Physician Assistant Opportunities with the Department of Health and Human Services

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is at the forefront of protecting the health and well-being of every American. As a key agency within HHS, the Program Support Center's Federal Occupational Health (FOH) division is actively seeking dedicated Physician Assistants to join its mission. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to national public health initiatives, offering a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to work in diverse locations across the United States. If you are a highly skilled and motivated Physician Assistant, eager to make a tangible impact, this federal role might be the perfect next step in your career.

About the Agency: Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) & Federal Occupational Health (FOH)

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the United States government's principal agency dedicated to protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services. HHS is the parent department for numerous operating divisions, including agencies that conduct groundbreaking medical research, ensure the safety of our food and drugs, administer Medicare and Medicaid, and much more. Every American is touched by HHS in some way, making it a cornerstone of national well-being.

Within HHS, the Program Support Center (PSC) provides a wide array of essential business and administrative support services to HHS and other federal agencies. The Federal Occupational Health (FOH) program, operating under PSC, is a premier provider of occupational and environmental health services. FOH partners with federal agencies to promote the health and productivity of federal employees and to support the government's critical missions. They offer comprehensive health services, including clinical care, health promotion, wellness programs, and consultation on workplace health issues, all aimed at maintaining a healthy and safe federal workforce.

Job Responsibilities: What You'll Do Day-to-Day

As a Physician Assistant with Federal Occupational Health, your role will be pivotal in ensuring the high quality and effectiveness of occupational health services nationwide. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Medical Consultation and Guidance: Collaborating closely with the FOH Medical Director and other federal medical leadership. You will provide expert medical advice and consultation on occupational and public health matters to internal teams and external federal agency customers. This ensures that services provided are aligned with the overarching mission of FOH, PSC, and HHS.
• Policy Development and Review: Actively participating in the development, review, and revision of FOH policies and standard operating procedures. Your insights will help shape best practices and ensure compliance with national healthcare quality standards.
• Coordination and Enhancement: Improving coordination and synergy between various clinical services, case review processes, and consultation product lines across FOH operations nationally.
• Professional Development: Staying current with the latest medical literature, evidence-based best practices, industry standards, and relevant legislation pertaining to FOH functions. This continuous learning ensures that FOH remains at the cutting edge of occupational health delivery.

Requirements: Qualifications You'll Need

To be considered for this dynamic Physician Assistant role, you must meet the following criteria:

Basic Requirements:

• Education: Graduation from a Physician Assistant educational program accredited by the Accreditation Review Committee on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) or its predecessors, at an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time of your degree completion.
• Certification: Successful completion of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) examination. You must maintain your certified status, including all Continuing Medical Education (CME) and recertification requirements.
• Licensure: Possession of a current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a Physician Assistant from a U.S. state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory.

Minimum Qualifications for the GS-12 Grade Level:

In addition to meeting the basic requirements, you must possess at least one year of specialized work experience that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of the position successfully. This specialized experience must be equivalent to at least the GS-11 grade level in the federal service and include:

• Assisting in the development and delivery of occupational health services across various divisions within FOH and to customer agencies at FOH service provision sites nationwide, focusing on maintaining program quality and efficiency.
• Providing medical advice and interpreting clinical policies to FOH Medical Leadership to ensure FOH services adhere to national healthcare quality standards.
• Developing program support systems, policies, and procedures essential for the efficient and effective allocation and management of resources across FOH programs and activities.
• Interpreting and applying federal regulations, HHS policies, FOH policies, and national healthcare quality organization standards to FOH programs to effectively resolve occupational health issues and concerns in alignment with federal regulations, policy, and industry best practices.

Important Documentation Note: When describing your experience, be exceptionally clear and specific. Clearly state the exact dates of employment (MM/YY to MM/YY) and the number of hours worked per week if you held part-time positions. The agency cannot make assumptions about your experience. Failure to provide complete details may result in disqualification.

Salary Overview

This Physician Assistant position is classified at the GS-12 grade level. The annual salary range for this role is:

• Minimum: $102,415
• Maximum: $133,142

Note: Salary is determined by the location of the position and the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Benefits: Why Join HHS?

Working for the Department of Health and Human Services offers a comprehensive and rewarding benefits package designed to support federal employees and their families. While specific details can vary, typical benefits include:

• Health Insurance: Access to a variety of federal health insurance plans (FEHB) with employer contributions.
• Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), including a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off, including federal holidays, vacation leave, and sick leave.
• Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Work-Life Balance: Opportunities for telework and flexible work schedules, where applicable.
• Professional Development: Support for continuing education, training, and career advancement.
• Potential Incentives: Depending on specific circumstances and funding, incentives such as relocation assistance, recruitment bonuses, or student loan repayment may be available.

Application Process and Tips

Applying for federal positions requires careful attention to detail. Here’s how to navigate the process:

1. Create/Log In to USAJOBS: Ensure you have an active USAJOBS account.
2. Build Your Federal Resume: Craft a comprehensive resume, ideally using the USAJOBS Resume Builder. Limit it to two pages and ensure it clearly outlines your duties, accomplishments, and the specific dates (MM/DD/YYYY) of your employment for each role.
3. Complete the Occupational Questionnaire: Answer all questions honestly and accurately. Your responses are critical for the initial screening and qualification assessment.
4. Submit Required Documents: Upload all necessary documents, including your resume, license verification, and any other required supporting materials as listed in the announcement. Failure to submit all required items will result in your application being considered incomplete.
5. USA Hire Assessments: If applicable, you will be notified to complete online assessments. Be sure to request any reasonable accommodations needed due to a disability well in advance of taking the assessments.
6. Review Your Application: Before the closing deadline, log back into your USAJOBS account to verify that your application package is complete and all documents have been successfully uploaded and processed.

Key Application Tips:

• Be Specific: Clearly describe your experience, focusing on how it directly relates to the duties and specialized experience required for the position.
• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to illustrate your accomplishments.
• Double-Check Dates: Ensure all employment dates are accurate (month, day, year).
• Read Instructions Carefully: Pay close attention to all instructions within the job announcement, particularly regarding required documents and submission deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
What are the basic qualifications?	You need a PA degree from an accredited program, current NCCPA certification, and an unrestricted PA license.
What kind of experience is needed?	At least one year of experience as a certified PA equivalent to a GS-11, involving occupational health services, medical consultation, policy development, and regulatory interpretation.
Are there multiple locations for this job?	Yes, this position is advertised for multiple locations across the U.S., including major cities like Washington D.C., Atlanta, GA, and Los Angeles, CA, among others.
What is the salary range?	The annual salary range is $102,415 - $133,142.
What benefits are offered?	Federal benefits typically include health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans (FERS/TSP), paid time off, and life insurance.
Can I work remotely or telework?	Telework eligibility is indicated, but it is generally determined by the specific agency and position needs. Remote work is not indicated.
Will incentives be offered?	Incentives like relocation or student loan repayment may be authorized but are not guaranteed and depend on funding and service agreements.
How do I apply?	You must apply through USAJOBS.gov, including a federal-style resume, completing the occupational questionnaire, and submitting all required documentation by the closing date.

This Physician Assistant position with the Department of Health and Human Services Federal Occupational Health program offers a compelling opportunity to leverage your expertise in a role that directly contributes to the health and productivity of the nation's federal workforce. With a competitive salary, robust benefits, and the chance to work in various dynamic locations, this role represents a significant career advancement for dedicated healthcare professionals. Take the initiative to explore this impactful federal service opportunity and join a team committed to excellence in public health.