Physician-Occupational Health Service Chief

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

San Juan (PR)

On-site

USD 165,000 - 350,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Federal pension and 401K

Extensive paid time off

Comprehensive health coverage

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking an Occupational Health Service Chief to oversee clinical and administrative operations of the Employee Occupational Health program.

The role ensures medical readiness, safety, and compliance across VA facilities, directing medical staff and occupational health activities with a focus on quality care and regulatory adherence. Responsibilities include leading clinical evaluations, surveillance programs, immunizations, and coordination with HR and

Qualifications

MD/DO or equivalent in allopathic/osteopathic medicine with accredited degree
LcME- or COCA-accredited path or ECFMG eligibility for foreign grads

Responsibilities

Oversee clinical operations of the Employee Occupational Health program
Provide medical leadership and strategic direction for occupational health services
Ensure HIPAA, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance across VA health facilities
Direct evaluation, surveillance, immunizations, and occupational health procedures
Coordinate collaboration with HR, Safety, Infection Control, and Facility Leadership

Skills

Medical leadership

Occupational health

Regulatory compliance

Staff oversight

Education

MD/DO (Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathic Medicine)

LCME/COCA/ECFMG eligibility

Job description

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

The Occupational Health Service Chief oversees all clinical and administrative functions of the Employee Occupational Health (EOH) program, ensuring compliance with VA Handbook 5019. The Chief provides medical leadership, directs occupational health activities, and ensures the protection, safety, and medical readiness of all VA employees.

Key Responsibilities

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. II. Clinical Responsibilities (60%) The Occupational Health Service Chief is authorized to perform, supervise, and/or direct the following:

A. Employee Clinical Evaluations -Pre-placement and onboarding medical examinations. -Fitness-for-Duty assessments and return-to-work determinations. -Evaluation and management of occupational injuries or exposures. -Work-related illness assessment and clinical decision-making. -Clearance for respirator use, OSHA-mandated surveillance, and other job-specific evaluations.
B. Medical Surveillance & Compliance Programs -Lead and manage OSHA-required medical surveillance (respirator, asbestos, blood borne pathogens, hearing, chemical exposures, etc.). -Oversee immunization programs (influenza, hepatitis B, COVID-19, etc.). -Direct tuberculosis screening programs and infectious disease containment protocols. -Maintain compliance with VA, federal, and accrediting body standards.
C. Employee Health Management -Provide confidential medical guidance for employees regarding occupational health conditions. -Participate in reasonable accommodation medical assessments. -Oversee medical aspects of Workers' Compensation cases. -Coordinate emergency response and disaster preparedness medical support. -Order diagnostic tests relevant to occupational conditions. -Prescribe medications appropriate for occupational health evaluation and treatment. -Initiate referrals for specialty care when clinically indicated. -Perform procedures such as immunizations, PPD placement/reading, arthrocentesis if trained, and other standard occupational-health-related clinical procedures. -Clinical practice is limited to occupational health and related medical oversight.

Administrative Responsibilities

III. Administrative Responsibilities (40%)The Occupational Health Service Chief is responsible for:

Direct oversight of all Occupational Health operations and staff.
Ensuring compliance with VA Handbook 5019 policies and updates.
Developing and implementing internal EOH policies and clinical procedures.
Maintaining accurate medical documentation and regulatory reporting.
Collaborating with Human Resources, Safety, Infection Control, and Facility Leadership.
Maintain regulatory compliance, accreditation readiness, and documentation standards.
Ensure timely evaluation of employees and efficient service delivery.
Uphold confidentiality and HIPAA standards in all employee medical interactions.
Foster a culture of safety, prevention, employee wellness, and professional integrity.

-Leading and contributing to committees such as: Infection Control, Bloodborne Pathogens, Accident Review Board, Environment of Care, Reasonable Accommodation Committe, Emergency Preparedness Groups Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification) Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm

Requirements & Education

Degree of Doctor of Medicine or an equivalent degree resulting from a course of education in allopathic medicine or osteopathic medicine. The degree must have been obtained from an institution whose accreditation was in place for the year in which the course of study was completed. Approved schools are: Schools of medicine accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) for the year in which the degree was granted.

Schools of osteopathic medicine approved by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) for the year in which the degree was granted. For foreign medical graduates not covered in (1) or (2) above, confirmation must be made that the medical school meets (or met) Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) eligibility requirement for year graduated.

NOTE: The Under Secretary of Health or designee in the VHA Central Office may approve the appointment under authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 of a physician graduate of a school of medicine not covered above if the candidate is to be assigned to a research, academic, or administrative position with no patient care responsibilities.

The appointment will be made only in exceptional circumstances where the candidate's credentials clearly demonstrate high professional attainment or expertise in the specialty area.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $165000 – $350000/yr.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-09.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Internal Search' hiring path.