A recruitment/relocation incentive is NOT authorized for this position. 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. English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. 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. Licensure. PAs 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. Grade Determinations: The full performance level of this vacancy is PA-III. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of PA-1 to PA-III. 1) 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. (2) 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. (3) 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 HANDBOOK 5005/103 PART II APPENDIX G18. Physical Requirements: The incumbent must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential functions of the position without hazard to themselves or others. Normal work of the position requires visual acuity (with the ability to read typewritten characters without strain, corrective lenses permitted), keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially moderate levels of lifting and carrying (15-44 pounds). The incumbent may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. ["PA Mental Health for the Domiciliary- Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MHRRTP). The Physician Assistant (PA) is a professional with advanced clinical knowledge and competence to function in a variety of roles. She/he is accountable for the management and evaluation of patient care under her/his care. She/he holds clinical privileges and practices in collaboration with a physician. The PA provides comprehensive wellness care, as well as acute, episodic, and chronic care, of adult veterans. The PA is prepared by advanced practice in adult health care across the health continuum. This practice includes independent and interdependent decision making, and direct accountability for clinical judgment. The PA will evaluate and treat adult and elderly patients in Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MHRRTP). The MHRRTP is a 125-bed residential program which provides treatment for veterans with a range of mental health problems including depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, PTSD, homelessness and serious mental illness conditions. The PA will also perform activities related to follow-up of abnormal lab and radiology results, keeping communication open with veterans and their families, and ensuring that staff is kept abreast on the veteran's clinical condition. He/She will provide care under the supervision of the Mental Health Medical Staff. This position is also being announced as a Nurse Practitioner (NP). FUNCTIONS OR SCOPE OF ASSIGNED DUTIES: Participates in the performance improvement needs of the MHRRTP in collaboration with other team members and the MHRRTP Program Managers or their designee. Participates in performance improvement activities to enhance services to Veterans served by the MH Division. Collaborates with MHRRTP Program staff to provide on-going education regarding medical/mental health vulnerability of the Veteran population to Mental Health Division staff and Veterans Uses clinical knowledge and judgment to promote staff involvement in planning, decision-making, and evaluating current practice and outcomes and demonstrates clinical and mandatory competencies for this position. Uses professional standards of care, scientific evidence, and practice to evaluate programs and/or service activities. Provides continuity of care for assigned Veterans working in consultation with staff throughout the medical center. Provides mental health care with skill and sensitivity to Veterans who are homeless, mentally ill, and/or using illicit substances through assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation. Provides psychiatric medication management for assigned Veterans. Evaluates Veterans' physical and mental health, family and social history to identify health care needs. Appropriately educating the patient of the need for follow-up care and referring Veterans to the appropriate level of care. Working in consultation with other divisions within the Medical Center. Other duties as assigned by Program Manager, Assistant Program Manager, Nursing Program Coordinator and MH Division Managers, consistent with clinical practice standards. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Day shift with possible rotation to weekends and off tours as needed. Telework: Not available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]