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Patient centered care at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS), a great tertiary training and research Veteran's hospital. This gastroenterology (GI) position supports this mission through administrative dependability, direct patient care, and support of their section's educational and research activities.
08/06/2024 to 12/31/2024
$108,267 - $200,488 per year
VN 00
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Not required
No
Permanent
Full-time
Excepted
None
No
Yes
No
CAZM-12499619-24-KB
803297400
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Current federal employees of this agency.
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.
The Physician Assistant (PA) is a dependent practitioner and therefore, must have a clearly designated supervising physician with one assigned back-up when first not available. The supervising physician does not have to be on site; however, he or she must be available telephonically for assistance or an alternative physician may be identified verbally to supervise or advise on an as needed basis. The PA will be licensed in a state, territory, or the District of Columbia (D.C.) and should be certified or qualified.
a. Administrative Duties, Physician Assistant
i. Will abide by all Veterans Affairs (VA) rules and regulations pertinent to the scope of practice within any VA facility.
ii. Be responsible for maintaining current clinical privileges and keeping licensure, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)/advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS),and all other appropriate documents and training requirements up to date.
iii. Be actively engaged in evaluating and addressing patient and clinic needs. In addition, be expected to evaluate clinical performance, and formulate and implement plans to improve the care delivered to our patient population.
iv. The supervising physician will abide by all VA facility By Laws regarding the supervision of physician assistants and review of medical charting.
v. The provider will perform administrative duties as directed by the supervising physician or agent of the supervising physician.
vi. Complete all required encounter information in computerized patient record system (CPRS) in a timely manner.
b. Clinical Duties:
i. Inform patients of biopsy results obtained during endoscopy when the GI staff endoscopist is not available in accordance with established timelines.
ii. Assist in reviewing and in the disposition of routine GI consults for triage as needed.
iii. Maintain a face-to-face designated clinic or VVS clinic for clinical evaluation and develop treatment plans under direct staff supervision as needed. This will depend on the immediate needs of the GI Service as directed. Work in conjunction with the Nursing staff to address Secure Messaging issues as needed.
iv. Transcribe into CPRS routine prescriptions for colonoscopy preparation and refill GI medications as needed and notify by phone or secure messaging.
v. Be available to GI nursing services and technical staff as a consultant for any problems that arise during their routine work.
vi. Assist the gastroenterologists in the endoscopy unit by discussing and educating patients about their endoscopic procedure, complete a pre-anesthesia assessment, place pre-procedure orders and obtain an informed consent.
vii. Post-procedurally, discuss with patients the procedure results and provide post-procedural education.
viii. Assist with the coordination of care that may result from procedural findings included but not limited to new diagnoses of malignancy.
ix. Review upcoming procedures for indications, contraindications and appropriateness. In cases where procedure orders are found to be contraindicated or not appropriate, the PA will discuss the case with available gastroenterologists
x. Perform elastography of the liver by using FibroScan® and entering the interpretive result into CPRS
xi. Be proficient with patient contact with telecons and Video communications. May have an independent established clinic for this method of contact.
xii. Place community care consults into CPRS if services not available at ALMVAH.
xiii. Perform other duties as assigned by the GI section chief.
c. Education
i. Duties may include teaching and trainee supervision as needed.
ii. Maintain continued professional medical training and GI/Hepatology specific training needed to complete the clinical duties as outlined above.
d. Research Duties (if applicable)
i. Clinical research conducted by established protocols with prior VA IRB approval may be an option dependent on needed clinical support.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.
Work Schedule: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
Telework: Ad-Hoc
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
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. OR
iii. 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
Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Use of fingers, Both hands required; Waling (4 hours); Standing; Crawling; Repeated bending (1-2 hours);Ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously; Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Far Vision 20/30; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted); mental/emotion stability; Ability to perform privileges; Cognitive stability.
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 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.
NOTE - School name: If your school has changed names, or is no longer in existence, you must provide this information in your application.
NOTE - Previous Accreditation: If your school was accredited by at the time of graduation but is no longer listed on the website, you must provide documentation of accreditation with your application packet.
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.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.
Preferred Experience:
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.
NOTE: A formal pay-setting process will be used to determine your salary. The salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.
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.
Preferred Experience:
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
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.
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 12/31/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12499619.
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/803297400. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
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 South Texas Veterans Health Care System is comprised of two inpatient campuses: the Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital in San Antonio and Kerrville VA Hospital. They serve one of the largest areas in the nation, with 35 counties, and are part of the VA Heart of Texas Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN 17) office, in Arlington, TX.
Over 4,900 employees provide primary, secondary and tertiary health care in medicine, surgery, psychiatry, and rehabilitation to 114,000 Veterans; and a 90 bed Extended Care Therapy Center, a 30-bed Spinal Cord Injury Center, an 8-bed Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, and a Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center. Affiliated with UT Health San Antonio, the system has an active ambulatory care program with satellite outpatient clinics.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) needs employees who possess the energy, compassion, and commitment to serve those who served our Country. Whatever the job title, every position in VA will give you a chance to make a meaningful and personal contribution to the lives of truly special and deserving people - our Veterans.
America's Veterans need you!
