Duties

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This PCMHI Nurse Practitioner position is located in the Mental Health Service Line at the Togus VA medical Center. This is a full-time position at 40 hours a week.
Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Performs direct in-person or virtual face to face mental health triage, screening assessment and treatment when indicated. This assessment includes a mental status examination with appropriate documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Provides ongoing support to other PACT members. While the PCPs often provide routine medication initiation and management, in many instances, it may be preferable for the NP to initiate medication and either treat to target or support PCP continuation of medication, either directly or by supervision of care management.
• Provides psychiatric coverage for colleagues in outpatient or inpatient settings as appropriate.
• Provides chart based consultation, including E-consults as needed/requested.
• Serves as liaison between PACT providers and other mental health providers working with PACT patients who are receiving ongoing services in general and subspecialty MH clinics.
• Serves as an "ambassador" for integrated care within and outside VHA to promote its spread as a critical ingredient in healthcare. o Provides ongoing training, supervision and backup for care management (CM). This generally includes at least weekly meetings to discuss all patients receiving CM services.
• Assures that the medical workup ordered by the primary care provider is sufficient and adds to that workup if indicated.
• Initiates and manages medication assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders (SUDs) for patients whose care can be managed in PACT with PCMHI support.
• May serve as the PCMHI Program or team leader. There are many other duties specific to the team leader role but they are generally independent of the leader's discipline. The leadership skills of the individual are the most critical variable.
• Works closely with other mental health clinics and staff to identify patients whose episode of illness has been successfully treated to plan termination from specialty care and return to PACT for long term follow-up.
• PCMHI NP is expected to be a contributing member of the mental health service and attend all facility general MH staff meetings.
• Shares on-call and other duties with other staff as assigned by the service
• Participates in grand rounds, teaching of medical students and participates in training and teaching of a variety of trainees in many professions.
• Must be familiar with medical staff bylaws and fulfill other obligations required of medical staff in the facility, such as serving on peer review committees and other tasks as assigned
• Review medications for clinical need, simplification and possible drug-drug interactions and adjust as indicated for PCMHI patients.
• Prescribe medications and evaluate patient's response to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment regimens in consultation with physicians, clinical pharmacists and with VA Central Office policy using the VANTHCS approved formulary.

• This is a Bargaining Unit Position
• This position is in the Excepted Service
• The Professional Standards Board (a peer-review group) will recommend the grade and salary for new appointments based on the candidate's education and experience. For internal selectees being promoted, the board will determine grade and HR will determine step in accordance with policy
• Current and former Federal employees must submit copies of their most recent SF-50 (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.
• May be subject to satisfactory completion of our credentialing process.

How You Will Be Evaluated

• 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 submit a C.V. and/or resume. Other documents may be requested later in the process if needed.

  • If you are a current federal employee, you are required to attach your Most Recent non-award SF-50. This should be a SF-50 from the past calendar year which shows your current position, grade and step. Award SF-50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted.

  The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please use this checklist to 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)
  • Current Full Active and Unrestricted NP License
  • Transcript with Name of School, Students Name, Date Degree Conferred and Degree Received
  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action

  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 01/29/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12250605.

  • 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.
  To verify your application is complete, log into your USA JOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USA JOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USA JOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

  Agency contact information

  Nicole Bulowski

  Phone

  207-623-8411 X3444

  Email

  Nicole.Bulowski@VA.Gov

  Address

  Togus VA Medical Center
  1 VA Center
  Augusta, ME 04330
  US

  Next steps

  Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
  You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
  NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Clarification from the agency

Current permanent employees of the VA Togus Healthcare System including permanent Veterans Canteen Service employees, current permanent full-time Hybrid Title 38 and permanent full-time Title 38 employees and US citizens.