This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/819545600. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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Summary
The Spinal Cord Injury Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) position is located in the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Service of VA San Diego Health Care System (VASDHS). The SCI PTA at this level must possess and demonstrate a level of clinical competence to serve as a consultant to other PTA's; and also serves as the SCI Center Coordinator for clinical education for PTA students and Restorative Nursing.
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Overview
- Accepting applications
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Open & closing dates
11/18/2024 to 11/29/2024
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Salary
$61,835 - $80,383 per year
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Pay scale & grade
GS 8
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Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
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Remote job
No
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Telework eligible
No
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Travel Required
Not required
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Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
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Appointment type
Permanent
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Work schedule
Full-time
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Service
Excepted
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Promotion potential
None
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Job family (Series)
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Supervisory status
No
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Security clearance
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Drug test
No
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Position sensitivity and risk
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Trust determination process
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Financial disclosure
No
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Bargaining unit status
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Announcement number
CBSX-12593166-25-TP
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Control number
819545600
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This job is open to
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The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
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Federal employees - Competitive service
Current or former competitive service federal employees.
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Federal employees - Excepted service
Current excepted service federal employees.
Clarification from the agency
Announcement open to current, permanent federal employees outside the Department of Veterans Affairs and all US Citizens. Current, permanent employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs should apply to announcement CBSX-12594160-25-TP to receive consideration for this vacancy.
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Telework: NotEligible
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Position Description/PD#: Physical Therapy Assistant (Spinal Cord Injury)/PD000000Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Duties
Duties include but are not limited to: The Spinal Cord Injury Physical Therapy Assistant is responsible for the following: Patient Evaluation, Treatment, and Development
- Under the clinical supervision of a Physical Therapist (PT); plans, integrates, and communicates comprehensive physical therapy treatments for patients with SCI/D who have a variety of deficits including complete or incomplete paralysis of upper lower extremities with the associated medical and functional problems. Therapeutic objectives are complex, and the treatment procedures involved require the application of highly specialized skills and knowledge.
- Develops and implements individualized physical therapy treatments including resistive exercises, passive and active range of motion, functional mobility training, postural training, transfer training, etc., for acute and chronic, inpatient and outpatient spinal cord injured patients.
- Recognizes and considers the various interacting medical and psychosocial variables, which affect the individual with SCI/D when preparing a treatment plan and motivate the patient to become an active participant in their rehabilitation process.
- Monitors patient progress and modifies treatments as necessary according to an ongoing evaluation process, in order to optimize patient condition and allow patient to reach the goals established in conjunction with team. Factors include medical and functional status, psychosocial variables, patient needs and goals, and available treatment modalities.
- Participates on ward rounds, patient planning meetings, and discharge conferences and informs team of patient status and expectations.
- Assists PT's in home evaluations, mobility evaluations, gait and transfer evaluations, activities of daily living evaluations and equipment evaluations.
- Demonstrates knowledge, skills and abilities that are required for a Lead PTA. Advanced knowledge of treatment techniques in order to assess changes in physical, mental, and /or medical status. Determines if a patient is oriented x 4 (name, place, date and their situation) checking patient·· blood pressure, loss of normal strength, sign of early fatigue secondary to under or over medication or deconditioning. Able to work with PT's to progress patient within PT treatment plan.
- Advanced knowledge of physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques in order to perform specified aspects of patient evaluations and interventions. Evaluates patient position and technique when performing therapy exercises. Instructs patient in the correct and proper way of performing transfers, wheelchair management and using gym equipment.
- Skills to manage and/or maintain responsibility for a specialty program. Trains patients on highly specialized therapy equipment at the SCI Center, including the Lokomat, Alter G treadmill, Bioness, and Functional Electrical Stimulation bike. Communicate with vendors to ensure receipt of updates to the equipment. Provides staff with periodic training on the specialized equipment to ensure they remain familiar with the complex equipment.
- Receives requests or instructions for procedures. Interprets requests or instructions from the therapist or physician. Plans and implements specialized treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of a Physical Therapist (PT). Completes a preliminary review/examination of patient data (including medical history), compiles and organizes pertinent information, and develops/presents a patient profile to be used in assessing patient's status and ascertaining patient's need for therapy services. Procedures require close consultation with a therapist or physician.
- Secures the confidence and cooperation of Veterans during procedures. Explains procedures, positions patients for desired results, and cushions and shields Veterans as appropriate. Varies procedures or positions to adjust for Veterans' medical conditions. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to use and care for orthoses, prostheses, or other supportive devices. Persuades and motivates Veterans and family members to participate in treatment plans and comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities. Interacts with the patient and family about the goals for treatment. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities. Supports therapists or other staff in treating patients with physical disabilities, injuries, or disease by use of a wide range of physical therapy techniques and procedures.
