Physician Assistant (Mid-Level Practitioner)

DutiesSummary

Why work for the Federal Bureau of Prisons?

You can have a meaningful career with an agency that truly values a diverse workforce. You will find a diverse workforce employed from entry level jobs to senior management positions. We protect public safety by ensuring federal offenders serve their sentences of imprisonment in facilities that are safe, humane, and provide reentry programming. Employees at correctional facilities perform correctional work regardless of their specific occupation.



Responsibilities

The Physician Assistant 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.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - Travel may be required for training and/or work related issues.

Supervisory status

No

Promotion Potential

11

• Job family (Series)

  0603 Physician Assistant

  Similar jobs
  • Assistants, Physician
  • Physician Assistants

• Requirements

  RequirementsConditions of Employment
  • U. S. Citizenship is Required.
  • See Special Conditions of Employment Section.
  • Selective Service: http://www.sss.gov

  Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP). The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1)this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and rate equivalent to the Highly Qualified category using established category rating criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: Click Here
  
  The Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement; and 3) you are found well qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and rate equivalent to the Highly Qualified category using established category rating criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at: Click Here

  Qualifications

  Basic Requirements:
  
  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 U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.
  • 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.

  AND
  
  Licensure: For ALL grade levels and positions, applicants must possess and electronically upload proof of a current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a Physician Assistant from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.
  
  All qualified referred candidates 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 electronically upload these documents along with your required supporting documentation at the time you apply.
  
  AND
  
  Additional Requirements:
  
  GS-07:
  
  Applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • Completion of an accredited physician assistant educational program (certificate of completion, associate degree, 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.

  GS-09:
  
  In addition to the requirements for the GS-07 (or equivalent) level, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

  • Completion of 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 fields of study; OR
  • 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.

  GS-11:
  
  In addition to the requirements for the GS-09 (or equivalent) level, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

  • Completion of Doctorate of Physician Assistant Studies, Doctorate of Science Physician Assistant (DScPA) or equivalent; or
  • Completion of a 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 programs; or
  • 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.

  Evaluation of Experience:
  
  GS-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.

  If applicable, 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.**

  Education

  See Qualifications Section for education requirements, if applicable.
  
  ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.
  
  Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
  
  If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education), you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty.

  Additional information

  ADDITIONAL SALARY INFORMATION:

  FCC Lompoc, CA - A 24% Recruitment Incentive will be paid to selectee(s) who meets the criteria for Recruitment Bonuses.

  USP Atwater, FCI Herlong, and FCI Mendota, CA - A 17% Recruitment Incentive will be paid to selectee(s) who meets the criteria for Recruitment Bonuses.

  FCI Dublin, and FCC Victorville, CA - A 15% Recruitment Incentive will be paid to selectee(s) who meets the criteria for Recruitment Bonuses.

  MCC New York/MDC Brooklyn, NY/USP Thomson, IL - 25% Recruitment Incentive will be paid to selectee(s) who meets the criteria for Recruitment Bonuses.

  Upon completion of the Recruitment Service Agreement, Retention Incentives may be initiated.

  FDC Honolulu, HI - A 10.28% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) is authorized for this location.

  MDC Guaynabo, PR - A 3.13% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) is authorized for this location.

  Additional recruitment incentives for hard to fill medical positions may be available at other BOP locations.

  To view current vacancies, Click Here

  LENGTH OF ELIGIBILITY: Eligible applicants will remain on the inventory until the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
  
  NOTE: This announcement is posted on a yearly cycle. The announcement will EXPIRE on the listed closing date at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. In order to receive consideration for the next cycle, applicants MUST reapply to the new vacancy announcement.

  Special Conditions of Employment Section:
  
  Appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of a pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical, and background investigation. All applicants are subject to, and must satisfactorily pass all screening requirements in relation to National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit check.
  
  All applicants not currently working in an institution will be required to complete a qualification inquiry regarding convictions of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence in order to be authorized to carry a firearm.
  
