The Psychiatry Physician Assistant (PA) 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. 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: (2) Bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a PA. (1) Master's degree in any discipline OR Certification: Must have successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE). NOTE: Current and continuous certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is no longer required for employment in VHA. 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. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Determinations: Physician Assistant-I (PA-I) a) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements 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: 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. 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 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). ii. 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. 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. Physical Requirements: Light lifting, under 15-44 pounds, Light carrying, under 15 pounds , use of fingers, Walking 2 Hours, Hearing (aid may be permitted). ["This position requires the ability to skillfully and independently in the assessment and ongoing provision of care to Veterans in need of mental health care. Duties include but not limited to: Assessment of psychiatric, substance abuse, social, and any associated medical problems. Use of appropriate treatment modalities including prescription of psychotropic medications and referral to psychotherapy programs, substance use disorder treatment, compensated work therapy, vocational rehabilitation, psychological testing, and other necessary programs. Assessment of safety of the veteran and others including assessment of risk of suicidal, homicidal, or other violent behaviors. Assessment for the necessity of inpatient admission to the acute inpatient psychiatric unit or consultation with a psychiatrist who will provide this assessment. Assessment for associated medical, surgical, or other problems and make prompt referral to appropriate services. The incumbent is responsible for developing productive working relationships with referral sources such as community agencies and other VA facilities. The incumbent communicates effectively both orally and in writing with professional, administrative and technical staff at all levels. The incumbent participates on teams, contributes to team conferences, and is actively involved in planning for continuity of Veteran care. The incumbent consults with other healthcare providers to formulate a collaborative plan of care. The incumbent performs work related to the review, monitoring, analysis, planning, and assessment of processes utilized by Ambulatory Mental Health Services. The incumbent actively participates in program quality improvement efforts. The incumbent will evaluate and interpret medical data and/or psychiatric measurement-based care to formulate a plan of care based on the patient's history and diagnostic findings. Responsibilities of the incumbent will include monitoring patient conditions, ordering treatments, and evaluating effectiveness. For psychiatrists, on-call duties include pager call one to two times monthly on weeknights and one weekend (including rounding on the inpatient service) every two to three months. There are no on-call duties for APRNs or PAs. Customer Service: Assures the needs and rights of patients and other customers are met while also supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides consistent information according to established policies and procedures, and handles conflict and problems with customers constructively and appropriately. ADP Security: Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy. Protects data from unauthorized release, loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion, and follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the computer access agreement Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm, M-F\nTelework: Available\nVirtual: This is not a virtual position.\nPosition Title/Functional Statement #:Mental Health Outpatient- Physician Assistant/PD000000\nRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized\nPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized\nFinancial Disclosure Report: Not required"]