Medical Provider (MP – NP/PA)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
United States Department of State
An Equal Opportunity Employer

Announcement Number: MP-2019-0001
Position Title: Medical Provider
Open Period: December 5, 2018 - December 18, 2018
Series/Grade: FP - 0610 - 03
Salary: $77,685 - $101,361
Supervisory status: Yes
Promotion Potential:MC
Security Clearance: Top Secret
Duty Locations: Department of State Posts - Overseas and Domestic, United States
Appointment Type: Permanent after tenure granted by a Foreign Service Specialist (FSS) Tenure Board.
Email contact: medhr@state.gov

Who May Apply

Must be a U.S. citizen. Potential applicants should read the entire announcement to ensure that they meet all of the requirements and understand a Foreign Service career.

Applicants may not reapply for one year after the previous application for the same positon.

If a State Department Suitability Review Panel denied suitability in the last two years, you may not apply (except Diplomatic Security Special Agent (SA) candidates whose denial was based solely on the unique requirements for SAs.)

Duties

Summary

The Department of State is developing a rank-order list of Medical Providers (MPs) (Family Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants) for a limited number of MP positions based on the needs of the Department.

To learn more about the Department of State and a career as a Foreign Service Specialist, please visit us at https://careers.state.gov/med/

Responsibilities

The Bureau of Medical Services (MED) maintains and promotes the health of employees and their eligible family members who represent U.S. government agencies abroad. The Department assigns Medical Providers (MPs) to posts overseas. Many of these posts have significant health risks and local medical care that is inadequate by U.S. standards.

A MP works either independently or as a member of a team of Medical Specialists to provide medical support. An MP is considered “essential personnel” and is expected to be available on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. MPs duties may include, but not limited to:

Clinical: Provision of direct primary and preventive healthcare for pediatric, obstetric, and adult patients and emergency and acute care services

• Ordering and analyzing diagnostic tests
• Providing routine and travel vaccinations
• Providing mental health support and care, in collaboration with physician and psychiatry colleagues
• Prescribing medications
• Performing therapeutic procedures within the scope of primary and emergency care
• Screening for, and responding to, concerns about domestic violence and abuse
• Competent and thorough documentation of patient care via paper and EHR
• Coordination of inpatient care and monitoring of patients hospitalized at post
• Anticipating and arranging for medical evacuation
• Managing infectious disease risks, including malaria and other tropical diseases; deployment of population outreach efforts to encourage use of prophylactic medications
• Establishing healthy lifestyle programs and supporting patients in their adjustment to Foreign Service life
• Ensuring patient confidentiality
• Consulting with other health care team members
• Maintaining own credentials, licensure, and continuing medical education
• Competent management of Workman’s Compensation injury claims at post and collaboration with patient’s third party health insurance plans for indicated situations
• Monitoring of food and water safety issues
• Providing emergency care to staff and VIPs on USG property
• Teaching CPR, BLS, and first responder courses

Diplomatic: Collaboration with local healthcare officials and liaison with local and international experts

• Provision of consultative support to personnel, on host nation and mission-specific health-related issues
• Interacts with other USG agencies and advises the Ambassador on health issues affecting the Mission
• Serves on Emergency Action Committee
• Advises consular personnel and acts as occupational health advisor

Administrative: Management of health unit (HU) personnel and resources

• Collaboration and consultation with all HU staff at posts in region
• Supervision of Staff at assigned post , and oversight of hiring HU staff
• Orientation and training of new employees
• Ensuring use of universal infectious disease and safety precautions
• Setting budgetary priorities and maintenance of fiscal responsibility
• Maintaining medical records and ensuring appropriate medical records security
• Updating medical information booklet and the MED databasse
• Conducting patient satisfaction surveys and implementation of modifications to address identified areas for improvement
• Managing region-wide immunization program
• Submission of reports for statistical surveillance
• Adherence to quality management policies and monitoring of health unit staff competency and continuing education
• Evaluation of local hospitals, doctors, blood bank and laboratories for standards of care, and safety standards of local pharmacies and pharmaceutical suppliers where available
• Occupational health advisor
• Maintain inventory of medications and supplies and oversees controlled substances
• Contribute to post differential report
• Organize representational events
• Selection and support of post medical advisors
• Oversight of local employee pre-employment, fitness for duty, and driver’s certification screening programs

Emergency Preparedness: Manage all medical aspects of emergency preparedness programs at Post, and collaborate with medical colleagues in the region with regards to post specific programs, including measures to respond to terrorist threats, weapons of mass destruction, civil unrest, and natural disasters, and management of MED’s emergency response programs, and of mass casualty evacuations.

