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.