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Form of workSummary
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
Announcement is open ONLY to current, permanent employees at the VA South Texas Health Care System.
Videos
Duties
ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES:
(1) Leadership: Participation in staff meetings, hospital committees, and peer review process. Demonstrate effective communication to other staff and up to leadership, to include input to heads up messages (for acute patient bad outcomes) and issue briefs. Participate in Clinical Pertinence Reviews (routine medical record reviews).
(2) Credentials: Maintain VA training requirements and timely completion of documentation and upkeep of credentials required for scope of practice. Participate in the FPPE/OPPE process. Ensure orders or prescriptions written comply with the parameters of state licensure and scope of practice.
(3) Organizational: Adheres to employee health requirements. Time/Leave Management: Adherence to policy for assigned tour of duty and timely requests for leave in VISTA and for clinic cancellations.
(4) Clinical Management: includes indirect patient care; accurate and timely open encounter and open consult management, adheres to CPRS documentation rules and requirements and to clinic procedures for patient scheduling and access; facilitates clinic staff productivity; oversight of relevant performance measures; and participates in the development of the new focus on the Medical Home and Patient Centric Care, Utilization Management, and Patient Safety initiatives, and process improvements (system redesign).
CLINICAL COMPETENCIES:
(1) Patient Care: Practitioners are expected to provide patient care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the promotion of health, prevention of illness, treatment of disease, and care at the end of life.
(2) Medical/Clinical Knowledge: Practitioners are expected to demonstrate knowledge of established and evolving biomedical, clinical and social sciences, and the application of their knowledge to patient care and the education of others.
(3) Clinical Judgment: To ensure practice-based learning and improvement, practitioners are expected to be able to use scientific evidence and methods to investigate, evaluate, and improve patient care.
(4) Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Practitioners are expected to demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that enable them to establish and maintain professional relationships with patients, families, and other members of the health care team.
(5) Professionalism: Practitioners are expected to demonstrate behaviors that reflect a commitment to continuous professional development, ethical practice, and understanding and sensitivity to diversity, and a responsible attitude toward their patients, their profession
(6) Systems-Based Practice: Practitioners are expected to demonstrate both an understanding of the contexts and systems in which health care is provided, and the ability to apply this knowledge to improve optimizing health care.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 0800-1630
Location: This position is located at the New Braunfels Clinic
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
EDRP Authorized: Contact ,VISN17EDRP2@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Bargaining Unit Status: This position is part of the bargaining unit.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Qualifications
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.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
GRADE DETERMINATIONS
In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.
Physician Assistant-I (PA-I)
a) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements
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:
i. 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. ORiii. 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 multi-disciplinary 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
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 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.
References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/78 SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 PART II APPENDIX G8 II-G8.
Physical Requirements: Determined by the position.
Education
NOTE - Education Accreditation Information: Graduate of a training program which is 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 Accreditation Review Commission on Education of Physician Assistant.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions m...
This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
This job is open to
- Internal to an agency
Current federal employees of this agency.
Clarification from the agency
Announcement is open ONLY to current, permanent employees at the VA South Texas Health Care System.
Videos
Duties
ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES:
(1) Leadership: Participation in staff meetings, hospital committees, and peer review process. Demonstrate effective communication to other staff and up to leadership, to include input to heads up messages (for acute patient bad outcomes) and issue briefs. Participate in Clinical Pertinence Reviews (routine medical record reviews).
(2) Credentials: Maintain VA training requirements and timely completion of documentation and upkeep of credentials required for scope of practice. Participate in the FPPE/OPPE process. Ensure orders or prescriptions written comply with the parameters of state licensure and scope of practice.
(3) Organizational: Adheres to employee health requirements. Time/Leave Management: Adherence to policy for assigned tour of duty and timely requests for leave in VISTA and for clinic cancellations.
(4) Clinical Management: includes indirect patient care; accurate and timely open encounter and open consult management, adheres to CPRS documentation rules and requirements and to clinic procedures for patient scheduling and access; facilitates clinic staff productivity; oversight of relevant performance measures; and participates in the development of the new focus on the Medical Home and Patient Centric Care, Utilization Management, and Patient Safety initiatives, and process improvements (system redesign).
CLINICAL COMPETENCIES:
(1) Patient Care: Practitioners are expected to provide patient care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the promotion of health, prevention of illness, treatment of disease, and care at the end of life.
(2) Medical/Clinical Knowledge: Practitioners are expected to demonstrate knowledge of established and evolving biomedical, clinical and social sciences, and the application of their knowledge to patient care and the education of others.
(3) Clinical Judgment: To ensure practice-based learning and improvement, practitioners are expected to be able to use scientific evidence and methods to investigate, evaluate, and improve patient care.
(4) Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Practitioners are expected to demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that enable them to establish and maintain professional relationships with patients, families, and other members of the health care team.
(5) Professionalism: Practitioners are expected to demonstrate behaviors that reflect a commitment to continuous professional development, ethical practice, and understanding and sensitivity to diversity, and a responsible attitude toward their patients, their profession
(6) Systems-Based Practice: Practitioners are expected to demonstrate both an understanding of the contexts and systems in which health care is provided, and the ability to apply this knowledge to improve optimizing health care.
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 0800-1630
Location: This position is located at the New Braunfels Clinic
Telework: Not available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
EDRP Authorized: Contact ,VISN17EDRP2@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Bargaining Unit Status: This position is part of the bargaining unit.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.
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.
- 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.
Qualifications
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.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
- Citizenship: Citizen of the United States [in accordance with section 7402(c) to title 38, United States Code (U.S.C.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a).]
- Education: Graduate of a training program which is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education of PA (ARC-PA) or one of its predecessor organizations
- Additionally, candidates must meet one of the following:
- (1) Master's degree in any discipline OR
- (2) Bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a PA.
- Additionally, candidates must meet one of the following:
- Certification: Must have successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
- NOTE: Current and continuous certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is no longer required for employment in VHA.
- Licensure: PAs must possess an active, current, full, and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. PAs must maintain current registration in the State of licensure if this is a requirement for continuing active and current licensure in that State.
- English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
- Exceptions for Graduate PAs.
- (a) PAs who otherwise meet the basic requirements, but do not possess the required licensure, may be appointed, pending licensure, as a graduate PA on a temporary full-time appointment not-to-exceed two years under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2)(B).
- (b) Graduate PAs may only be appointed at the entry grade level and may not be promoted/converted until certification is obtained.
- (c) Temporary graduate PA appointments may not be extended beyond two years or converted to a new temporary appointment.
- NOTE: Individuals who have or have had multiple licenses and had any such license revoked for professional misconduct, professional incompetence or substandard care, or who surrendered such license after receiving written notice of potential termination of such license by the State for professional misconduct, professional incompetence, or substandard care, are not eligible for appointment to the position unless such revoked or surrendered license is fully restored (38 U.S.C. § 7402(f)). This requirement does not apply to licensed PAs currently employed by VA as of November 30, 1999, provided they maintain continuous appointment and are not disqualified for employment by any subsequent revocations or voluntary surrenders of State license, registration or certification
GRADE DETERMINATIONS
In addition to the basic requirements stated above, the following qualification criteria must be met in determining the appropriate grade assignment of candidates.
Physician Assistant-I (PA-I)
a) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements
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:
i. 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. ORiii. 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 multi-disciplinary 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
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 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.
References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/78 SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 PART II APPENDIX G8 II-G8.
Physical Requirements: Determined by the position.
Education
NOTE - Education Accreditation Information: Graduate of a training program which is 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 Accreditation Review Commission on Education of Physician Assistant.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions m...
