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.

Duties

This position provides Primary Care for Veterans under the General Medicine Service Line. The physical location is in the Primary Care Clinic at the Olympia Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) within VA Puget Sound Health Care System. The patient population ranges from adult to geriatrics. The Incumbent will demonstrate proficiency in practice, planning, and self-direction in goal setting for managing each Veteran's medical needs. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Work as a critical part of the clinical team utilizing current clinical practice standards, licensure, knowledge, skills, and experience. Counsels Veterans and their families on matters relating to health and wellness, illness, disease processes, medication and treatment options based on Veterans desired health care outcomes. Identifies opportunities for process/system improvements, collaborates with leadership in developing work groups and implementation or communication strategies. Partners closely with nursing leadership, interdisciplinary team, and medical supervisors. Maintains clinical practice requirements dependent upon state licensure and national board certifying body. Attends medical staff meetings as requested, team meetings, and aids in the implementation and application of all programs as required. Provides leadership in improving patient care, maintaining standards of care, and teaching personnel in a variety of settings. Provides comprehensive care for female patients to include well woman exams. Demonstrates proficiency in practice, planning, and self-direction in goal setting for managing each Veteran's medical needs, pursuant to scope of practice for Primary Care (PA-C). Communicates and treats customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with customers constructively and appropriately. Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy; protect the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion; follow applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the computer access agreement signed by the incumbent. Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy; VAPAHCS April 2008 protect the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion; follow applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the computer access agreement signed by the incumbent. Uses word processing software to execute several office automation functions such as storing and retrieving electronic documents and files; activating printers; inserting and deleting text, formatting letters, reports, and memoranda; and transmitting and receiving e-mail. Uses the Veterans Health Information and Technology Architecture (VistA) to access information in the Medical Center Computer System. Work Schedule: Monday- Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework: Telework available on ad hoc basis only, determined by the needs of the service. Virtual: This is not a virtual or remote position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Education Debt Reduction Program Authorized : Contact [email protected] and [email protected], the EDRP Coordinators for questions/assistance. Learn more. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required VA offers a comprehensive Total rewards package

Requirements

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. Physician Assistant Basic Requirements Master's degree in any discipline or a bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a Physician Assistant ~AND~ Successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE) (or are you in the process to taking the exam) ~AND~ Currently hold, or will hold, a full and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or in the District of Columbia. Preferred Experience: 2 years primary care experience Grade Determinations: Physician Assistant-I (PA-I) (a.) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. This is the entry level for PAs. (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 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 Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-8 Physician Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is PA-3. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of PA-I to PA-III. Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 pounds and over), straight pulling (6 hours), pushing (2 hours), use of fingers, walking (6 hours), standing (6 hours), repeated bending (6 hours), specific visual requirement- see computer screen, ability to distinguish basic colors, hearing (aid may be permitted), visual acuity 20/30. Environmental Factors: Working with hands in water, working closely with others.

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.

Contacts

• Address VA Puget Sound Health Care System 1660 South Columbian Way Seattle, WA 98108 US
• Name: Jaimie Tappert
• Phone: (503) 220-8262 X31540
• Email: [email protected]