Physician Assistant-Generyal And Vascular Surgery Job in West Haven - 98072296 - ZAUECW9PZWJG2

Job Title:
Physician Assistant-Generyal and Vascular Surgery

Department:
Department Of Veterans Affairs

Agency:
Veterans Health AdministrationSub

Agency:
VA Connecticut Healthcare System

Job Announcement Number:
PA-General & Vascular Surg

SALARY RANGE:
$53,500.00 - $119,935.00 /year

OPEN PERIOD:
Friday, March 25, 2011 to Saturday, March 24, 2012
SERIES & GRADE:VN-0603-9/13

POSITION INFORMATION:
Full-Time  Permanent

DUTY LOCATIONS:
1 vacancy - West Haven, CT

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:
Applications will be accepted from United States citizens and nationals.

JOB SUMMARY:

Open until filled

The Physician Assistant for General and Vascular Surgery would serve as a source of patient care continuity: bringing a familiarity and knowledge of the postoperative patients and the hospital course of each to the clinic; bridging gaps in that continuity of care which occur with each new resident rotation; and giving each patient an increased appreciation of coordination and personal attention in their care.

Additional Duty Location Info:
1 vacancy - West Haven, CT

The Physician Assistant is a full-time position.  The incumbent should be experienced and highly skilled to help deliver care and services to our veterans. One year of general and vascular experience is preferred, but not required.  Duties include, but are not limited to: (1) Assisting the Supervising Physician (or agent) in evaluation and management of clinic patients to include performing initial histories and physical examinations on new inpatients and outpatients; providing ongoing outpatient care for assigned patients; screening outpatients to determine need for further health care and/or admission; ordering diagnostic studies such as laboratory tests, x-rays, electrocardiograms, CT, MRI scans, and any other studies necessary for the care of patients; reviewing diagnostic test results and implementing appropriate treatment; entering inpatient admission orders including post-operative orders; providing education and counseling of patients and families in preventive care, medical conditions, and use of prescribed treatments and drugs; carrying out health promotion and disease prevention activities; initiating and expediting requests for consultations and scheduling special tests and studies. (2) Assisting the Supervising Physician (or agent) in evaluation and management of operative patients to include:assisting in overall post-operative care and evaluation; writing discharge orders, instructions, and summaries; making rounds to observe and record patient's medical progress; updating and summarizing medical records; changing orders when appropriate; notifying the responsible physician of significant changes in patient condition. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

POSITION IS OPENED UNTIL FILLED

The incumbent should be experienced and highly skilled to help deliver care and services to our veterans. One year of general and vascular experience is preferred, but not required. 

VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G8, Section A

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

Citizenship.  Citizen of the United States.

Education or Training.  The candidate must meet one of the following:

(1)  A bachelor's 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 bachelor's 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.

Certification.  As of March 12, 1993, certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician's 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.  Meet the physical requirements for the position.  All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subjected to urinalysis for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.  

English Language Proficiency.  PAs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English

GRADE REQUIREMENTS.  In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.

a.  Associate Grade.  None beyond basic requirements.

b.  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 Bachelor's 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)  Master's 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)  Master's degree from a PA training program which is certified by the ARC-PA.

c.  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 bachelor's 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)  Master's 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)  Master's 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.

d.  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 Bachelor's 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)  Master's degree in a health care occupation or a health-related science and a bachelor's 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)  Master's 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 bachelor's 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.

e.  Chief Grade

      (1)  General.  Chief grade is restricted to selected leadership positions.  The individual's qualifications as well as the scope and complexity of the assignment are considered.

      (2)  Education.  The preferred minimum education for this grade is a master's degree from a PA training program certified by the ARC-PA or a master's 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 master's 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 employee's 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.

You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this position.

You will be subjected to random drug testing.

You will need to successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed into this position.

Applicants for this position must pass a pre-employment medical examination.
HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:
You will be evaluated based upon  basic requirements and grade requirements. 


BENEFITS:

You may participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, with costs shared with your employer. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#FEHB.

Life insurance coverage is provided. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#life

Long-Term Care Insurance is offered and carries into your retirement. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#ltci

New employees are automatically covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). If you are transferring from another agency and covered by CSRS, you may continue in this program. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#retr

You will earn annual vacation leave. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#VACA

You will earn sick leave. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#SKLV

You will be paid for federal holidays that fall within your regularly scheduled tour of duty. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#HOLI

If you use public transportation, part of your transportation costs may be subsidized. Our human resources office can provide additional information on how this program is run.

Qualified federal employees may be covered by our child care subsidy program or dependent care flexible spending account. Our human resources office can provide additional information on eligibility. More info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#CCRS

You can use Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts for expenses that are tax-deductible, but not reimbursed by any other source, including out-of-pocket expenses and non-covered benefits under their FEHB plans. More Info: http://www.usajobs.gov/jobextrainfo.asp#FSA

OTHER INFORMATION:This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service.

When promotion potential is shown, the agency is not making a commitment and is not obligated to provide future promotions to you if you are selected. Future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level, the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level, and administrative approval.

The materials you send with your application will not be returned.

You will be required to serve a probationary period of 2 years.


HOW TO APPLY:

This position is opened until filled.

Send, fax, or e-mail to:  VA Connecticut, Jane Schroeder, Human Resources(05), 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT  06516; Fax (203) 937-4718; e-mail jane.schroeder@va.gov.

• Current CV



• Application for Associated Health Occupations VA 10-2850C



• Declaration for Federal Employment (Optional Form) OF306



• Veterans must submit DD214 indicating type of discharge



• Disabled veterans must submit DD214 indicating type of discharge and SF15 with required documentation.



•  If  current/previous government employee- most recent SF-50 and latest proficiency

Forms are available on www.usajobs.opm.gov website under the Info Center- supplemental forms or at http://www.vacareers.va.gov/vacareers_Jobs_Forms.cfm

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

Jane Schroeder
Phone: (203) 937-4921
Fax: (203) 937 4718
Email: jane.schroeder@va.gov Agency Information:
VA Connecticut Healthcare System/05
950 Campbell Avenue
West Haven, CT 06516
US
Fax: (203) 937 4718

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:Complete application packages will be reviewed and if qualified will be considered for interview.