PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

About the role

PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE ANNOUNCEMENT TO ENSURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET.

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and will remain on file through December 31, 2025. Eligible applicants will be referred each month as vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.

What you will do

• In compliance with VA Policy & union requirements/recommendations for Title 38 clinical positions, internal facility employees must receive first consideration prior to hiring managers making selections externally to other applicants.
• So, this internal announcement ensures this is met by posting all positions internally to facility employees throughout the year.
• This announcement does not signify that a vacancy exists at this time.
• Should a true vacancy become available in this occupation/specialty, applicants will be reviewed & referred to hiring managers for consideration at that time.
• You will receive notification when/if your application progresses to the next stage of recruitment.
• This announcement may be used to fill various positions.
• You must choose which duty location and specialty you wish to be considered for.
• You may select multiple duty locations and specialties, but you must select at least one when you apply.
• You will be considered for the duty location(s)/specialties that you select when you apply.
• Note: There may not be any current vacancies at the time of this announcement, however, applicants may be considered for future vacancies that become available until the announcement closes.
• Some positions/specialties may be eligible for 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.
• Program 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.
• Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
• As a Licensed Independent Provider, the Physician Assistant practices autonomously and in coordination with health care professionals and other individuals.
• The incumbent provides a wide range of health care services, including the diagnosis and management of acute, chronic, and complex health problems; health promotion; disease prevention; health education; and counseling to individuals, families, groups and communities.
• Must be an excellent communicator and team player who is adaptable to the needs of a growing medical center.
• The Physician Assistant provides quality patient care in collaboration with other health care professionals.
• The incumbent will perform specific duties within his/her approved scope of practice.
• Other duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Providing care for Veteran patients, sometimes under the review and/or co-signature of a physician.
• Performing overall assessment of patients' conditions through history taking, record reviews, physical examinations, etc. Diagnosing and developing individualized treatment plan in various clinical settings.
• Writing orders for diagnostic testing including, but not limited to laboratory, X-rays, imaging studies/EKGs, ventilator management, blood and urine tests and any other special testing and studies whenever indicated.
• Prescribing medications and providing education and counseling to Veterans and their families regarding medical condition, prescribed treatments and drugs, diagnostic options, review of treatment plans, discussions of patient goals, etc. Developing meaningful goals to assist patients and their families in attaining the optimum level of physical, physiological, sociological, and psychological balance within the limitations imposed by their illnesses.
• Contributing to the achievement of quality care standards, and actively participates in patient safety initiatives.
• Establishing professional working relationship with clinical service providers within the medical center, Outpatient Clinics (OPCs), and the Community Base Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs).
• Other related duties as assigned.
• VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package.
• Work Schedule: Various work schedules available.
• Some positions may require rotating call coverage, weekdays, nights, weekends and/or holidays.
• The supervisor will determine the actual work schedule (FT, PT, Intermittent & the specific work shift) upon selection based on the needs of the organization.
• Education Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): May be Authorized for some specialties.
• Former EDRP participants are not eligible to apply for EDRP.
• Contact the VISN 8 Compensation Center of Excellence at *** for questions/assistance.
• Learn more Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (***).
• Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
• 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).
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

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: ***

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: ***

How you will be evaluated

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.

Documents you must provide

• Incomplete packets will not be considered.
• Failure to submit the required documentation will make you ineligible for this position.
• The following documents are required from all applicants: Résumé/CV: For each job/position listed, you must include a job title, detailed duties, month and year for each start/end date and if full-time or part-time status with the number of hours worked each week.
• SF-50: All facility employees should submit a copy of their most recent SF-50 (that is not an award SF-50) that shows they are a current, permanent facility employee.
• You may get your SF-50 directly from your eOPF by going here on a VA computer/network: ***
• Transcripts: Must provide a copy of your relevant education transcript(s).
• PANCE: Must provide proof that you have passed (or are in the process of taking) the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE).

What to expect next

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.

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. 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. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.