The Psychiatry Physician Assistant is responsible for the care and administrative needs of mental health patients in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. The PA also functions as a coordinator between the attending physician and the other team members to include nurses and PMH NPs, psychologists, social workers, psychotherapists, LMFTs, LPCs, addiction therapists and other clinic personnel. 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 Citizenship: Citizen of the United States [in accordance with section 7402(c) to title 38, United States Code (U.S.C.). Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7407(a). 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). 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: 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. 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: 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. 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 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. References: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-8 Physician Assistant Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. Preferred Experience: Psychiatric Experience Physical Requirements: This position provides direct holistic and comprehensive patient focused services. The Incumbent serves as the primary provider, prescribing and monitoring the implementation of pharmacological and other methods of management for health promotion. Orders and interprets laboratory tests. Initiates requests for consultation services with other VA and Non-VA providers/services. 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. The incumbent must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete annual Employee Health requirements, such as annual TB screening or testing, as a condition of employment. ["VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. The PA will also be directly responsible to the Outpatient or Inpatient Psychiatry Medical Director for all clinical and administrative duties. Clinical Responsibilities: (100% of time) Conduct initial psychiatric evaluations, including initial assessment interviews history and physical exams; lab, imaging, medication and psychotherapy consultation orders, aftercare plans and follow up visits. Following the initial evaluation, the PA will provide appropriate follow up care including· reassessments of diagnoses and conditions, medication adjustments, and any further tests or consults indicated. Provide mental health education /counseling and brief therapy of patients and their families. Primary responsibility for care of patients when the clinic medical director is absent. Conduct ongoing follow up appointments for stable patients, including regular refills of medications, required lab and other tests and documenting progress. Perform examinations and screening scales (such as AIMS, MoCA, HAM-D) and similar non-invasive examinations specific to the ongoing care of psychiatric patients. Ordering appropriate laboratory tests, imaging studies, EKGs (electrocardiograms), and similar noninvasive tests. Initiating and expediting consultation requests and scheduling special tests and studies. Making rounds for inpatients, and holding scheduled appointments for outpatients to observe and record patients' medical progress, and notifying the supervising physician of significant changes in patients' condition. Providing education and counseling of the patient and the patient's family in preventive care, medical conditions, and the use of prescribed treatments and medications. Performing preventive health activities. Ordering appropriate prosthetic devices and medical equipment. Recording notes on all procedures performed for which the PA is responsible. Initiating ECT or TMS work up and scheduling. Ordering diets. Case management. Conducting educational groups. Perform treatment planning in an outpatient or inpatient setting. Integrate the activities of the psychiatry clinic/ward with other patient care programs at the facility. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm Compressed/Flexible: Compressed tours may be available for highly qualified applicants. Telework: Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]

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