Physician Assistant

Duties

Works collaboratively with the staff physician(s) and consulting physician(s) in planning, instituting, evaluating and revising program plans; assists in determining conditions, resources and policies essential to delivery of the health care services. Discriminates between normal and abnormal findings to recognize early stages of serious physical, emotional, or mental problems. Incumbent manages the daily operation of the clinic and conducts daily sick call; which may also include securing health and developmental history from the patient, recording findings and making critical evaluations.

Serves as the primary provider for routine requests for evaluation of new complaints, for routine recurring visits for chronic illnesses, and emergencies when clinically indicated.

Establishes diagnostic impressions and requests appropriate diagnostic tests (e.g., laboratory, x-ray, visual acuity and electrocardiogram) and ability to interpret results and selected laboratory findings to include the following: Clinical Laboratory, Radiology, Optometry, Electrocardiograph Operations, Dental and Mental Health. Evaluates total health care needs of patients and develops plans to meet these needs.

Makes decisions concerning medical care needs of the patient with the supervising physician. Assists the supervisory physician(s) in management of chronic health problems and assists the physician(s) in performing more exhaustive diagnosis and treatments. Teaches and demonstrates the application of good health practices to patients. Will assist and work collaboratively with the physician in management of selected complex medical problems.

Along with all other correctional institution employees, incumbent is charged with responsibility for maintaining security of the institution. The staff correctional responsibilities precede all others required by this position and are performed on a regular and recurring basis.

Qualifications

All applicants must meet the following basic requirements for all grade levels:

• Graduation from a physician assistant educational program, accredited by the Accreditation Review Committee on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) or its predecessors, at a college, university, or educational institution that is accredited by an accrediting body or organization recognized by the Secretary, U.S. Department of Education.

AND

• Successful completion of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) examination; must maintain status as a certified physician assistant, including completion of all requirements for continuing medical education (CME) and re-certification.

NOTE: ALL applicants MUST electronically upload proof of completion of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) examination, including completion of all requirements for continuing medical education (CME) and recertification. (Note: If you are selected for this position, official transcript(s) will be required prior to your first day).

All qualified applicants will undergo a credentialing process prior to employment with the Bureau of Prisons. This process includes validation of medical examinations, education, internship and residency. Please submit these documents along with your required supporting documentation at the time you apply.

NOTE: ALL applicants MUST electronically upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement at the time you apply. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS to the Federal Bureau of Prisons Application site at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include school name, student name, degree and date awarded to receive consideration for this position. The education MUST be from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Applicants who meet the above basic requirements may qualify for the following grade levels if they meet the educational and/or specialized experience requirements described below.

GL-07: Applicants who meet at least one of the following requirements may qualify for positions at this grade level:

Completion of an accredited physician assistant educational program (certificate of completion, associate degree, or bachelor's degree);

OR

Completion of a bachelor's degree in a related health care or health related science and graduation from an accredited physician assistant educational program.

GL-09: Applicants who meet at least one of the following requirements may qualify for positions at this grade level:

A minimum of one full year of work experience as a certified physician assistant equivalent to the GS-07 grade level and graduation from an accredited physician assistant educational program as described above;

OR

Completion of the Master of Physician Assistant Studies;

OR

Completion of a master's degree in a related health care or health related science and completion of an accredited physician assistant educational program. Examples of related master's degree programs include, but are not limited, to Master of Medical Sciences, Master of Public Health, Master of Biomedical Sciences, or other related major field of study.

GS-11: Applicants who meet at least one of the following requirements qualify for positions at this grade level:

A minimum of one full year of work experience as a certified physician assistant equivalent to the GS-09 grade level and completion of an accredited physician assistant educational program as described above;

OR

PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in a related health field and completion of an accredited physician assistant educational program. Examples of related doctoral degree programs include, but are not limited to, public health; allied health field; public health education; or other related health science.

NOTE: ALL applicants MUST electronically upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement at the time you apply. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS to the Federal Bureau of Prisons Application site at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include school name, student name, degree and date awarded to receive consideration for this position. The education MUST be from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Evaluation of Experience: Applicants qualifying on the basis of specialized experience must have the following:

GL-07:

• Ability to identify a medical problem and determine appropriate action to meet the problem, including referral to a physician.
• Knowledge and understanding of the environment, principles, ethics, and special human relationships in the field of medicine.
• Ability to work responsibly with physicians and other members of the medical team, and to deal effectively with patients.

GL-09:

• Experience performing minor surgical procedures, such as, incision and drainage, suturing of laceration, and removal of cysts after consultation with the physician.
• Experience treating chronic health problems, such as hypertension and diabetes.
• Experience providing preventive care and guidance in treating a variety of common illnesses, as well as guidance on nutrition.

GS-11:

• Experience identifying medical problems and determining appropriate action to treat the problem, including referral to a physician.
• Experience performing specified diagnostic and therapeutic practices and procedures.
• Experience providing a wide range of emergency services in the absence of the physicians, including primary care for trauma and life-saving procedures.

Credit will be given for paid and unpaid experience. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as the number of hours worked per week) spent in activities.

Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application