• Identification and provision of training to first responder staff
• Coordination of Post pandemic medical response plan
• Provision of medical leadership and emergency medical care during crises

Regional Care Responsibilities: Performs regional travel in collaboration with RMO, and in response to immediate post needs

• Supervises HU staff in region and mentors new MPs
• Collaboration with regional colleagues and clinical peer review
• Liaison with Regional Medical Managers
• Provision of remote patient consultation via telemedicine or other communication means
• Maintenance of regular communication with MED offices in Washington D.C.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - A Medical Provider generally spends the majority of his/her career assigned to the Department of State’s overseas missions and at times, lives away from family and/or in difficult or isolated conditions. Selected applicants will be notified of an Oral Assessment (OA) requirement in Washington D.C. For the selected applicants, all travel and other expenses incurred in connection with the OA are the sole responsibility of the applicant.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Be a U.S. citizen and available for worldwide service.
• Be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance.
• Be able to obtain an appropriate Foreign Service Medical Clearance.
• Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.*
• Be at least 20 years old and at least 21 years old to be appointed.
• Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).**

Essential Physical Requirements

MPs may need to perform essential functions effectively with or without reasonable accommodation, in environments that pose physical or other occupational challenges. These duties may include:

• Provision of direct patient care that may require heavy lifting, pulling, stooping, and twisting in austere environments
• Travelling independently to regional posts utilizing commercial air carriers, military aircraft, or other transportation modalities that may not offer special access accommodations
• Provision of emergency care in any location following an accident, natural disaster, or attack and emergency care in potentially hostile or physically challenging environments, such as in buildings without elevators or in areas with irregular spaces that require kneeling, bending, stooping, lifting, walking and running over uneven terrain
• Transportation of self or patients via small aircraft, helicopters, ambulances, or other non-standard modes of transportation with small entrances and high floors, such as high axle armored vehicles.

Qualifications

Licensure and Certification

Applicants must be currently licensed as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Physician Assistant (PA) in a state, a territory of the U.S., Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia and must have current national certification as a FNP or the PA-equivalent from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners or the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. Applications will not be accepted from Nurse Practitioners or Physician Assistants who are not currently licensed and certified. Licenses and national board certification and re-certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant must be maintained during employment with the Department’s Bureau of Medical Services.

Specialized Experience

Applicants must have a minimum of five (5) years of full time clinical experience within the past seven (7) years, post NP or PA family practice certification, with at least75% of the time involved in direct primary care. Otherwise qualified clinicians who have practiced primarily emergency medicine, hospital based practice or other non-ambulatory settings must demonstrate thorough understanding of primary care practice fundamentals as defined in the next paragraph.

"Primary care” encompasses adult and pediatric diagnosis and treatment of acute illness and management of chronic diseases, routine gynecologic care, prenatal care, adult health maintenance and preventive health care, well child care and immunization management. It embraces the total family unit across the lifespan, including emotional and physical aspects that impact overall well-being. The primary care physician utilizes and coordinates sub-specialty professional consultations when needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

The Department has conducted extensive job analysis research to determine KSAs and other attributes conducive to successful performance as an MP. An applicant’s education level, work experience, and other qualifications will be considered as part of the hiring decision-making process based on these KSA criteria.

Applicants must have demonstrated a high degree of clinical and management expertise. The patient population covered is unique because of background and lifestyle as part of a diplomatic community overseas. This population also differs in terms of clinical and administrative needs and the national security concerns inherent in their employment. Previous experience working in an occupational setting and/or in an overseas setting is advantageous.

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to manage administrative aspects of an HU as well as the ability to cope with extraordinary medical crises, often in remote and isolated settings. Education and experience must demonstrate that the applicant can function as a public/community health provider.

