Summary New York Harbor, Manhattan Campus, is looking for a full-time Physician Assistant. This Physician Assistant (PA) will work directly for the Chief of the Gynecology Service, who reports to the ACOS for Special Emphasis Programs and QM, aligned under the Chief of Staff. Responsibilities The Physician Assistant will be fully qualified and certified to function in clinical and administrative roles and in accordance with the guideline and policies of the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System. This individual is delegated the authority and responsibility to assume clinical, consultative, educational, research, and administrative duties and responsibilities related to the patients and staff of the Gynecology Service for all of New York Harbor. The position will be based in the Margaret Cochran Corbin Campus (New York) but will involve travel to Brooklyn and St. Albans as needed. Duties and Responsibilities: Clinical (90%): The PA assists with clinical aspects of care to the patients of the Gynecology Service. This includes obtaining medical histories, performing physical examinations, consultations, and the writing of orders including prescriptions for medications and needed labs and testing in Gynecology clinic. The provider has the authority to order all laboratory and imaging tests as well as procedures necessary to evaluate and care for Gynecology patients. The practitioner will collaborate with Gynecology attendings and residents to initiate and coordinate fee-basis requests so that care/studies can be provided. All Gynecology evaluations/orders written by the PA will fall within the guidelines of the Board of Medical Examiners and the bylaws of the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System. The PA is also the first-line clinical contact to provide clinical guidance back to the Gyn/Women's Clinic nursing staff who reviews electronic message obtained via the VHA Secure Messaging/MyHealthyVet program. The PA is a primary point of for preoperative evaluations. Ensures that all appropriate paperwork including History and Physical examination, Informed Consent, and Pre-Admission Screening clearance and forms are completed when referring patients to Anesthesia Service and resolves all pre-screening inquires. The PA will also assist with post-operative rounding and follow-up of gynecological surgeries. The PA initiates and accepts referrals to clinics and/or community agencies. Collaborates with other health care resources to insure timely and appropriate care of patients. The PA will also work with the Community Care office to ensure patients for whom have referrals to community subspecialty providers have completed the following and have been scheduled with the appropriate subspecialty providers for any gynecological follow-up not available in-house (e.g., gynecological oncology treatment). The PA will coordinate with the Community Care office and patients directly about compliance with scheduling and receipt of community care subspecialty services. The PA will assist with gynecological surgeries in the Operating Room. Performs minor procedures within their realm of expertise and under the direction of the Chief of Gynecology and in accordance with the individual's Scope of Practice. Receives and coordinates scheduling, preoperative screening and postoperative care for Veterans referred to VA New York Harbor Healthcare System for gynecological surgeries from other VISN 2 facilities through interfacility consults. Assists with providing ER call to ensure 24/7 ER coverage. Trains medical and other ancillary students assigned to the Gynecology service. Serves as the first-line clinical contact for patient inquires that are triaged from the Gynecology/Women's Clinic Nurses. Facilitates response for Gynecology and other administrative officials regarding patient problems and issues. Assists with tracking, auditing, reviewing, and coordinating care for patients with abnormal pathology results from procedures (Pap smears, endometrial biopsies, dilation and curettage, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, etc.) for the Gynecology Service. Serves backup for tracking infertility patients, cervical cancer screening, mammograms. Other clinical duties as assigned by the Gynecology Section Chief. Administrative (10%): Facilitate response/actions to patient inquires to care and treatment received by the Gynecology Service. Functions as a liaison between the Chief of Gynecology, Primary Care, Lab/Pathology, Women's Health, the Department of Surgery, and Community Care. Assists the Gynecology Section Chief with quality-of-care activities. Other administrative duties as assigned by the Chief of Gynecology. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday from 8am to 4:30pm Telework: Ad-hoc eligible Virtual: This is not a virtual position Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment 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. You may be required to serve a probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. 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). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. 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. Grade Determinations: (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 multidisciplinary 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. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of PA 1 to PA 3. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: In Accordance With VA Directive and Handbook 5019 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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. 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. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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.
