteran's Preference http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf.
• Response to Assessment Questionnaire.

Applicants may submit optional documents and place these under Miscellaneous: such as performance reviews, copies of job-related certifications, cover letter, letters of recommendation, SF-50.  Suggest documents submitted are job-related and current.

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

Margaret Clark
Phone: (605)867-3018
Fax: (605)867-3271
TDD: (301)443-6394
Email: MARGARET.CLARK@IHS.GOV Agency Information:
Indian Health Service HR Center
P O Box 1201
East Highway 18
Pine Ridge, SD 57770
Fax: (605)867-3271

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

Once the online questionnaire is received, you will receive an acknowledgement via email that your submission was successful. Approximately 45 days following the closing date of the announcement, you will receive a notice of rating with the final disposition of your resume. To protect your privacy, scores of resumes are not provided by phone.