The applicant must be a skilled and experienced primary health care practitioner with excellent interpersonal skills. The applicant must be able to function well within a complex organization and have experience working in a high stress environment, and recognize and understand the problems of delivering healthcare to Americans posted in locations where local medical resources are limited or non-existent. The ability to logically and objectively analyze patient problems, and apply sound clinical judgment is required. Experience in providing long distance triage and care via electronic communications such as telephone, telemedicine, radio, and e-mail is preferred.

Applicants must have the capacity to gain the cooperation and confidence of patients, co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates. Individuals must have experience working in a multidisciplinary practice as well as experience in team building, leadership and management. Effective written and oral communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to present medical findings in a clear and concise manner to medical and non-medical personnel. Demonstrated ability to teach or lecture to groups on medical issues is preferred.

Applicants must be able to develop, coordinate, and administer health care delivery programs. These include but are not limited to individual and community health promotion and disease prevention programs to include teaching health topics to both small and large groups. Applicants must provide comprehensive health assessments and medical care to individuals and families across the lifespan.

Applicants must be able to organize and supervise a diverse group of health care providers with varying degrees of expertise, education, and command of English. Applicants must understand the unique cultural differences related to health care delivery in varied countries and address these differences in a positive manner. Applicants must be able to assess, diagnose, and treat infectious diseases.

Applicants must possess a high degree of integrity, decisiveness and fairness in order to equitably apply the regulations and policies of the medical program to all eligible persons.

Knowledge and hands-on familiarity with computer systems are preferred.

Knowledge of infectious diseases, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, women’s health issues, dermatology, otorhinolaryngology, gastroenterology, urology, general surgery, orthopedics, neurology, radiology, psychiatry, nutrition, occupational medicine, epidemiology, vaccines, diagnostic testing, emergency techniques, clinical pharmacology, health-related environmental factors, medical aspects of terrorism, alcoholism and drug abuse, laboratory medicine, food safety and medical quality assurance procedures.

Specific skills in medical history-taking, physical examination, planning of evaluation and treatment, electrocardiography, minor surgery, triage, operating medical equipment, basic computer programs, research techniques, and working with limited resources.

Personal skills in social perceptiveness, oral and written communication, reading comprehension, active listening, critical thinking, active learning, judgment and decision making, complex problem solving, service orientation, teaching supervision, leadership, time management, acclimating to different cultures, collaborating, learning strategies, persuasion, and event and project organizing.

Other attributes include empathetic personality, self-confidence, adaptability, unflappability, creativity, confidentiality, interest in Foreign Service work, loyalty to the U.S., tolerance of non-scheduled work hours and travel, physical endurance, worldwide availability, tolerance of separation from family, and working and living in difficult and/or isolated conditions.

Superior oral and written communication skills: Applicants must demonstrate a strong command of the English language to include grammar, spelling and punctuation. FSS must consistently meet a high standard for English, both written (overall structure as well as grammar, spelling and punctuation) and spoken (overall structure as well as delivery, clarity and succinctness).

Education

At the time of application, applicants must possess:

• Diploma from accredited Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Physician Assistant (PA) program with a minimum of a Master’s degree in a health related field from a school in the U.S. or Canada that was approved by a recognized U.S. accrediting body in the year of the applicant's graduation.
• Equivalent degree from a foreign school that provided educational and medical knowledge equivalent to accredited schools in the U.S. This equivalency may be demonstrated by either permanent certification of the applicant’s school by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) or a Fifth Pathway Certificate.

Non-U.S. and non-Canadian graduates: You must submit a copy of transcript(s) with your application. Official or unofficial transcripts may be submitted. Transcripts must include your name, the school’s name, and the degree and date awarded. A transcript missing any of these elements will not pass the minimum qualifications and the candidacy will be ended. Copies of diplomas may not be submitted in lieu of transcripts for education above high school level. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation and acgme.org,in order to be credited towards qualifications. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click on the link for a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials. http://www.naces.org/members.htm.

Other Information

*EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILIY VERIFICATION PROGRAM (E-Verify) – Verification of employment eligibility in the United States is required. U.S. law requires companies to employ only individuals who may legally work in the United States – either U.S. citizens, or foreign citizens who have the necessary authorization. This agency utilizes E-Verify to compare information from the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) records to confirm employment eligibility. If the employee’s information does not match DHS and/or SSA records, the employee is given an opportunity to resolve the problem. If eligibility cannot be verified, employment will be terminated.

