### JOB SUMMARY:
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 will give you a chance to make a meaningful and personal contribution to the lives of truly special and deserving people - our Veterans.
Vacancy Identification Number (VIN): 1580217
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**OUR MISSION:**
To fulfill President Lincoln's promise – "To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan" – 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 care to Veterans?
**_YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE_****__**
VA offers generous paid time off and a variety of predictable and flexible scheduling opportunities. For more information on the Department of Veterans Affairs, go to http://www.vacareers.va.gov/.**__**
**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.**
### TRAVEL REQUIRED
* Not Required
### RELOCATION AUTHORIZED
* Yes
* The Department of Veterans Affairs offers Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocation services. Permanent Change of Station is the relocation of a household due to government convenience in connection with a transfer between duty stations or facilities. For more information go to http://vaww.fscdirect.fsc.va.gov/pcs.asp
### KEY REQUIREMENTS
* Must pass pre-employment examination.
* Designated and/or Random Drug Testing required.
* Background and/or Security Investigation required.
* Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
* Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
* You must submit Resume, Application 102850
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### DUTIES:
This position is located in Medical Services at the Dayton VA Medical Center.
**Duties:**
(1.) In collaboration or under physician supervision this Physician Assistant participates in the needs assessment and care delivery for the diagnosis and management of patients. Plans and provides education and care, evaluates outcomes and coordinates follow up care. Ability to care for patients in the specific age ranges in Pulmonary Clinic and Inpatient settings. This position will have an emphasis on inpatient care.
(2.) The Physician is authorized to perform other services that are within their collaborating physician's normal course of practice and expertise. The incumbent documenting progress notes and summaries in the patient's record.
**Relocation Expenses: **Relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.
**Tour of Duty:** Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.
Bargaining Unit Position
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### QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
**Basic Requirements:**
a. **Citizenship.**Citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3, g, of this part.)
b. **Education.**The candidate must meet the following:
(1) Graduate of a PA training program, or of a surgical assistant program which is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) or one of its predecessor organizations; and
(2) A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited PA training program or in another health sciences related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
c. **Certification**
(1) Current and continuous certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is **required** for employment in VHA.
(2) Recent PA graduates who are eligible to take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) may be employed by VA on a temporary basis (38 U.S.C. 7405), for a period not to exceed two years, as provided in VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section G, Paragraph 5.
(3) If a PA’s NCCPA certification is suspended, revoked or expires, the PA must be removed from the occupation which may result in termination of employment.
d. **Physical Standards.**See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Part II, Appendix A.
e. **English Language Proficiency.**PAs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d).
f. **Restriction.**Under no circumstances may this occupation be used to employ physicians or other health care providers who do not meet the applicable qualification standards for their occupation. All PAs must meet the requirements in paragraphs 2a through f above.
**Grade Requirements:**
**Grade and Salary will be Determined by the Professional Standards Board.**
a. **Full Grade**. In addition to meeting the basic requirements in paragraph 2, individuals appointed to this grade must meet all the following requirements:
(1) Experience / Education. None beyond the basic requirements in paragraph 2 of this standard.
(2) Clinical Competencies
(a) Clinical Proficiency. Provides effective care to patients characterized by the use of sound judgment in assessing, planning, implementing, documenting, and evaluating patient care for assigned patients.
(b) Professional Development
(c) Ethics. Safeguards patient privacy and confidentiality. Provides care in a nonjudgmental, non-discriminatory manner respecting the patient’s values and beliefs.
(d) Interpersonal Skills. Works effectively with patients, families, caregivers, and other professional and support personnel.
(e) Research
b. **Intermediate Grade**. In addition to meeting the basic requirements under paragraph 2 above, candidates must meet all requirements described in this standard for Full Grade through VA employment or non-VA PA positions with equivalent scope and complexity. Individuals appointed or advanced to Intermediate Grade will have demonstrated the ability to analyze and solve more complex medical problems and meet the following requirements:
(1) Experience / Education
(a) 1 year of professional practice as a PA; or
(b) Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program accredited by ARC-PA or by the U.S. Armed Forces; or
(c) A Master’s degree from a PA training program certified by ARC-PA or in another health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
(2) Clinical Competencies
(a) Clinical Proficiency
1. Effectively treats patients with more complex medical problems requiring a higher degree of clinical skill and competency than that expected of the previous grade.
2. Performs more complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures requiring skills and competency, as applicable to the assignment, beyond that expected in the previous grade.
3. Practices with a higher degree of autonomy and seeks guidance from the assigned physician less frequently than expected of the previous grade.