Telework: NotEligible
Virtual: This is not a virtual position
Position Description/PD#: Physical Therapy Assistant (Spinal Cord Injury)/PD000000Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
- 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
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: Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-8
Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Ability to independently implement treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs.
(b) Ability to independently provide varied and multifaceted physical therapy interventions based on the established care plan (e.g., therapeutic exercise, balance, body mechanics, flexibility, strength, gait training, neuromotor development, physical agents, functional training, etc.).
(c) Knowledge of physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques in order to perform specific interventions and to monitor and capture progress of the patient/client.
(d) Ability to instruct patient on varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance with home programs.
(e) Ability to modify treatment techniques based on the learning needs and perceptions of the patient.(f) Ability to identify critical changes (e.g. vital signs, pain, mobility, and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status.
(g) Ability to work with PTs and other interdisciplinary healthcare team members to evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment programs and discharge planning.
Preferred Experience: Experience providing Physical Therapy for patients with spinal cord injury.
References: VA Handbook 5005/139 PART II APPENDIX G23 January 28, 2021
Physical Requirements: Needs to be mobile in the work environment. Performs work in a clinical area, various hospital wards, intensive care units, and patients' home/work environments. Work requires good physical and mental health, strength, coordination, balance, pushing, stooping, reaching, kneeling, bending, walking, handling of wheelchairs, and intermittent standing.
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:
- 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. PTA candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f).
- Education. Individuals must meet at least one of the requirements below:
- Associate degree from an accredited community college, junior college, college or university in a physical therapy assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education; OR
- Graduate of foreign physical therapy assistant degree programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) for PTAs;
- OR
- Graduate of military physical therapy assistant programs that meet the educational requirement and have successfully passed the NPTE for PTAs.
- TRANSCRIPT DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION
- Licensure. Current, full, active and unrestricted license as a PTA in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e. Puerto Rico) of the United States, or District of Columbia.
Grade Determinations: Physical Therapy Assistant, GS-8
Experience. One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade.
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the basic requirements, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Ability to independently implement treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs.
(b) Ability to independently provide varied and multifaceted physical therapy interventions based on the established care plan (e.g., therapeutic exercise, balance, body mechanics, flexibility, strength, gait training, neuromotor development, physical agents, functional training, etc.).
(c) Knowledge of physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques in order to perform specific interventions and to monitor and capture progress of the patient/client.
(d) Ability to instruct patient on varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance with home programs.
(e) Ability to modify treatment techniques based on the learning needs and perceptions of the patient.(f) Ability to identify critical changes (e.g. vital signs, pain, mobility, and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status.
(g) Ability to work with PTs and other interdisciplinary healthcare team members to evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment programs and discharge planning.
Preferred Experience: Experience providing Physical Therapy for patients with spinal cord injury.
References: VA Handbook 5005/139 PART II APPENDIX G23 January 28, 2021
Physical Requirements: Needs to be mobile in the work environment. Performs work in a clinical area, various hospital wards, intensive care units, and patients' home/work environments. Work requires good physical and mental health, strength, coordination, balance, pushing, stooping, reaching, kneeling, bending, walking, handling of wheelchairs, and intermittent standing.
Education
IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. 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. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit or 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 employee's 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. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
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 to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
Benefits
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 windowLearn more about federal 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.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
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.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Benefits
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 windowLearn more about federal 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 provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Other (1)
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
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 11/29/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12593166.
- 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.
Agency contact information
Tempest Price
- Address
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San Diego VA Medical Center
3350 La Jolla Village Drive
San Diego, CA 92161
US
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.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Help
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Other (1)
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Help
Learn more about this agency
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 11/29/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12593166.
- 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.
Agency contact information
Tempest Price
- Address
-
San Diego VA Medical Center
3350 La Jolla Village Drive
San Diego, CA 92161
US
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.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Beginning of a dialog window for the agency announcing this job. It begins with a heading 2 called "Learn more about Field Operating Offices of the Office of the Secretary of the Army". Escape will cancel and close the window.
Learn more about
Veterans Health Administration
OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - 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 whole health care to Veterans?
The VA Desert Pacific Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model that is based in a partnership across time, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.
Agency contact information
Tempest Price
- Address
-
San Diego VA Medical Center
3350 La Jolla Village Drive
San Diego, CA 92161
US