*The Department of State Suitability Review Panel and standards are defined in Chapter 3 of the Foreign Affairs Manual. For more information please visit: http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/regs/fam

**For more information about Veteran’s Preference and how it is applied in the FSS Selection Process, please visit: https://careers.state.gov/faqs/faqs-wiki/are-veterans-given-hiring-preference-

No applicant will be considered who has previously been separated from the Foreign Service under sections §607, §608, §610 or §611 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu of separation under these provisions. In addition, no applicant will be considered who has previously been separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section §306 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, or who resigned or retired in lieu thereof.

An FSS separated for failure to receive a career appointment under section 306 may not re-apply to be an FSS in the same skill code, but may apply for another skill code (or to be a Foreign Service Generalist).

Executive Branch agencies are barred by 5 US Code 3303 as amended from accepting or considering prohibited political recommendations and are required to return any prohibited political recommendations to sender. In addition, as mandated by 5 US Code 3110, relatives of federal employees cannot be granted preference in competing for these employment opportunities.

It is the policy of the Federal Government to treat all of its employees with dignity and respect and to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination whether discrimination is based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity or pregnancy), national origin, disability, political affiliation, marital status, membership in an employee organization, age, sexual orientation, or other non-merit factors.

The Department of State provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or hiring process should so advise the Department at ReasonableAccommodations@state.gov , within one week of receiving their invitation to the oral assessment. Decisions for granting reasonable accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Candidates will be evaluated on their total background including experience, education, awards, training, and self-development as it relates to the position. Selection for this position will be made only from among candidates possessing the best qualifications. Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Medical Credentialing and Indemnification

Applicants are subject to a medical credentialing process conducted by the Quality Improvement Staff of the Bureau of Medical Services. The medical credentialing process includes queries of the National Practitioner Data Bank and Physician Data Profile through the American Medical Association (AMA). Once hired, medical personnel are indemnified for official duties only through the U.S. Federal Tort Claims Act.

To preview questions please click here.

Required Documents

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all required documents are uploaded and the application is fully completed before the closing deadline of this announcement. Any missing required documents or incomplete applications will result in your application not being considered further.

1. USAJobs Résumé Builder is the only résumé format that is accepted for this Vacancy Announcement.
2. Completed online application including the required Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest narratives in the online application.
3. Upload/faxed all required supporting documentation including proof of educational achievements, certifications, professional licenses, or completed forms as required in this Vacancy Announcement to qualify for this position.

   Required attachments include:

   • Copy of current NP or PA License and Degree and verification of highest level of medical training.
   • Proof of National Certification.
   • Standard Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate, if applicable, and other required documentation to demonstrate the U.S. equivalency of a　foreign degree.
   　
4. For applicants who are age 60 to 65, you must provide your Veteran’s Preference documentation at the time of your application. If claiming a 5 pt. veteran's preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or Certification of service. If claiming a 10 pt. veteran’s preference, you must submit your VA letter and SF-15, in addition to your DD-214 or Certification of service. A Certification must be from the armed force that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable condition within 120 after the Certification is submitted by the applicant and should include military service dates, date of expected discharge or release, and character of service.

Accomplishments Questionnaire

The required questions provide an opportunity to describe examples and accomplishments from your education, life, and/or work experience that demonstrate your qualifications for becoming an FSS. Examples can be drawn from any part of your professional or personal experience. The information you give may be used in your oral assessment should you be invited and is an important factor in the competitive evaluation of applicants. Responses are limited to 300 words or fewer (maximum length 2,000 characters) for each item. You should compose your replies carefully, as one of the skills necessary to succeed as an FSS is the ability to write clearly and concisely. These items must be completed in the online application, not as attachment.

Clinical Skills:

• Describe your clinical experience with well and acutely ill infants, children, and adolescents. Include type of practice, weekly average number of patients seen weekly and a statement about your ability to manage care for a pediatric population in a remote setting.
• Provide the same information about your women's health care experience.
• Describe your clinical experience and self-assess your abilities to care for and stabilize multiple trauma patients prior to medical evacuation.
• Describe a specific complex clinical case which demonstrates your skills in organizing patient problems and solutions.

Organizational Skills: Describe a specific achievement demonstrating your planning and organizational skills in a multidisciplinary clinical team or practice.