  The Core Value Assessment (CVA) is an in-person assessment that must be facilitated at a Bureau of Prisons Human Resource Servicing office. On the day of the scheduled interview, a CVA will be administered. The applicant assessment must be completed within a 70 minute time period and a passing score must be obtained. Further employment consideration will not be extended if the applicant fails to complete the examination or fails to achieve a passing score. Note: The Core Value Assessment will not be administered to current BOP employees.
  
  Successful completion of the "Introduction to Correctional Techniques," three-week training course at Glynco, Georgia is required.
  
  The Bureau of Prisons has an accelerated training program for Physician Assistants which provides an opportunity for promotion from GS-07 to GS-09 or GS-09 to GS-11 after successful completion of a 26 week training program within the first six months of employment. The training is a combination of four weeks of classroom training and 22 weeks of on-the-job training. Participants must sign a training agreement and satisfactorily demonstrate knowledge and abilities in laboratory, radiology, dental, diagnostic studies, therapeutics, patient education, pharmacy, psychiatry and administrative functions.

  
  
  How You Will Be Evaluated

  You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

  Your application will be evaluated and rated under DOJ's Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Based upon your self-reported responses to the assessment questions during the application process, your application will be placed into one of three categories: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Qualified. Applications will be reviewed from the top quality category. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement. If you are found qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to the responses you provided on the online assessment questionnaire.
  
  NOTE: Candidates within the top quality category and who are eligible for veterans preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligibles.
  
  If you are entitled to veterans preference, you should indicate the type of veterans preference you are claiming on your resume. Although veterans preference points are not assigned under the category rating procedures described under "How You Will Be Evaluated", veteran preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-veterans within each category for which they are qualified.
  
  In addition, at the GS-07, qualified veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more are placed at the top of the highest qualified category as defined by category rating procedures.
  
  What Competencies/Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are Required for this Position?
  
  The following Competencies/Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA's) are required:
  
  GS-07, GS-09, and GS-11:

  • Skill in making diagnoses, and selecting and providing appropriate treatment for medical or surgical emergencies (life or death or severe injury), as indicated until emergency assistance arrives.
  • Ability to assess a patient's condition, and to initiate appropriate treatment.
  • Knowledge of pharmaceuticals to treat disease and illness, to include a knowledge of the mechanism of action, side effects, toxic nature and drug interactions of medications.
  • Ability to perform and interpret diagnostic tests in order to determine therapeutic treatment plans.
  • Ability to deal effectively with patients.
  
  To preview questions please click here.
  
  Background checks and security clearanceSecurity clearance

  Other

  Drug test required

  Yes

• Required Documents

  Required Documents
  • Veterans' Preference Documentation: Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214 Member Copy 4); or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal). Veterans must also demonstrate that they have been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions (i.e., the individual must have received either an honorable or general discharge).
  • If you are currently on active duty, a statement from the appropriate Branch Personnel Office containing the following information: Name, Rank, Branch of Service, Active Duty time, Projected Separation Date and type of anticipated discharge must be provided.
  • If you are a disabled veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, or widow/widower of a veteran, the spouse of a disabled veteran or the parent of a disabled or deceased veteran, you MUST submit a completed Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference", and the other required documentation identified on the reverse side of the SF-15 to support your preference claim. Documentation to support a disability must reflect the overall evaluation or percentage disability rating. Veterans must also demonstrate that they have been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions (i.e., the individual must have received either an honorable or general discharge).
  • Resume showing relevant experience.
  • In order to receive credit for experience contained in an uploaded resume, your employment history must be documented in month/year format (MM/YYYY), reflecting starting date and ending date and include the number of hours worked per week. Failure to follow this format may result in disqualification.
  • A college transcript which includes the School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded.
  • Submit 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.
  • Current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration.

  Failure to provide these documents could possibly result in removal from consideration for this vacancy. When uploading documentation, do not identify/save your documents utilizing a special character such as %, #, @, etc. Documentation should be identified/saved as VA Letter, DD214, or Transcripts.

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• Benefits

  Benefits

  A career with the U.S. Government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• The public

  U.S. citizens, nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

THIS IS A DELEGATEDEXAMINING ANNOUNCEMENT OPEN TO ALL U.S. CITIZENS.