PLEASE READ THE COMPLETE ANNOUNCEMENT TO ENSURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION PACKET.

The Lake City VA Healthcare System Mental Health Service is seeking an experienced and dynamic Nurse Practitioner (NP). Ideal applicants are those who want to contribute to the achievement of quality care standards, as well as the growth and development of a VA academic hospital program.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants pending the completion of certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected, but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements: All applicants must meet the following basic qualifications.

• United States Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen.
• English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403(f), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Education: Apost-master’s certificate or master’s or doctoral degree as a Nurse Practitioner from a school of professional nursing. (Transcripts Required) The education must be accredited by one of the following accrediting organizations at the time the program was completed:
• The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)- NOTE: The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission/NLNAC changed its name to ACEN in May 2013 -or-
• The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), an accrediting arm of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).
• In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing programs, the nurse practitioner degree equivalency must be validated through an Agency recognized degree equivalency evaluation agency, such as the International Consultants of Delaware (ICD). Applicants with equivalent Nurse Practitioner masters or doctorate level degrees who possess current, full, active and unrestricted registration and certification will meet the requirement of graduation from an approved school of professional nursing to warrant appointment.
• License: Active, current, full and unrestricted APN license to practice as a NP in a State, Territory or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia. (Copy of NP License Required)
• Nurse Practitioner Board Certification: Must possess and maintain full and current board certification as a NP in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). The certification must be in one of the following certifying bodies: (1) The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC); or (2) The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB); or (3) Other nationally recognized certifying body in the area in which the Nurse Practitioner is academically prepared. (Copy of NP Certification Required)

NOTE: Grandfathering Provision - All persons currently employed in VHA in 0610 series and an APN (NP) assignment that are also performing the duties as described in the qualification standard on the effective date of the standard (1/29/2024) are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held including positive education and licensure/certification.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic qualification requirements, the grade level of a NP is based on a combination of education and experience.

• Nurse Practitioner II:
• Scope. Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic care through collaborative strategies with others.
• Education and Experience Requirement. None beyond the basic requirements.
• Dimension Requirement. NPs at this grade are expected to meet the following dimension requirements:
• Clinical Practice. Delivers evidence-based health care, demonstrating proficiency in the ability to manage a patient panel, population or program.
• Outcome Focus. Utilizes research and evidence-based practice to evaluate the patient care delivery system within a patient panel or program, presents findings and contributes to changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of veteran/patient care.
• Leadership. Works effectively as a leader within a team/unit/group and seeks interdisciplinary collaboration as appropriate to enhance patient care.
• Professional Development. Acquires knowledge and skills to develop expertise in area of practice.
• Professionalism/Collegiality. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork. Participates in interdisciplinary teams and processes that positively impact patient outcomes.
• Nurse Practitioner III:
• Scope. Executes position responsibilities that demonstrate leadership, experience, and creative approaches to management of complex client care.
• Education and Experience Requirement. Meets basic education requirement for a NP-II -and- possess one year of specialized NP experience equivalent to the NP-II grade level.
• Dimension Requirement. NPs at this grade are expected to meet the following dimension requirements:
• Clinical Practice. Influences and models the delivery of evidence-based health care, demonstrating expertise in the ability to manage a patient panel, population or program.
• Outcome Focus. Leads and implements changes that enhance the quality and timeliness of Veteran/patient care applying research and evidence in the delivery of healthcare for patient populations.
• Leadership. Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams informed by structured approaches and processes to improve outcomes that positively impact care for a patient panel, population or program.
• Professional Development. Acquires knowledge and skills, then disseminates acquired information within and/or outside the medical facility.
• Professionalism/Collegiality. Initiates and leads interdisciplinary teams developing systems that positively impact outcomes at the panel, population or program level. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional behavior, promoting cooperation and teamwork.

