Physician Assistant

Full Job Description

USAJOBS – Job Announcement Skip to main content An official website of the United States government Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( LockA locked padlock ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. MENU Sign in My jobs Profile Resumes & documents Notifications Talent networks Sign out My jobs Profile Resumes & documents Notifications Talent networks Sign out Events Help Center Search Back to results Apply Physician Assistant Department of Health and Human Services Indian Health Service Apply Print Share Save Summary This job is open to Duties Requirements How you will be evaluated Required documents How to apply Summary We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a dedicated and experienced Physician Assistant to join our healthcare team. This role offers the chance to provide high-quality, patient-centered care, with a focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and comprehensive treatment. Begin your journey with purpose and receive a recruitment/relocation sign-on bonus as you join our team. A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021). Learn more about this agency Summary We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a dedicated and experienced Physician Assistant to join our healthcare team. This role offers the chance to provide high-quality, patient-centered care, with a focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and comprehensive treatment. Begin your journey with purpose and receive a recruitment/relocation sign-on bonus as you join our team. A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021). Learn more about this agency Overview Help Accepting applications Location Many vacancies in the following locations: Camp Verde, AZ Chinle, AZ Cibecue, AZ Inscription House, AZ Kayenta, AZ Maricopa, AZ McNary, AZ Parker, AZ Peach Springs, AZ Phoenix, AZ Pinon, AZ Polacca, AZ Red Mesa, AZ Sacaton, AZ Supai, AZ Tsaile, AZ Whiteriver, AZ Davis, CA Havasu Lake, CA Hemet, CA Riverside, CA Winterhaven, CA Towaoc, CO Fort Hall, ID Lawrence, KS Mashpee, MA Cass Lake, MN Naytahwaush, MN Ogema, MN Ponemah, MN Ponsford, MN Red Lake, MN Browning, MT Crow Agency, MT Harlem, MT Hays, MT Heart Butte, MT Lame Deer, MT Lodge Grass, MT Poplar, MT Pryor, MT Wolf Point, MT Cherokee, NC Belcourt, ND Cannon Ball, ND Fort Yates, ND Winnebago, NE Acoma, NM Albuquerque, NM Bernalillo, NM Bloomfield, NM Cochiti Pueblo, NM Crownpoint, NM Cuba, NM Dulce, NM Espanola, NM Gallup, NM Mescalero, NM San Felipe Pueblo, NM San Fidel, NM Sanostee, NM Santa Ana Pueblo, NM Santa Fe, NM Shiprock, NM Taos, NM Thoreau, NM Toadlena, NM Tohatchi, NM Zia Indian Reservation, NM Zuni, NM Elko, NV Moapa, NV Wadsworth, NV Lockport, NY Manlius, NY Anadarko, OK Carnegie, OK Clinton, OK El Reno, OK Lawton, OK Pawnee, OK Watonga, OK Wewoka, OK Salem, OR Warm Springs, OR Rock Hill, SC Bullhead, SD Eagle Butte, SD Fort Thompson, SD Lower Brule, SD Manderson, SD McLaughlin, SD Mobridge, SD Rosebud, SD Sisseton, SD Wagner, SD Wakpala, SD Fort Duchesne, UT Aylett, VA Charles City, VA Indian Neck, VA Madison Heights, VA Providence Forge, VA Richmond, VA Suffolk, VA Auburn, WA Forks, WA Nespelem, WA Spokane, WA Toppenish, WA Wapato, WA Wellpinit, WA White Swan, WA No matching locations found. Work site options Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed Yes-Certain locations may authorize for reimbursement of relocation expenses or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) in accordance with agency policy. Salary $110,727 – $164,017 per year GS-09: $110,727 – $143,953 | GS-11: $117,383 – $152,606 | GS-12: $126,164 – $164,017 Pay scale & grade GS 9 – 12 Promotion potential 12 – Promotion potential up to the GS-12 will vary based on location. All grade levels may not be available at all locations. Learn more about pay scale and grade Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job. Work schedule Multiple Schedules – The majority of positions to be filled under this announcement are full-time. This announcement may also be used to fill various work schedules, including full-time, part-time (less than 40 hours per week), and intermittent (as needed). Travel Required Occasional travel – You may be expected to travel for this position. Appointment type Multiple – The majority of positions to be filled under this announcement are permanent. This announcement may also be used to fill time-limited appointments such as TERM and Temporary. Occupations and job series 0603 Physician Assistant Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union Yes – This position may or may not be covered by a bargaining unit, depending on the duty location. Final determination will be made at the time of appointment. Drug test No Security clearance Other Position sensitivity and risk Moderate Risk (MR) Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job. Background check type Credentialing Suitability/Fitness Financial disclosure required No Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests. Announcement number IHS-27-HQ-13077142-ESEP/MP Control number 887239000 This job is open to Help Federal employees – Competitive service Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Managements hiring rules and pay scales. Federal employees – Excepted service Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria. Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL) Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants. Land and base management Current or former employees of a base management agency. Veterans Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference Military spouses Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty. Individuals with disabilities Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A. Family of overseas employees Family members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is or was, working overseas. Native Americans Native Americans or Alaskan Natives with a tribal affiliation. Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista Individuals who have served at least 2 years with the Peace Corps or 1 year with AmeriCorps VISTA. Clarification from the agency The IHS is required by law to give absolute preference to qualified applicants who meet the Secretary of the Interiors definition of Indian for appointment to vacancies within the IHS in accordance with established IHS policy as outlined in the Indian Health Manual Part 7, Chapter 3. Videos Duties Help There MAY NOT be immediate vacancies at all locations. Total Compensation Package – Check out IHSs outstanding total compensation package for this job: Physician Assistant Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov) Primary duties and responsibilities for all Physician Assistants include, but are not limited to: Provides comprehensive therapeutic and preventative health services to individual patients, family members and patient groups in an outpatient setting. Identifies and manages specific illnesses. Identifies and manages preventive aspects of these same illnesses. Familiarizes self with the social, political, geographic, demographic, economic and epidemiological characteristics of the assigned communities. Available to orient staff, tribal members, health board and