Physician Assistant

Indian Health Service; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Indian Health Service seeks a Physician Assistant to deliver comprehensive outpatient care, focusing on health promotion and disease prevention. The role includes teaching to students and staff and may involve engagement with tribal communities.

The PA will identify illnesses, manage preventive care, and participate in staff and community education within a federal healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited physician assistant educational program (ARC‑PA) and NCCPA certification.
• Current, active, full and unrestricted license or registration as a Physician Assistant in the U.S.
• GS‑9/GS‑11/GS‑12 qualifications and experience levels as described.

Responsibilities

• Provides comprehensive therapeutic and preventative health services in outpatient settings.
• Identifies and manages illnesses and preventive aspects of care.
• Educates staff, tribal members, health board and leaders on healthcare issues.
• Serves in a teaching capacity and precepts students.

Skills

PA license

NCCPA certification

Education

Master of Physician Assistant Studies

Doctor of Physician Assistant Studies (DScPA)

Job description

Summary

We are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a dedicated and experienced Physician Assistant to join our healthcare team. This role offers the chance to provide high‑quality, patient‑centered care, with a focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and comprehensive treatment. Begin your journey with purpose and receive a recruitment/relocation sign‑on bonus as you join our team.

A REAL ID Requirement

A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides comprehensive therapeutic and preventative health services to individual patients, family members and patient groups in an outpatient setting.
• Identifies and manages specific illnesses and the preventive aspects of these illnesses.
• Familiarizes self with the social, political, geographic, demographic, economic and epidemiological characteristics of the assigned communities and is available to orient staff, tribal members, health board and tribal leaders on relevant health‑care issues.
• Serves in a teaching capacity in the development of other health‑care workers and precepts students.

Requirements: Process and Policies

This is a competitive vacancy announcement advertised under Delegated Examining Authority. Selections will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees will receive new appointments, maintaining benefits and entitlements. Selectees must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy and may be required to obtain vaccine exemptions as outlined. This is a designated position under Public Law 101-630 and requires that candidates have no disqualifying criminal convictions. The selected individual must obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges and licensure. Applicants must pass a federal background investigation within five calendar days of receipt of instructions.

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Selective Service registration required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• On‑call hours or standby duty may be required, including rotating shifts (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays).
• Physical demands include walking, sitting, standing, reaching, and bending while assessing and treating patients.
• Successful E‑Verify employment verification is required.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education to perform the duties of the specific position.

• Graduation from an accredited physician assistant educational program (ARC‑PA) and successful completion of the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) examination. Must maintain certification and complete continuing medical education and re‑certification.
• Current, active, full and unrestricted license or registration as a Physician Assistant from a U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory.
• Minimum qualifications by grade:
• GS‑9 – Master of Physician Assistant Studies or equivalent; at least one year of work experience as a certified physician assistant, equivalent to GS‑7 grade.
• GS‑11 – Doctor of Physician Assistant Studies, Doctor of Science Physician Assistant (DScPA) or equivalent doctoral degree and at least one year of work experience equivalent to GS‑9 grade.
• GS‑12 – At least one year of work experience equivalent to GS‑11 grade.

Education and Credentials

Submission of transcripts is strongly encouraged. Unofficial transcripts are accepted; official transcripts are required prior to an official offer. Only transcripts from institutions accredited by a U.S. Department of Education‑recognized accrediting body are counted. For foreign education, a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency must be provided.

Benefits

As a federal employee, you will have access to a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits vary by full‑time, part‑time, or intermittent employment status. Contact the hiring agency for details.