This vacancy posting is a standing register and will be used to fill future Primary Care positions at a variety of locations. This posting does not constitute current open positions. Applications will be forwarded to selecting officials as vacancies are identified. Applicants can choose to apply for up to 5 locations. 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. Education: 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. Additionally, candidates must meet one of the following: (1) Master's degree in any discipline; OR (2) Bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a PA. Certification: Must have successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE). NOTE: Current and continuous certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is no longer required for employment in VHA. (See paragraph 3a in this standard for additional information regarding the certification requirement for employees grandfathered into the occupation.) Licensure: Must possess an active, current, full, and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. PAs must maintain current registration in the State of licensure if this is a requirement for continuing active and current licensure in that State. Language: Proficiency in spoken and written English. Preferred Experience: Internal and/or Family Medicine experience; experience working with interdisciplinary care teams; proficient in women's healthcare; chronic disease management experience; Geriatrics experience; experience managing a panel of patients, including population management. 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) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. This is the entry level for PAs. 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: Ability to utilize the principles of PA practice in the care of assigned patients to provide appropriate care. Ability to perform patient history and physical. Ability to formulate a plan and provide treatment to the patient. Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession. Physician Assistant-II (PA-II) 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: Two years of successful practice as a PA. OR 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 A doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. 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: Skills to analyze and solve complex medical problems. Ability to function autonomously and make independent medical decisions. Skill to incorporate training and experience into the successful practice of patient care including telehealth medical care. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary environment for improvement of services for patient care. Ability to practice with colleagues and peers collaboratively. Physician Assistant-III (PA-III) 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: Three years of successful practice as a PA. OR 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 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. 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: Ability to clinically evaluate facility patient care delivery systems and validate or identify barriers to safe and effective patient care. 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). Ability to present clinical findings and recommendations to appropriate management officials. Ability to clinically facilitate the delivery of patient care in collaboration with health professionals, health managers, and other health care personnel. 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. 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 Handbook 5005/78 Part II, Appendix G8 Physician Assistant Qualification Standard Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting and carrying 15-44 pounds; Straight pulling 0.5 hours; Pushing 0.5 hours; Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Walking 4 hours; Standing 4 hours; Kneeling 0.5 hours; Depth perception; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted); Mental and Emotional Stability required. Environmental Factors: Working closely with others. ["This position provides primary care for Veterans. The physical location(s) of the position(s) will be based on future vacancies and will be aligned to the VA Portland Health Care System, Roseburg VA Health Care System, VA Boise Medical Medical Center, VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics (SORCC), or one of the Clinical Based Outpatient Clinics aligned to the locations listed in the posting. The patient population ranges from adult to geriatrics. The primary care Physician Assistant will demonstrate proficiency in practice, planning, and self-direction in goal setting for managing each Veteran's medical needs. This position may serve as a Physician Assistant in a Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT consisting of a primary care provider, an RN Care Manager, a Clinical Associate (LPN or Health Tech/Medical Assistant, and a clerical associate) setting and will be responsible for providing medical care in an outpatient setting following PACT principles. May provide medical care using Telehealth for remote patients, or travel to other Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) to cover provider shortage. The duties and responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the following: Practices as an independent provider utilizing direct face-to-face visits, telephone visits, and veteran video connect visits (VVC). Assesses the safety needs of patients, practices, promotes and implements current safety policies and procedures and improves environmental and operational safety as needed. Identifies Quality Improvement (QI) issues and participates in QI monitoring and in evaluation of clinical practice. Contributes to the achievement of quality of care standards, efficiency, process improvement and patient satisfaction. Practices in accordance with professional standards, core values, and with a commitment to service excellence. Performs and documents patient histories, physical examinations, daily progress notes, discharge or transfer summaries, and communications to consulting providers. Orders, interprets and follows up on a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic tests/studies, initiates consults and referrals, and orders medications or supplies in accordance with VA policy, VA formulary, and State regulations. Assists in performing outpatient preoperative workup and postoperative care. Independently performs minor surgical procedures in the outpatient setting. Orders, interprets, and follows up on pathology and any complications from procedure. Performs consults on ward and ED as first evaluator. Triages incoming consult requests. Formulates and initiates health care teaching for hospitalized patients and their families. Works with other staff members of the Surgical Team to provide a consistent interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to patient care, education, and communication within the assigned surgical program(s). Participates as needed in Process and Quality Improvement projects and programs within the assigned surgical program(s). Participates in weekly educational conferences and other education/training activities. Participates in the team as well as multiple Services and Divisions throughout the Medical Center to emphasize efficient and cost-effective service delivery. Helps foster a high level of patient and staff satisfaction. The prescribing of drugs for inpatients is restricted to routine medications and DEA Class II, III, and IV controlled substances. The incumbent will be authorized to prescribe all routine medications as listed in the VA Pharmacy Formulary with the exception of chemotherapeutic agents, and special medications restricted to approval by another section or department. The incumbent shall be available for assisting in the operating room as needed. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday with tours from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm; work schedule(s) may vary by location.\nTelework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Recruitment/Relocation Incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates for all locations.\nEducation Debt Reduction Program (Student Loan Repayment): EDRP has been authorized for this position. After a selection is made, the local EDRP coordinator will provide further details. Program eligibility and award amount is determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services office.\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required 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. Learn more"]