tribal leaders on relevant health care issues. Serves in a teaching capacity in the development of other health care workers and precepting students. Requirements Help Conditions of employment Selectee may be subject to a probationary period ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period U.S. Citizenship is required Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes. The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. If privileges are not obtained or maintained during employment, the employee will be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from Federal service. IHS Selectees that will work in an IHS health care facility may be subject to Employee Health Policies related to Measles and Rubella, and seasonal influenza immunizations. Vaccine exemption requests may be available according to the National and/or Service Unit guidance. On-call hours or standby duty may be required. Position may be subject to rotating shifts: days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Physical Demands: The work involves walking, sitting, standing, reaching and bending in the assessment and treatment of patients. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/. You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you. Background Investigation Requirement: This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment. A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individuals identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service. Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process. Qualifications To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying. 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; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. Degree and License Waiting Period for Impending Graduates: The Hiring Manager/Selecting Official may elect to utilize an available flexibility wherein applicants who are currently enrolled and expected to complete the required education and obtain the required licensure/certification/registration with 9 month(s) of applying, may be deemed tentatively qualified. Applicants who have not completed their education requirements (but who are within the established timeframe for qualifying) must submit: Documentation from the educational institutions registrar, dean or other appropriate official that attests to the applicable timeframe for completion of the professional program/coursework AND A copy of the most recent unofficial transcript. BASIC REQUIREMENT(S): 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. OR; Successfully graduated from the IHS intramural PA training program in operation between 1971-1983. Graduates from the IHS program may also be known as Community Health Medics (CHM). Licensure: For all grade levels and positions, applicants must possess 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. In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: GS-09: Education: Completion of Master of Physician Assistant Studies; OR Completion of a masters degree in a related health care or health related science and completion of an accredited physician assistant educational program. Examples of related masters 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 Experience: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of work experience as a certified physician assistant equivalent to the GS-7 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector and graduation from an accredited physician assistant educational program as described above. Examples of work experience includes: Ability to perform patient history and physical; Ability to formulate a plan and provide treatment to the patient; and ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession. GS-11: Education: 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 Experience: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of work experience as a certified physician assistant equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector and completion of an accredited physician assistant educational program as described above. Examples of work experience includes: Assessing patient health by interviewing patients and performing physical examinations; determining abnormal conditions by administering or ordering diagnostic tests, i.e., x-rays, electrocardiograms and laboratory tests; and documenting patient care services by charting in patient and department record. GS-12 Experience: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of work experience as a certified physician assistant equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector and completion of an accredited physician assistant educational program is required. Examples of work experience includes: providing comprehensive preventive and therapeutic healthcare services to all age groups that includes assessment, diagnosis and treatment of various illnesses; formulating and implementing treatment plans; prescribing medications; ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests; educating and counseling patients; and collaborating with physicians concerning patient care and management. Time In Grade Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP). You must meet all qualification requirements by the respective cut-off day of rating to be eligible for consideration. Education This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer. Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: . 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 . Additional information Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. ( ) Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. IHS may offer newly-appointed Federal employees credit for their directly related previous non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. This position may be covered by a Bargaining Unit. Recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized. A service agreement will be required. This position meets the criteria specified in pillar number one of the five pillars of the PHS Commissioned Corps. PHS Commissioned Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps MUST apply online under the merit promotion announcement indicated above in order to receive consideration. For more information on PHS Commissioned Corps, visit the website at: . The Indian Health Service (IHS), National Health Service Corps (NHSC), and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have student loan repayment programs for qualifying health disciplines. This is a competitive process separate from the hiring process. Opportunities for LRP are based on agency hiring priorities and availability of funds. For additional information please visit: For IHS – For NHSC – Not all locations may have a promotion potential to the GS-12 level. Promotion to the next grade level is at managements discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher level duties, the continuing need for the higher level duties, and “Regulatory/Administrative” approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied. Expand Hide additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits Help Review our benefits How you will be evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. This job announcement uses the USA Hire Assessment to evaluate