Physician Assistant Job in Columbia - 98143066 - ZADGRH5TXQGGM

Job Title:
Physician Assistant

Department:
Department Of Veterans Affairs

Agency:
Veterans Health Administration

Job Announcement Number:
OE-11-SPH-457641

OPEN PERIOD:
Tuesday, March 29, 2011 to Saturday, December 31, 2011
SERIES & GRADE:VN-0603-00

POSITION INFORMATION:
Full Time Excepted Service Permanent

DUTY LOCATIONS:
5 vacancies - Columbia, SC

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:
United States Citizens

JOB SUMMARY:

Vacancy Identification Number (VIN): 457641(Include # on all documents)

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?

This is an open continuous announcement.  We will accept applications until all positions are filled.  Applications received by April 15th will receive first consideration.  If all positions are not filled, applications will then be considered on the 1st and the 15th of the month.  The announcement will be closed when all positions have been filled.

As a VA professional, 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.

VA professionals feel good about their careers and their ability to balance work and home life. 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.vacareers.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

Additional Duty Location Info:
5 vacancies - Columbia, SC

The VA Medical Center, Columbia, SC is seeking five full-time certified mid-level practitioners to work in Surgical Care Service Line to cover various shifts to include week days, weekends, day, evening and night sights.  Work may be performed in 8, 10 or 12 hours shifts to provide 24/7/365 coverage for inpatient/outpatient care.  Incumbents will stay in-house nights and weekends.  Duties will include outpatient as well as inpatient evaluations and procedures.  BLS/ACLS certification required.

The incumbent exhibits strong clinical skills to improve patient care for an aging, adult population; as well as excellent interpersonal relationship skills in interpreting and communicating health care information to the patient, family, and the interdisciplinary health care team.

Columbia is the geographic center of South Carolina, with easy access to mountains (two hours west) and nationally recognized beach resorts (two hours east).  Columbia boasts a nationally acclaimed library system, highly rated schools, and many outstanding golf courses.   Big time college sports abound with two major schools – the University of South Carolina, Columbia, in the Southeastern Conference and Clemson University, Clemson, Atlantic Coast Conference (two hours away).  Professional sports NFL Carolina Panthers and NBA Charlotte Bobcats are less than 1 ½ hours north.

Positions may be filled as either Physician Assistants or Nurse Practitioners.  This announcement is for Physician Assistant only.  The announcement number for Nurse Practitioner is OE-11-SPH-457613.

Grade and Salary based on the qualifications and expertise of the applicant selected and will be recommended by a Professional Standards Board of Peers.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:  1) Citizenship.  Citizen of the United States. 2) 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.  The duration of approved academic training and health care experience must total at least 5 years.  3) 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. 4) Physical Standards.  Individuals tentatively selected must pass a pre-employment physical which may include a drug screen. 5) English Language Proficiency.  PAs 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 REQUIREMENTS.  In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualifications criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.

Associate Grade (VN-8).  None beyond basic requirements.

Full Grade (VN-9).  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.

Intermediate Grade (VN-11).  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.

Senior Grade (VN-12).  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.

Chief Grade (VN-13). 
(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.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

REFERENCE:  VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G8, PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT QUALIFICATION STANDARD.

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.  These applicants must submit a DD Form 214 worksheet or statement of service with their application.  Failure to provide required Veteran documents will result in an ineligible rating.  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 .

OTHER INFORMATION:

This position will be filled on a full-time permanent basis.  Upon completing any required probationary period, the position will be permanent.

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.

HOW TO APPLY:

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button at the right side of this screen to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.

YOU MUST INCLUDE VA FORM 10-2850c IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS VACANCY.   You may upload the completed form to your USAJOBS or Application Manager account if you apply online.  Then you can use the uploaded form again and again when applying for future vacancies.  Please see this guide (http://www4.va.gov/OHRM/joblistings/uploading-and-using-documents-online.doc) for more information on uploading and re-using the form in your applications.  Other required forms and documents can also be saved in your account and used the same way.  Applicants are urged to apply online; this process is much easier and faster.

Note: To return to a previously Saved or Incomplete application, just reapply through your account in USAJOBS.  Check your account ( https://my.usajobs.gov/Login.aspx ) to see the status of your application after applying, including any messages that may have been sent to you.

If you cannot apply online:

1. Click the following link to view and print the occupational questionnaire: View Occupational Questionnaire.
2. Print this 1203FX form to provide your response to the occupational questionnaire: http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/OPM1203fx.pdf .
3. Fax the completed 1203FX form along with all supporting documents to (478)757-3144.  Your 1203FX form must be placed on top of all materials being faxed and will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission.
4. Keep a copy of your fax receipt in case verification is needed.

To fax supporting documents you are unable to upload:

1. Complete this cover page  http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf using the following Vacancy ID: 457641.  You must use this fax cover sheet in order for your documents to be matched with your online application.
2. Fax your documents to (478)757-3144.

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on TAG:Closing Date.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

1. CV or Resume.
2. VA Form 10-2850c - Application for Associated Health Occupations (Available at  http://www.vacareers.va.gov/jobs_download/vha-10-2850c-fill.pdf) (required).
3. Occupational Questionnaire
4. Optional Form 306 - Declaration for Federal Employment (Available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of306.pdf).  This is a required form and must be submitted with your application.
5. If prior military service, include all copies of your DD Forms 214 (required).   Applicants claiming preference based on service-connected disability, or based on being the spouse or mother of a disabled or deceased Veteran, must also complete and submit an SF 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference (available at http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf).  
6. If currently employed in the VA system, include latest SF-50 - Notification of Personnel Action. (required).

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

WJB DORN VAMC
Phone: (803)776-4000x6735
Fax: (478)757-3144 Agency Information:
SURGICAL
PLEASE DO NOT MAIL/E-MAIL APPLICATIONS
APPLY ONLINE OR FAX ONLY
THANK YOU, SC 29209
Fax: (478)757-3144

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

After we receive your complete application package (including any required documents), your qualifications will be reviewed to decide if you meet the basic requirements.  You will be notified when this decision is made.