Exception to Licensure for Graduate Nurse Technicians. Candidates who otherwise meet the basic requirements, but do not possess the required licensure and/or certification, may be appointed at the entry step of the Nurse II, as a Graduate Nurse Technician - Nurse Practitioner on a temporary appointment up to any period not-to-exceed one year and a day under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 405(c)(2)(B).
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is Nurse III. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of Nurse II to Nurse III.
Physical Requirements: Must pass a pre-employment physical examination as required by VA Handbook 5019. This examination is administered by VA Occupational Health. This position requires moderate lifting up to 44 lbs., carrying objects up to 15 lbs., frequent reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, hands and legs, use of cranes and motor vehicles, walking & standing up to 8 hours, bending and climbing and able to hear whisper. The incumbent must be physically, emotionally and mentally stable in order to efficiently perform the essential functions of this position without hazard to themselves or others.

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: Candidate’s education, scope, and length of nursing practice (experience) will be considered in determining the grade and salary of the applicant selected. The recommended 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.
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.

APPLICANT’S NOTE: This Mental Health Program Manager that may be filled via multiple occupations. However, this vacancy announcement is only for applicants that meet the qualifications for a Nurse Practitioner. If you wish to be considered for one of the other occupations, you must apply to the appropriate announcement to be considered:

• Psychiatrist: CBTC-12776198-25-TC
• Psychologist: CBTC-12776196-25-AT
• Social Worker: CBTC-12776197-25-A

DUTIES

APPLICANT’S NOTE: This Mental Health Program Manager that may be filled via multiple occupations. However, this vacancy announcement is only for applicants that meet the qualifications for a Nurse Practitioner. If you wish to be considered for one of the other occupations, you must apply to the appropriate announcement to be considered:

• Psychiatrist: CBTC-12776198-25-TC
• Psychologist: CBTC-12776196-25-AT
• Social Worker: CBTC-12776197-25-AT

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.
As a Licensed Independent Provider, the Nurse Practitioner practices autonomously and in coordination with health care professionals and other individuals. The Lake City Mental Health Clinic Program Manager is responsible and accountable for all clinical and administrative Mental Health activities and functions. All professional, non-professional and administrative Mental Health Clinic personnel in Lake City report to the Program Manager of the Mental Health Clinic. The Program Manager reports directly to the Chief of Hospital and Clinical Service of Mental Health Service Line. Must be an excellent communicator and team player who is adaptable to the needs of a growing medical center.

Other duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Providing high-quality care, increasing access & improving outcomes for Veterans.
• Coordinating and integrating general and specialty Mental Health Services.
• Recommending qualified and competent persons to provide care/service to patients in cooperation with Managers/Managers in Psychology, Social Work, Nursing, Finance, and Human Resources Services.
• Recommending and implementing appropriate policies, procedures, plans and professional standards which guide and support Mental Health Service Programs, including general and specialty Mental Health services.
• Developing program review and evaluation to ensure that the four dimensions of care are continuously evaluated and improved.
• Planning, coordinating and directing comprehensive, interdisciplinary team of psychologist, psychiatrist, nurse, social worker, and admin support staff; ensuring a smooth continuum of care for Veterans in primary care clinic.
• Developing and Implementing Mental Health Programs, operations and performance improvement activities within the clinic.
• Coordinating activities with the various NF/SGVHS Mental Health service line functional area.
• Developing and implementing evidence based nursing protocols and organizing educational activities targeted toward staff training and development.
• Promoting and evaluating standards of clinical competence and conduct for staff, which are maintained through compliance with the credentialing and privileging processes, monitoring and evaluation of clinical practice, peer review, and other appropriate quality assurance activities
• Serving as a member of the NF/SGVHS Mental Health Service Line Executive Council, tasked with assisting the Associate Chief of Staff (ACOS) in policy development and program planning.
• Functioning in a clinical capacity and performing other related duties as assigned.

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards
Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases, potential for performance awards
Paid Time Off: 50 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year)
Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA
Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)
Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
(Note: Work schedules are determined and approved by the supervisor. The incumbent may be required to work various shifts on a permanent or temporary basis based on facility/patient care needs).
Telework: Not Available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact the VISN 8 Compensation Center of Excellence at VISN8CCOE@va.gov for questions/assistance. Learn more
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.

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 08/22/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12776199.

• 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