Leadership and Teamwork Skills: Discuss your abilities to participate as a team member working toward a common goal, as well as examples of your ability to lead a team in the accomplishment of a goal.

Public Speaking and Teaching Skills: Describe specific examples demonstrating your public speaking and teaching abilities in a work-related assignment.

Interpersonal Skills: Provide an example of effectively dealing with difficult patients, colleagues, or work situation.

Crisis Management Skills: Describe an example where your skills significantly contributed to a positive outcome of a complex or difficult clinical crisis.

Statement of Interest

Required narrative Statement of Interest which discusses your:

• Motivation for joining the Foreign Service,
• Comments about your work experience, include special skills (e.g. computer), current licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and/or training (with date completed) relating to this position,
• Experience living or working in a multicultural environment, overseas or in U.S.

The Statement of Interest must be completed inside the online application, not as an attachment.

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. Learn more about federal benefits.

Health and medical coverage, federal retirement benefits, paid leave, a chance to see the world and experience different cultures. Overseas benefits include tax-free housing and tax-free education allowance for dependent children between K-12 overseas.

The starting salary range for MPs is FP-03, steps 5 through 14. The starting step level is determined in part by both highest educational level achieved and also professional experience level beyond that used to meet the minimum job qualifications. Individuals already working in government positions may be appointed based on highest previous rate as a Federal employee.

For information on FS Salary, please visit https://careers.state.gov/faqs/faqs-wiki/foreign-service-salary-matching-pay-tables-danger-pay-overseas-moving-expenses-and-taxes.

DOS may authorize payment of recruitment incentives to eligible newly-appointed employees.

Additional steps may be granted based on the following:

One step for a Master’s degree in public health from a program accredited by a nationally recognized U.S. accrediting agency.

One step for a year or more of advanced specialty training in tropical medicine.

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

MPs receive at least 25 hours of Category 1 CME credit through an annual State Department-sponsored Continuing Medical Education conference.

Review our benefits

How to Apply

You should submit your application early, not waiting for the deadline, as application packages must be complete, submitted, and received by the closing date/time to be considered. There are no exceptions.

1. From this Vacancy Announcement, click on “Apply.” Go to the USAJobs Log In screen and log into your USAJobs account or follow the link and instructions to create an account.
2. Follow the USAJobs Application Process and provide your required USAJobs federal online resume. USAJobs will transfer you to the State Department online application site, Monster Government Service (MGS). Follow the instructions and answer the online questions. Your Accomplishments Questionnaire and Statement of Interest responses must be completed in the online application. You may save your work and can return to the application from USAJobs at any time prior to the deadline.
3. The application system allows up to four methods to submit required documentation: Transfer documents from a USAJOBS portfolio; upload documents from your computer; resubmit documents from a previous application; or fax. If you are submitting documents by fax, you must follow the fax directions, and generate and use the fax coversheets for your set(s) of documents.
4. After you attach all of your required supporting documentation, answer all the required application questions, and complete the application steps, please review the entire application packet, including the links for your submitted documents.
5. Confirm and submit your application package, which will be used to evaluate your qualifications for this position.

Application Submission Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process and successfully submit any documentation required in this Vacancy Announcement.

Application packages must be complete and received by the closing date to be considered. There are no exceptions.

You should submit your application early, and may make changes as often as needed, up until the closing date of the announcement. We strongly recommended that you go back into your application and verify that your documents are attached.

If you are having technical difficulty with the application process, please contact the Monster Help Desk by calling 1-866-656-6830 or by emailing mgshelp@monster.com. The Monster Help Desk is available Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm Eastern Time.

For more information on the FSS hiring processes, please visit our FAQs at http://careers.state.gov/faqs. If you have any questions regarding FS careers, please visit our Careers.State.Gov site and post your question(s) on the appropriate Forum in the Connect section: http://careers.state.gov/connect/forums.

Next steps

Once submitted, your application status on USAJobs will change from “received” to “referred" or "not referred" after the close of the announcement. This status on USAJobs will not be updated further.

Additional notifications to applicants concerning the application status will be by e-mail from the U.S. Department of State.

Due to the high volume of applications, we ask all applicants to remain patient and await communication. It is not uncommon for several months to pass before you are informed of the results of your applications.

We recommend adding the Department of State domain (@state.gov) as an approved sender.

For more information, please visit http://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/specialist/selection-process