applicants. There is no “pass/fail” outcome; results are used as part of the overall evaluation process to determine applicant qualifications. However, if you do not take the assessment within the assessment window timeframe you will be found ineligible for this position. For more information, visit the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center. Your application will expire in 3 months and you will need to reapply to keep your application active. This is an Open Continuous Announcement and applications will be referred when vacancies occur. There MAY NOT be immediate vacancies at all locations. You will be limited to selecting no more than 5 locations during the application process, and will only be considered for the locations you select. This Announcement is intended as a mechanism of providing consideration for the greatest number of potential candidates. Candidates with a complete application will be considered for all vacancies that occur for a 3-month period or the closing date of this announcement, whichever comes first. You will be considered for those vacancies that match your desired geographic locations, skills and or job preferences. Positions may be filled at ANY of the grade levels indicated in this announcement, with or without promotion potential as vacancies occur. Applicants should specify the lowest grade (GS-level) that they will accept. You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Attention to Detail Customer Service Decision Making Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reasoning Self-Management Stress Tolerance Teamwork Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. To preview the application questionnaire, click the following link: Once the application process is complete, the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications. Financial Suitability Requirement: This position requires a review of the applicants financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying. Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS). Prior to the appointment, candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or drivers license, it must be REAL ID-compliant. Benefits Help Review our benefits Required documents Required Documents Help Resume: You are highly encouraged to visit the USAJOBS Help Center before submitting a resume. USAJOBS Help Center – Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements Required as applicable for the purposes of specific eligibility and appointment claim(s), and position requirements: Indian Preference Applicants: If claiming Indian preference, applicants must provide a completed copy of the Form BIA-4432, “Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS Only.” Indian preference will not be given unless a properly signed and dated form is submitted with your application, including any verification by an authorized Tribal Representative or BIA Official of tribal enrollment records. For detailed instructions, see form BIA-4432. Refer to BIA-4432 link: Verification of Indian Preference for Employment in the BIA and IHS When an Indian Preference candidate possesses Veterans preference the rules regarding Veterans preference apply under ESEP and the applicant must provide documentation in order to receive preference. Veterans Preference: If claiming Veterans Preference provide a copy of your DD214 Form (Member 4 copy). To claim 10-Point Veterans Preference, submit a SF-15 Application ( ) along with the appropriate supporting documentation. For additional information regarding Veterans Preference visit: . Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP)/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP, follow the instructions below: . Current or former Federal employee: Include your most recent SF-50 or if Reinstatement eligible include your Career SF-50. Noncompetitive eligibles: Submit additional documents to prove your eligibility to apply to this vacancy. Transcripts: You are encouraged to submit copies of transcripts (official or unofficial) although not required at the time of application. You must list your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Official transcripts will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer. Licensure, Certifications: Applicants should list their license/certifications on their resume, along with the expiration date, if applicable. Certification of licensure/certification will be required after tentative selection and prior to issuing an official job offer. You will be evaluated for this position in accordance with the OPM Merit Hiring Plan. As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide short essay responses (200 words or less each) to the following four questions. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? In this role, you will be expected to professionally and efficiently implement executive direction. Provide an example where you implemented leadership direction on a strategy or policy decision that differed from your own recommendation. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Your responses are optional and will not be scored. However, they may be reviewed by hiring managers and agency leadership (or designees) during the evaluation process. You will be asked to certify that your responses are written in your own words and that you did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) tool (such as ChatGPT or Copilot). All documents above MUST be received by 11:59 pm (Eastern Standard Time) of the cut off date to be considered. The first Cut-off date for receipt/referral of applications to be considered for available vacant positions will be 5 business days after the announcement open date. Subsequently, applications will be referred as vacancies occur which can be at any time. Once a candidate accepts a tentative job offer, their application is no longer active for other vacancies under the same announcement. To be considered for future vacancies, a candidate must update or resubmit their application, as applicable. 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. How to Apply Help Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires, assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in the How to Apply and Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows: Click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 PM (ET) on the announcement closing date. If you are required to complete any USA Hire Assessments, you will be notified after submitting your application. The notification will be provided in your application submission screen and via email. The notification will include your unique assessment access link to the USA Hire system and the completion deadline. Additionally, in USAJOBS you can click “Track this application” to return to your assessment completion notice. Access USA Hire using your unique assessment link. Access is granted through your USAJOBS login credentials. Review all instructions prior to beginning your assessments. You will have the opportunity to request a testing accommodation before beginning the assessments should you have a disability covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. Set aside about two (2) hours to take the USA Hire Assessments; however, most applicants complete the…