Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Soar Program Manager

Duties
Position is located in the Mental Health Service at the George E. Whalen VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah. The duties and responsibilities involve broad program management of the Services for Outpatient Addiction Recovery (SOAR) Programs.
Programs are an important component of the facility that significantly impacts the health care provided to veterans. Decisions made by the Division Chief/Program Manager affect staff and other resources and are made while exercising wide latitude and independent judgment. Responsibility for managing frontline supervisors, the day to day activities of the programs, and directly supervising staff. The incumbent is responsible for strategic planning to ensure the provision of high quality services, as well as developing and implementing short and long-term goals and objectives consistent with the programs' strategic plans. Develops and implements policies and procedures to meet programmatic goals, VHA policy and external accreditation requirements, and monitors outcomes using data-driven quality assurance processes, and implements strategies for improvement based on data analysis.
The Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) III Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) practices in Mental Health (MH) Service to provide a full range of services emphasizing quality, timeliness, and the advancement of the Veterans Affairs (VA) mission. The PMHNP provides advanced clinical practice, consultation, and management.
The PMHNP practices to the full extent of their education, training, and certification. Core functions are outlined in the clinical privileges that correspond with this position. The PMHNP has prescriptive authority as indicated by their position.
FUNCTIONS OF ASSIGNED DUTIES:

• Uses advanced clinical judgment to independently provide evidence-based treatment to Veterans with acute or chronic mental illness including use of psychotropic medications, psychotherapy, and other modalities.
• Provides patient and family education on medical/MH conditions, preventive measures, and prescribed treatments.
• Assesses and adjusts the plan of care as needed to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
• Counsels and treats patients with substance use disorders.
• Orders and interprets labs, tests, and diagnostic studies.
• Initiates referrals and consults to specialty services.
• Exemplifies the ICARE core values of-Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.
• Administrative and program management and development responsibilities for the SOAR programs, which includes Intake Clinics, community care coordination for addiction treatment, Opioid Addiction Treatment Clinic, Tele-SOAR Clinic, and General and Intensive Outpatient treatment programs.
• Responsibilities include ensuring efficient operation of the organizational unit, professional management, and administrative responsibilities.
• Has first and second line authority/supervision and both technical and professional accountability for an interdisciplinary team consisting of a psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, RN's, peer support specialists, and other health care staff. Has responsibility for development of staff competencies and performance as well as promotion of working relationships and an effective treatment team environment. Interacts with Human Resources and facility leadership in all aspects of SOAR Program staff hiring, performance, and disciplinary action.
• Implements process improvements to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Reports to the Associate Chief, Mental Health Service, but largely operates in an independent manner on a day-to-day basis,.
• Provides psychiatric/MENTAL HEALTH consultation to non-prescribing team members on a wide variety of patient care issues.
• May be involved in the training of nurses, residents and trainees, medical students, medical and psychiatric residents, psychology interns and trainees, social work interns and trainees.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
The SOAR Program Manger reports directly to the Associate Chief of Mental Health related to the position, who reports to the Associate Chief of Staff, Mental Health Service. Will report to and work collaboratively with the Associate Director, Patient Care Services for all activities related to the oversight of nursing professional practice. Is responsible for self-directed performance of the approved clinical privileges.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am-4:30pm
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact SLCEDRP@VA.GOV or Michael.Campbell6@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more .
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• 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
Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
• Drivers License. May be required to operate a Government Vehicle and transport Veterans. Must have a valid Drivers License
• Education. A post-master's certificate or master's or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner. (NOTE: the post-master's certificate is formal education awarded from an acceptable school of professional nursing and is not considered board certification as described under 2.c.(2) of this appendix).

Education Accreditation Requirement. Nursing education must be from a school of professional nursing accredited by one of the following accrediting organizations at the time the program was completed by the applicant:

• (a)The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN),3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326. The ACEN accredits all levels of nursing programs, including clinical doctorate ,masters/post-master's certificate, baccalaureate, associate and diploma nursing education programs. (NOTE: The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission/NLNAC changed its name to ACEN in May 2013 ACEN's website may be utilized to verify accredited programs using automated inquiry processes; however, for verification of any nursing program's accreditation prior to 1998,an automated inquiry cannot be used and ACEN must be contacted directly via their email contact information on the ACEN website to verify.

OR

• (b)The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street, NW, Suite 7, Washington, DC 20001. The CCNE is an accrediting arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing(AACN) and accredits nursing education programs at the bachelor and master's level.

