Full Job Description
Duties
The Physician Assistant (PA) Women’s Health Navigator-Clinical Coordinator (WHNCC) is responsible for identifying, facilitating, and coordinating patient-centered care and services. The WHNCC performs a critical role in assisting women veterans to efficiently obtain gender specific services and care, with emphasis on care coordination, coordination of gynecologic services, and monitoring and improving performance and clinical follow-up metrics. The WHNCC functions as a liaison and is responsible for planning, coordinating, and performing a wide range of clinical, administrative, program, and technical functions to support quality case management of gender-specific services for veterans. The WHNCC works directly with the patients, VA staff, non-VA care providers and organizations, Radiology Departments, and the Women Veterans Program Manager to achieve seamless care, facilitate patient satisfaction, reduce duplication of services or delay of care, and monitor quality of care and services received. The WHNCC is responsible and accountable for the provision of direct and indirect care and for the delivery of quality care to a culturally diverse Veteran population. The WHNCC possesses the knowledge and skills to effectively apply all aspects of the process with collaborative, interdisciplinary, evidence-based practice, which will enable effective care coordination and implementation of health promotion and disease prevention practices. The functions of the Women’s Health Navigator-Clinical Coordinator include, but are not limited to:
- Coordinating and tracking gender-specific care (i.e., lipid management, breast care/mammography, gynecological care coordination, etc.) of patients throughout all aspects of the medical center, including Community Based Outpatient Clinics, as well as community vendors and/or agencies.
- Assisting with initial VA consult referrals for primary care, gynecology, mammography, other care, assisting with VA or community services for the patient with an appropriate provider, to include coordinating any subsequent appointments or follow-up, as needed.
- Educating patients on a variety of gender-specific topics, to include importance of routine medical screenings, and authorized VA and community-based resources as appropriate as needed.
- Assisting veterans who have presented to VA or non-VA emergency department for gender-specific care. Coordinating care with the Veterans PACT.
- Improving the access to care.
- Documenting patient care interactions accurately, succinctly, and timely, using appropriate notes, templates, and clinical reminders, in the electronic medical record.
- Utilizing and maintaining tracking spreadsheets and systems as required by VHA Directives and Handbooks.
- Managing appropriate use of the electronic alert for care coordination issues in the electronic medical record.
- Understanding and responding to mammography reports, BIRADS, Pap, and other gender specific screening/diagnostic test results.
- Communicating and documenting communication of test results for female specific testing.
- Contacting patients who fail to keep mammogram appointments, or who are delinquent in obtaining recommended breast cancer or other diagnostic screenings (i.e. Pap), to determine and resolve obstacles the veteran may have with keeping appointments.
- Maintaining professional skills in the application of professional bodies of knowledge and accepted clinical practices that will facilitate oversight of service delivery of patient care.
- Participating in quality improvement programs and initiatives including system redesign, to improve access, quality, efficiency, and patient satisfaction.
- Providing clinical care to the veterans and also when needed acts a gap provider at the women’s health clinic, when the Women’s health PACT provider is on leave and covers women’s health clinical care coordinator when needed.
VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Work Schedule: M-F 8am-430pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Physical Requirements: Walking, bending, stooping, and some lifting in the direct care of patients. There may also be extended periods of sitting. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- All qualified candidates encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.
- All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- You may be required to serve a probationary period.
- Subject to background/security investigation.
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
- Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
- Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details.
Qualifications
- 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: a. Full Grade. In addition to the basic requirements, individuals appointed to this grade must meet the following: (1) Experience / Education. None beyond the basic requirements. (2) Clinical Competencies (a) Clinical Proficiency 1. Provides effective care to patients characterized by the use of sound judgment in assessing, planning, implementing, documenting, and evaluating patient care for assigned patients. This includes possessing the skill and competency to obtain thorough medical histories, perform comprehensive physical examinations, order appropriate diagnostic studies, interpret and analyze medical data, establish diagnoses, formulate and implement treatment plans, and modify treatment plans when appropriate .2. Works effectively and makes appropriate requests for assistance from the assigned physician andrecognizes complex patient care situations where referral is appropriate. 3. References quality improvement information/organizes patient care needs to assure safe, efficient and cost-effective care. 4. Initiates effective actions in emergencies. (b) Professional Development 1. Obtains additional knowledge and skills appropriate to the practice setting to improve performance. 2. Provides patient education in an effective manner. (c) Ethics. Safeguards patient privacy and confidentiality. Provides care in a nonjudgmental, nondiscriminatory manner respecting the patient’s values and beliefs. (d) Interpersonal Skills. Works effectively with patients, families, caregivers, and other professional and support personnel. (e) Research 1. Demonstrates awareness of research application to practice. 2. Researches medical literature and applies evidenced-based medicine to improve clinical practice .b. Intermediate Grade. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must meet all requirements described in this standard for Full Grade through VA employment or non-VA PA positions with equivalent scope and complexity. Individuals appointed or advanced to Intermediate Grade will have demonstrated the ability to analyze and solve more complex medical problems and meet the following requirements: (1) Experience / Education(a) 1 year of professional practice as a PA; or(b) Successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program accredited by ARC-PA or by the U.S. Armed Forces; or(c) A Master’s degree from a PA training program certified by ARC-PA or in another health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. (2) Clinical Competencies(a) Clinical Proficiency1. Effectively treats patients with more complex medical problems requiring a higher degree of clinical skill and competency than that expected of the previous grade. 2. Performs more complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures requiring skills and competency, as applicable to the assignment, beyond that expected in the previous grade. 3. Practices with a higher degree of autonomy and seeks guidance from the assigned physician less frequently than expected of the previous grade. 4. Evaluates the delivery system of patient care within the area of assignment, presents findings and recommendations, and contributes to changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of care. (b) Professional Development 1. Acquires knowledge and skills to maintain expertise in area of practice. 2. Shares medical literature research findings with colleagues to enhance patient care delivery. 3. Participates in educational activities to improve clinical knowledge and enhance role performance. 