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:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Certification: Must have successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE)
• Licensure: PA’s 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. PA’s 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: PAs appointed to direct patient-care positions must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d).
• 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:
• Master’s degree in any discipline;
• OR
• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a PA.

TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO ENSURE YOUR DEGREE MEETS REQUIREMENTS AND THE PROGRAM YOU ATTENDED WAS/IS ACCREDITED

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/.

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.

• 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.

• 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:

• License
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Transcript

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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 (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• 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.

• 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 05/12/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12727987.

• 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.
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.

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.
Help

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Meeting with surgeon and patient after preop testing is complete to review and discuss surgical options. Will need to use the ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) and MBSAQIP (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program) risk calculator for each patient to assist with counseling of the patient.
• Developing, scheduling, facilitating, and managing of post-operative and pre-operative classes/support groups. These classes will include but are not limited to Overview of Bariatric Surgery, Coping Skills, Educational Classes, etc., in conjunction with social worker, nutritionist/dietitian, physical therapist and surgeon
• Collaborate on an ongoing basis with the MBS Director, clinic staff and physicians, promoting positive communication and the ability to problem solve at every level
• Strong communication skills as the bariatric coordinator will be collaborating and meeting with primary care physicians, psychologists, pharmacists, clinical nurses, social workers
• Provides patient/family or caregiver education and counseling in recognition and solution of physical, emotional, spiritual, and environmental health problems
• Round on post-operative bariatric patients with the resident team and attending(s) and assist the resident/attending team with orders, discharge summaries, and follow-up
• Demonstrate knowledge of the quality improvement project goals that support outcomes and their association with coordination of care
• Manage accreditation criteria to ensure that the center meets expectations set forth by governing agencies
• Maintain and ensure compliance of all policies and procedures that guide and support the assigned services
• Work with the MBS director to anticipate and identify the needs of the center and creatively implement solutions to the problems
• Integrate evidence-based practice into programmatic improvements
• Functioning as a provider in the Bariatric Surgery Clinic
• Performing pre-operative History & Physicals and obtaining Informed Consent
• Coordinating and expediting necessary Non-VA/Community Care studies
• Coordinating and expediting VA studies and any necessary clearances
• Reviewing and answering all bariatric consults
• Meeting with all consult patients in person, establishing pre-op plan, complete consulting, ordering and following pre-op testing
• Following all results in a timely manner, communicating with the Bariatric Surgery MD and then relaying results to the patient
• Serving as a first or second assist in the operating room on Bariatric and General Surgery cases
• Attending all bariatric pre-op and post-op clinics in person
• Attend surgical meetings including Morbidity & Mortality conference and Tumor Board conference
• Assisting with student and resident training as necessary
• Providing education and counseling to patients and family members
  May be required to perform special projects as deemed necessary by the supervising physician, Associate Chief of Staff, Surgical Service, Chief of Staff, and/or Administrative Officer, Surgical Service. Position will be responsible for collateral responsibilities in regard to the American College of Surgeons facility Accredited Programs, along with other responsibilities deemed appropriate by the Associate Chief of Staff, Surgical Service. Required to attend surgical staff meetings, complete all required Talent Management System (TMS), complete all medical documentation in a timely manner as directed by the Veterans Health Administration and local policies. Also, must adhere to and follow all VA policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure patient safety and ensure high quality of care is provided to Veterans.
  Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8am to 430pm
  Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized
  Telework: Not Authorized
  Virtual: This is not a virtual position
  Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
  Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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 (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcrip

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 05/12/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12727987.

• 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

The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please 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 (VA)
• License
• Other (1)
• Performance Appraisal
• Professional Certification
• Resume
• Separation Notice (RIF)
• SF-15
• SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
• Transcrip