Spinal Cord - Physician Assistant

Department of Veterans Affairs

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

• 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.

Read the full announcement on USAJOBS