• Licensure and Certification. The following licensure and certification requirements are considered conditions of employment.

License. All APNs (NPs) must possess and maintain an active, current, full and unrestricted APN license to practice as a NP in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
Basic Certification.

• All APNs (NPs) must maintain full and current board certification in an area of clinical specialty from one of the following:
  • i The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC);
  • ii The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board(AANPCB); or
  • iii Other nationally recognized certifying body in the area in which the Nurse Practitioner is academically prepared.

APN (Nurse Practitioner) II.
Scope. Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others.
Education and Experience Requirement. Meets basic education requirement for APN (CNS). Nurse II is considered the entry grade level for APN (NPs); no experience is required.
Dimension Requirement. APNs (NPs) at level II are expected to meet the following dimension requirements:

• i Clinical Practice. Delivers evidence-based health care, demonstrating proficiency in the ability to manage a patient panel, population or program.
• ii Outcome Focus. Utilizes research and evidence-based practice to evaluate the patient care delivery system within a patient panel or program, presents findings and contributes to changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of veteran/patient care.
• iii Leadership. Works effectively as a leader within a team/unit/group and seeks interdisciplinary collaboration as appropriate to enhance patient care.
• iv Professional Development. Acquires knowledge and skills to develop expertise in area of practice.
• v Professionalism/Collegiality. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork. Participates in interdisciplinary teams and processes that positively impact patient outcomes.

APN (Nurse Practitioner) III.
Scope. Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience and creative approaches to management of complex client care.
Education and Experience Requirement.

• i Meets basic education requirement for an APN (NP).

AND

• ii One year of specialized APN (NP) experience equivalent to the Nurse II grade level.

Dimension Requirement. APNs(Nurse Practitioners) at grade III are expected to meet the following dimension requirements:

• i Clinical Practice. Influences and models the delivery of evidence- based health care, demonstrating expertise in the ability to manage a patient panel, population or program.
• ii Outcome Focus. Leads and implements changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of Veteran/patient care applying research and evidence in the delivery of healthcare for patient populations.
• iii Leadership. Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams informed by structured approaches and processes to improve outcomes that positively impact care for a patient panel, population or program.
• iv Professional Development. Acquires knowledge and skills, then disseminates acquired information within and/or outside the medical facility.
• v Professionalism/Collegiality. Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams developing systems that positively impact outcomes at the panel, population or program level. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork.

Preferred Experience: Supervisor Experience or other demonstrated leadership roles for one year.
Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6a Advanced Practice Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.
Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be able to perform all activities of the position without restriction. This position involves considerable standing, walking, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting and turning. The work may involve pushing or lifting weight in excess of 50 pounds and going up and down flights of stairs. The position requires visual and auditory acuity at a level to provide safe and effective care. The position requires the individual to work for periods of time with arms above shoulder level or with the neck in a fully flexed or extended position and the ability to physically control or protect him/herself from physically abusive patients. This position requires the individual to travel in an automobile for several hours at a time.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.
Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

• Benefits
  Help
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits .
  Review our benefits
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
  

How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application, resume, C.V., and/or other supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
NOTE: Candidate's education, scope, and length of nursing practice (experience) will be considered in determining the grade and salary of the applicant selected. The recommended salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.
Experience as an RN will be evaluated to determine if the experience is of an acceptable level of quality with regard to the following four dimensions of nursing: Practice, Professional Development, Collaboration and Scientific Inquiry. Each dimension of practice has criteria that demonstrate essential core competencies for VHA Nursing Personnel.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

• Benefits
  Help
  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits .
  Review our benefits
  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
  
• Required Documents
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  To apply for this position, you must submit a C.V. and/or resume. Other documents may be requested later in the process if needed.
  
• How to Apply
  All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/22/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12369051 .
• To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
• Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login , select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Agency contact information
Amy Snow
Phone
801-582-1565 X4465
Email
Amy.Snow@va.gov
Address
VA SALT LAKE CITY HCS
500 Foothill Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84148
US
Learn more about this agency
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center .
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

• Fair and Transparent
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request
  
  

Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must submit a C.V. and/or resume. Other documents may be requested later in the process if needed.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/22/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12369051 .

To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login , select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Agency contact information
Amy Snow
Phone
801-582-1565 X4465
Email
Amy.Snow@va.gov
Address
VA SALT LAKE CITY HCS
500 Foothill Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84148
US
Learn more about this agency
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center .
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request