4. Serves as a clinical preceptor to healthcare students. 5. Serves on service level committees or subcommittees when assigned. (c) Ethics 1. Identifies medical ethical issues and takes appropriate actions. 2. Supports and enhances patient self-determination. (d) Interpersonal Skills. Collaborates effectively with other occupations and services to identify, analyze, and resolve patient care problems.(e) Research 1. Shares medical literature research findings with colleagues to enhance patient care delivery. 2. Uses a body of research to validate or change group practice .c. Senior Grade. In addition to meeting the basic requirements, candidates must meet all requirements described in this standard for Intermediate Grade through VA employment or non-VA PA positions with equivalent scope and complexity. Individuals appointed or advanced to Senior Grade will have demonstrated the behaviors or responsibilities listed in one or more of the following categories: Clinical Proficiency, Education, Professional Development, Management/Administrative, and Research, as applicable to the assignment (1) Experience / Education(a) 3 years of professional practice as a PA; or (b) 2 years of professional practice as a PA and successful completion of a PA post-graduate residency program accredited by ARC-PA or by the U.S. Armed Forces; or (c) 2 years of professional practice as a PA and a Master’s degree from a PA training program certified by ARC-PA or in another health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; or(d) A Doctoral degree in a health-related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. (2) Management/Administrative. One of the following responsibilities must be demonstrated:(a) Evaluates service level patient care delivery systems and validates or identifies barriers to safe, effective care. Presents findings and recommendations to appropriate management officials and participates in implementation of changes. (b) Manages patient quality management data bases such as the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) if assigned. (c) Serves on service or facility committees/task forces if applicable to the assignment. (d) Coordinates consult referrals within the service assigned. (e) Coordinates and facilitates inter-service agreements. (3) Clinical Competencies(a) Clinical Proficiency 1. Manages patients with complex or multi-system medical problems. 2. Practices with a significant degree of autonomy and seeks guidance from assigned physicians with less frequency than expected at the previous grade. 3. Performs more complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures beyond what is expected at the previous grade. 4. First or second assists in surgical procedures. (b) Professional Development 1. Acts as a consultant/mentor to PAs in lower grades and other clinical and support staff. 2. Serves as a clinical preceptor for students or organizes and participates in facility clinical educational programs.3. Makes sustained contribution to health care by sharing expertise within and/or outside the medical facility. (c) Ethics. Identifies and addresses ethical issues that impact patients and staff including participation in ethics consultations if appropriate to the area of assignment. (d) Interpersonal Skills 1. Communicates and collaborates effectively with other facility staff and outside institutions when applicable to the area of assignment. 2. Effectively promotes the physician assistant profession to health care staff, patients and other stakeholders at the local level. 3. Makes significant contributions which serve to enhance the distinctive role of PAs within the local institution and the health care system. (e) Research 1. Collaborates with others in research activities to improve patient care, or; 2. Authors, or collaborates with others, on a paper or study for publication.
Education
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act (or the Act) prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from requesting applicant criminal history record information before extending a conditional or tentative offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S.C § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Act, may submit a written complaint within 30 calendar days of the date of the alleged non-compliance to VA at [email protected]. Applicant written complaints should include the following:
- Administration name: Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), National Cemetery Administration (NCA) or VA Central Office (VACO) (for example, Human Resources Service Center).
- Office name, employee name and contact information or contractor who made contact (if known).
- Date of contact.
- Details regarding the job opportunity announcement applied to, and copies of any documents or other evidence related to the complaint.
- Visit Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) (va.gov) for more information.
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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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our 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.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. NOTE: A formal pay-setting process will be used to determine your salary. The salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate’s abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
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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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our 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.
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Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have – whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you’re eligible under their policies.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Other (1)
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans’ Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA. When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 “Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference” with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans’ Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets – Veterans – Job Seekers – Veterans’ Preference.
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.
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How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/23/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12632532.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
Agency contact information
Teratineka ThomasAddressEdward Hines Junior Hospital 5000 South 5th Avenue Hines, IL 60141 USNext steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
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Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
- Criminal history inquiries
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
- Financial suitability
- New employee probationary period
- Privacy Act
- Reasonable accommodation policy
- Selective Service
- Signature and false statements
- Social security number request
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50’s (current/former Federal employees), etc.
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (Schedule A)
- Disability Letter (VA)
- License
- Other (1)
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans’ Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA. When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 “Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference” with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans’ Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets – Veterans – Job Seekers – Veterans’ Preference.
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.
This job is open to
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The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
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Internal to an agency
Current federal employees of this agency.
Clarification from the agency
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE OPEN TO THE FIRST 25 APPLICANTS. All qualified candidates encouraged to apply. Open to U.S. Citizens but non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.