4. Evaluates the delivery system of patient care within the area of assignment, presents findings and recommendations, and contributes to changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of care.
c. **Senior Grade**. In addition to meeting the basic requirements under paragraph 2 above, candidates must meet all requirements described in this standard for Intermediate Grade through VA employment or non-VA PA positions with equivalent scope and complexity. Individuals appointed or advanced to Senior Grade will have demonstrated the behaviors or responsibilities listed in one or more of the following categories: Clinical Proficiency, Education, Professional Development, Management/Administrative, and Research, as applicable to the assignment
(1) Experience / Education
(a) 3 years of professional practice as a PA; or
(b) 2 years of professional practice as a PA and successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program accredited by ARC-PA or by the U.S. Armed Forces; or
(c) 2 years of professional practice as a PA and a Master’s degree from a PA training program certified by ARC-PA or in another health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; or
(d) A Doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U. S. Department of Education.
d. **Chief Grade**. In addition to meeting the basic requirements under paragraph 2 above, candidates must meet all requirements described in this standard for Senior Grade through VA employment or non-VA PA positions with equivalent scope and complexity. Appointment or promotion to Chief Grade is based on the individual’s demonstrated high level of clinical expertise, leadership ability, and the ability to function with a high degree of autonomy. Further, the PA candidate for Chief Grade will have demonstrated all the requirements of one or more of the following categories: Management/Administrative, Clinical Proficiency, Professional Development and Research.
(1) Experience / Education
(a) Generally, an individual in this grade is able to demonstrate the behaviors listed in the areas below after 5 years of professional practice as a PA; and,
(b) The minimum education for this grade is a Master’s Degree from a PA training program accredited by ARC-PA or in a health-related field of study. However, experience as a PA may be substituted for the Master’s degree where the individual has an equivalent knowledge of the profession and has successfully undertaken a combination of difficult or complex assignments in several clinical, administrative, research and educational arenas which required a high degree of competence.
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.
**Reference:** VA handbook 5005, Appendix G8. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.
**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.
**Physical Requirements:** Light lifting (under 15 lbs.), light carrying (under 15 lbs.), use of fingers, walking 4-8 hours, standing 4-8 hours, near vision correctable at 13” to 16” to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other, hearing (aid permitted), emotional stability, mental stability, working closely with others, working alone, and working with bio-hazardous materials.
### HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:
Your application, résumé, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be reviewed. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.
In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We may not make assumptions regarding your experience.** **
**Veterans' Preference:**When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), or 10pt (CP/CPS, XPP, XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP), on the Occupational Questionnaire in the section(s) provided. A legible copy of your DD214(s), disability certification, SF-15 (if claiming 10 pt. preference) or if you are currently serving on active duty and expected to be released or discharged within 120 days; documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), or dates of impending separation. Documentation is required to award preference. (See "Required Documents" section).
**NOTE:**Applicant's education and experience will be reviewed by a Professional Standards Board and utilized 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.****
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### BENEFITS:
VA offers a comprehensive benefits package. This link provides is an overview of the benefits currently offered:http://www.vacareers.va.gov/why-choose-va/benefits/index.asp.
**Receiving Service Credit for 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.
### OTHER INFORMATION:
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
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### HOW TO APPLY:
**All applicants are encouraged to apply online.**
**To apply for this position,** you must complete the View Occupational Questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Thursday, January 21, 2016 to received consideration.
1. To begin, **click Apply Online** to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. 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 USAJOBS 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 USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
### REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
**_The following documents are required:_**
1. Your Resume and **VHA-10-2850c Application** (Application for Associated Health Occupations)**.**
2. Copy of certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician's Assistants (NCCPA)
3. A complete Occupational Questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire - May be completed online through Application Manager.
Please use this checklist to ensure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
**Veterans' Preference**: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference on the Occupational Questionnaire in the section provided and provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) and/or documentation related to your active duty service which shows dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), or 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 Veterans Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. For more information, please visit http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
**Faxing Applications or Supporting Documents: **You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you are unable to apply online or unable to upload your supporting documents to your online application, follow the directions located at the following site: Fax Options. The Vacancy ID of the job opportunity announcement is 1580217.
*NOTE*: If you applied online and your application is complete, do not fax the paper application (1203-FX) as this will overwrite your prior online responses and may result in you being found ineligible.
### AGENCY CONTACT INFO:
Cheryl Bush
Phone: (937)268-6511x2499
Email: CHERYL.BUSH2@VA.GOV
Agency Information:
VHA Dayton VAMC
Department of Veteran Affairs
4100 West Third Street
HRM Service
Dayton, OH
45428
### WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:
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. During our review, if your résumé and application package do not support your questionnaire answers, we will adjust your rating accordingly. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email (if provided); otherwise, applicants will receive a notification letter via the U.S. Postal Service. 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 USAJOBS account and clicking on "Application Status." For a more detailed update of your status, click on "more information." Information regarding applicant notification points can be found in the USAJobs Resource Center.
*Job Title:* Physician Assistant (Pulmonary)
*Department:* Department Of Veterans Affairs
*Agency:* Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
*Control Number:* 424944900
*Job Announcement Number:* KO-16-CBu-1580217-4CA-BU