Spinal Cord - Physician Assistant

Summary

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will remain open until September 30, 2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications and subsequent cut-off dates are on the 1st of each month. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled

Duties

Our hospital provides primary care and specialty health services, including mental health services, physical therapy and rehabilitation, spinal cord injury treatment, and more. Located on the Georgia/South Carolina border, the city of Augusta, GA lies on the Savannah River, which supports its diverse economic endeavors as well as vast recreation options. The city is the center point of the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), a 13-county region that includes both Georgia and South Carolina. It is located within close proximity to many major southern destinations including Atlanta, Columbia, and Charlotte. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. Position Summary: The Physician Assistant (PA) is a licensed healthcare provider within the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI/D) Service. The PA delivers outpatient medical care to Veterans with spinal cord injury and related neurological impairments. Duties include assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, health promotion, chronic disease management, rehabilitation-focused care, and coordination of services under the supervision of a Staff Physician. Major Duties/Responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to: Manage a designated panel of SCI/D patients in collaboration with supervising physicians, following approved clinical privileges Perform comprehensive SCI-focused clinical assessments, including neurological and functional evaluations. Order, interpret, and apply results of diagnostic studies within PA scope. Prescribe medications and therapies permitted by licensure, facility policy, and credentialing, with physician oversight. Develop, update, and implement evidence-based treatment plans tailored to SCI/D patient needs. Initiate referrals to internal and external specialty services and coordinate follow-up care. Modify treatment plans based on patient response, clinical findings, and interdisciplinary team input. B. Interdisciplinary Collaboration Participate in interdisciplinary SCI team meetings and contribute to care planning discussions. Coordinate continuity of care across hub and spoke settings, collaborating with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and others. Communicate effectively with team members to support seamless patient transitions and clinical coordination. C. Patient and Caregiver Education Provide education on SCI-related health issues, preventive care practices, long-term condition management, and rehabilitation needs. Support patient self-management strategies and address caregiver questions related to SCI/D care. D. Documentation and Compliance Document all patient encounters in accordance with VHA standards, regulatory requirements, and SCI service expectations. Meet SCI FPPE/OPPE competency indicators applicable to PA practice. Complete required clinical reminders, monitoring protocols, and ensure timely closure of consults. E. Professional Standards Demonstrate professional conduct, ethical practice, and adherence to SCI/D Service and VHA policies. Participate in quality improvement initiatives, patient safety activities, and clinical process evaluations. Maintain compliance with facility credentialing, privileging, and continuing education requirements. III. SCI-Specific Clinical Competencies Perform functional assessments of Veterans with spinal cord injury. Conduct comprehensive neurological examinations, including ISNCSCI/AIS assessments when permitted by credentialing. Contribute to development of rehabilitation-focused, interdisciplinary care plans. Coordinate specialty-specific care, including medical, surgical, rehabilitation, and ancillary services. Conduct safe prescribing, medication reconciliation, and adherence monitoring. Complete SCI documentation requirements, reminders, and specialty-specific monitoring activities. IV. Supervisory Controls The PA practices under the supervision of a designated Staff Physician and receives general oversight from the SCI/D Service Chief or designee. Clinical performance is continually reviewed through facility FPPE/OPPE processes. V. Qualifications Must meet VA Physician Assistant Qualification Standards. Must hold an active PA license and national certification. Must maintain continuing education and clinical privileges. Experience in SCI, rehabilitation medicine, neurology, or related fields is preferred. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; part-time (28 hours per week) schedule to be arranged based on the needs of the agency.

Qualifications

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 Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) or one of its predecessor organizations. Additionally, candidates must meet one of the following: Master's degree in any discipline; OR Bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a Physician Assistant. Certification. Must have successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE). Licensure. Physician Assistants 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. Physician Assistants must maintain current registration in the State of licensure if this is a requirement for continuing active and current licensure in that State. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. 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) Experience and Education. None beyond the basic requirements. This is the entry level for Physician Assistants. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. The following list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) present the minimum skill set expected of an Entry Level Physician Assistant. This practice may include, but is not limited to: Ability to utilize the principles of Physician Assistant practice in the care of assigned patients to provide appropriate care. Ability to perform patient history and physical. Ability to formulate a plan and provide treatment to the patient. Ability to provide patient care that is abreast of changing concepts and advancements in the profession. Physician Assistant-II (PA-II) Experience and Education. The Physician Assistant 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 Physician Assistant 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