This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
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: 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. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Preferred Experience: Specialty qualifications/certification in Psychiatry (CAQ) Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Specific visual requirement (See computer screen). Environmental Factors: Silica, asbestos, etc.; Working closely with others.
Boise blends urban sophistication with outdoor thrills. Take a stroll through Downtown Boise & Old Boise, where history meets modern design, or the Boise River Greenbelt. The city offers a vibrant and diverse dining and night life scene, Visit Boise's food guide, and is home to Boise State University's Bronco Stadium. Boise is a Kid friendly and Pet friendly destination. For more adventure head to Bogus Basin Ski Resort & Boise Foothills, or to the world-famous Sun Valley or scenic McCall. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. General Description of Assigned Duties: The Physician Assistant (PA) in the Department of Behavioral Health is a highly skilled provider in the medical and psychiatric management of patients with behavioral health conditions. Provides mental health care including prescribing medications, managing patients in the Rapid Access Clinic and Integrated Care settings, crisis intervention, and consultation with both primary care and behavioral health providers. Serves as an effective communicator and collaborative team member across multiple disciplines within behavioral health and medical/surgical specialties. Demonstrates professionalism, flexibility, veteran-centric care, and a commitment to continuous improvement in care delivery. Functions of Assigned Duties: Possesses the interpersonal and clinical skills to provide psychiatric and medical care for VA patients. Conducts comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, mental status exams, diagnostic assessments, and treatment planning for patients aged 18 and older with mental, behavioral, or emotional disorders, including substance use disorders. Performs comprehensive physical evaluations and diagnostic assessments for the same veteran population. Collaborates with multidisciplinary treatment teams in both clinical and administrative capacities. Provides education and counseling to patients and families regarding preventive care, medical conditions, and prescribed treatments and medications. Orders and interprets laboratory tests, electrocardiograms (EKGs), radiologic assessments, and other clinical diagnostics. Provides psychiatric consultation to primary care providers and medical consultation to psychiatric providers in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Triages patients and initiates referrals as clinically indicated. Provides medical coverage for colleagues in inpatient or residential settings, including performing admission history and physicals, discharge summaries, and comprehensive medical care as needed. Documents all patient care activities in the electronic medical record in a timely and accurate manner, including history and physicals, progress notes, telephone encounters, chart reviews, clinical reminders, and discharge summaries. Supports the facility's educational mission by attending case conferences, psychiatry presentations, and Grand Rounds when available. Maintains active credentials and privileges at the Boise VA Medical Center. Completes peer reviews and participates in psychiatry service meetings as scheduled. Engages in professional, clinical, and administrative activities as assigned. Works collaboratively with other Psychiatry team members to ensure a consistent, interdisciplinary approach to patient care, education, and communication within the Behavioral Health Department. Participates in process and quality improvement initiatives within assigned behavioral health programs. Contributes to a high level of patient and staff satisfaction. Prescriptive authority includes routine medications and DEA Class II, III, and IV controlled substances, in accordance with VACO Circular 10-84-112. Prescribing of chemotherapeutic agents and medications restricted to other departments is not authorized. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 4:30pm Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact VHA.ELRSProgramSupport@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more