Job Description

Duties

The incumbent practices as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) within the Mental Health service primarily located within the Social and Behavioral Health Service (S&BHS) and, occasionally the Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Program (MHRRTP), Tele-mental Health services, and Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) within the state of Alaska. The Psychiatric-Mental Health APRN functions as an independent member of the medical staff with delineated clinical privileges granted by the Medical Executive Board. As a member of an assigned interdisciplinary team or Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP), the incumbent will be responsible for providing psychiatric-mental health care to outpatient and inpatient Veterans with chronic or acute mental illness including addictions, changes in mental status, and/or functional decline within the Alaska VA Healthcare System.

Duties include but not limited to:

• Utilizing interpersonal and clinical skills to provide direct mental health services to Veterans for 80% of total available clinic time or 32 hours per week.
• Conducting history and mental health status exams on assigned patients with physical exams being completed when clinically indicated.
• Completing intake assessments and formulating diagnoses.
• Developing, documenting, and updating treatment plans with VHA guidelines and accreditation standards.
• Presenting treatment plans to interdisciplinary treatment teams.
• Ordering all necessary diagnostic and therapeutic tests/studies, including laboratory and radiological assessments.
• Prescribing medications and supplies in accordance with VHA policy, VA formulary guidelines, state regulations, and scope of practice.
• Initiating and processing consults.
• Making appropriate referrals for continuation of care and treatment.
• Providing psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy as indicated in the treatment plan.
• Accurate, effective, and timely documentation of patient encounters within VHA guidelines.
• Completing due clinical reminders with Veterans during scheduled appointments.
• Seeking consultation with physician for out of scope of practice cases.
• Formulating, initiating, and evaluating health care teaching related to patients and their families.
• Acting as a consultant for nursing, medical, and other clinical staff.
• Placing return to clinic orders for patients for follow-up care.
• Completing and closing patient encounters within VHA guidelines.
• Preparing for scheduled patient encounters.
• Participating within the MH and S&BHS services to include attending S&BHS staff trainings, Monday
• Huddles, and MH/S&BHS Monthly Meetings.
• Participating in assigned VISN and National level calls or trainings.
• Participating in developing and implementing service level improvement plans and projects such as completing tracers, performing Environment of Care (EOC) rounds, and accreditation readiness.
• Participating in professional and administrative activities as assigned.
• Remaining current on service Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Medical Center Policies (MCPs), VHA directives, VHA handbooks, Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs), and accreditation standards

VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package: VA Nurse Total Rewards

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am to 4:30pm, this is a part time position .5 FTE and the Shifts will vary
Telework: Not Authorized
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be authorized
EDRP Authorized: Contact V20CompensationTeam@va.gov and VHAEDRPProgramSupport@VA.gov
the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more.
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required.
Paid Time Off: (Part Time) Annual leave accrued at the rate of one (1) hour per every 10 hours in a paid status;
Sick leave accrued at the rate of one (1) hours per every 20 hours in a paid status.

Pay: Competitive salary, regular salary increases.
Paid Time Off: (Part Time) Annual leave accrued at the rate of one (1) hour per every 10 hours in a paid status;
Sick leave: Accrued at the rate of one (1) hours per every 20 hours in a paid status.
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.

THIS IS A PART TIME POSITION. PAY RANGE IS FOR FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT. PAY WILL BE PRORATED BASED ON HOURS WORKED.

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.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.


Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• English Language Proficiency. In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English.
• Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by one of the following accrediting bodies at the time the program was completed by the applicant: The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The approving official may authorize a waiver of the requirement for ACEN or CCNE accreditation of any degree in nursing provided the college or university has regional accreditation from an accrediting body recognized by the Department of Education at the time of the candidate\'s graduation and the composite qualifications of the applicant warrant such consideration. OR The completion of coursework equivalent to a nursing degree in a MSN Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration constitutes the completion of an approved course of study of professional nursing. Students should submit the certificate of professional nursing to sit for the NCLEX to the VA along with a copy of the MSN transcript. (Reference VA Handbook 5005, Appendix G6) OR In cases of graduates of foreign schools of professional nursing, possession of a current, full, active and unrestricted registration will meet the requirement for graduation from an approved school of professional nursing.
• Master\'s or Doctoral Degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or the Commission (ACEN-Formerly NCLAC) or the Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
• Current, full, active, and unrestricted registration as a graduate professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (i.e., Puerto Rico) of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
• Nurse Practitioners must be licensed or otherwise recognized as a nurse practitioner in a State and maintain full and current certification as a nurse practitioner from the American Nurses Association or another nationally recognized certifying body. The certification must be in the specialty to which the individual is being appointed or selected.

Preferred Experience and Certifications

• One year treating adults with SUD and/or providing psychiatric care.
• Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a major as a nurse practitioner
• Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a major as a nurse practitioner
  

Grade Determinations: The following criteria must be met in determining the grade assignment of candidates, and if appropriate, the level within a grade:

• Nurse I Level III - Master\'s degree in nursing (MSN) or related field with a BSN and no additional nursing practice/experience.
• Nurse II - Master\'s degree in nursing or related field with a BSN and approximately 1-2 year\'s of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree in nursing or meets basic requirements for appointment and has doctoral degree in a related field with no additional nursing practice/experience required.
• Nurse III - Master\'s degree in nursing or related field with BSN and approximately 2-3 year\'s of nursing practice/experience; OR a Doctoral degree and approximately 2-3 year\'s of nursing practice/experience.

Note regarding MSN degrees: If your MSN was obtained via a Bridge Program that qualifies for professional nursing registration, a BSN is not required.

Reference: VA Regulations, specifically VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G-6 Nurse Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office.

Physical Requirements: Heavy lifting (45 lbs), moderate carrying (15-44 lbs), straight pulling (1 hr),pulling over head, pushing (2 hrs), reaching above shoulder, use of fingers, kneeling (1hr), repeated bending(1hr), both legs required, Operation of crane, truck, tractor, or motor vehicle, both hands required, walking (2 hrs), standing (2 hrs), ability for rapid mental and muscular coordination simultaneously, near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4, far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other, both eyes required, depth perception, ability to distinguish basic colors, ability to distinguish shades of color, hearing (aid permitted), emotional and mental stability.

Environmental Factors: Outside inside, dry atmospheric conditions, excessive noise, intermittent, constant noise, dust, silica, asbestos, etc, fumes, smoke, or gases, radiant energy, electrical energy, slippery or uneven walking around machinery with moving parts, working with hands in water, vibration, working closely with others, working alone, protracted or irregular hours of work, working with hazardous drugs.

Education

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Additional information

Annual leave shall accrue for full-time Nurses, and Nurse Anesthetists at the rate of 8 hours for each full biweekly pay period.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority.

Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process.

If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.

• 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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or other supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment.

NOTE: Candidate\'s education, scope, and length of nursing practice (experience) will be considered by a Nurse Professional Standards Board in determining the grade and salary of the applicant selected. The recommended salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy.

Experience as an RN will be evaluated to determine if the experience is of an acceptable level of quality with regard to the following four dimensions of nursing: Practice, Professional Development, Collaboration and Scientific Inquiry. Each dimension of practice has criteria that demonstrate essential core competencies for VHA Nursing Personnel.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate\'s abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

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.

• 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 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 02/07/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12271523.
  
  • 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

  Shelly Graham

  
  
  

  Phone

  503 220-8262 X55320

  Email

  Shelly.Graham@va.gov
  

  Address

  
  Anchorage VA Medical Center
  1201 North Muldoon Road
  Anchorage, AK 99504
  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

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 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.

Help

This job is open to

• 
  

  Internal to an agency

  Current federal employees of this agency.
  
• 
  

  The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

First consideration will be given to current, permanent employees of the Alaska VA Healthcare System (AVAHS).