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Summary

The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance to individuals pursuing a program of study leading to a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.This program will help alleviate the health care workforce shortages in VA by obligating scholarship recipients to complete a minimum of 2 year service obligation at a VA health care facility after graduation and licensure/certification.
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Responsibilities
- Consideration Requirements: Application, Academic Verification, Recommendations, Resume, Transcripts, Declaration for Federal Employment (Not completing any of the required documents is justification for non-consideration).
- It is your responsibility to ensure all required documentation is submitted. Failure to
  submit all required documentation will result in not being considered.
Designated Drug-Testing Position: 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. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received.
Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status

No

Promotion Potential

None
Job family (Series)

0603 Physician Assistant
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Requirements

Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen
- No previous breaches (broken an agreement with) of any federally sponsored scholarship program.
- Not delinquent (31 days past due) on payment of a federal debt, including delinquent taxes, audit dis-allowances, guaranteed or direct student loans, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or VA mortgages, and other misc administrative debts.
- Have not previously applied for or received waivers of financial obligation for any federally sponsored scholarship program.
- No currently owed obligation to any other entity to perform service after you complete the course of study for this scholarship program.
- Agree to relocate, at your own expense if needed, to complete the required full time VA employment service obligation after graduation and required licensure/certification.
Qualifications
- Students unconditionally accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled in a program of study leading to a Masters of Physician Assistant Studies accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) or one of its predecessor organizations.
- A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale in your current program of study. Provide unofficial transcripts to your application that support your response.
Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

If you are unable to apply for this scholarship online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

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How You Will Be Evaluated

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

Veterans will be considered first among all equally qualified candidates. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) we will review applications to ensure requirements are met.

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Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance

Other

Drug test required

Yes
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Required Documents
To apply for this scholarship, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
1. If you have a question - please contact HPSPTeam@va.gov for a complete
  application guide to assist in your efforts to submit a complete application.
2. Application: (VA Form 10-0491G)
3. Academic Verification: (VA Form 10-0491)
4. Evaluations and Recommendations: VA Form 10-0941E
  1. Required: Academic Faculty: Preferably at your current school. If you just enrolled into the school and don't know anyone there, you can reach back to your previous level of education even if it is High School.
  2. Required: A person who has known you for at least 2-years. Preferably an employer/supervisor. If you were not employed, consider someone with strong credentials who can prepare a good recommendation for you.
  3. Required (VA Employees Only or who worked for the VA less than 3-years ago): Preferably the VA Supervisor or equivalent person if supervisor is no longer available.
  4. Only submit required recommendations. If an applicant submits recommendation that exceed the maximum of two for non-VA Employee and three for VA Employee, only the first two or three will be considered. All others will be discarded.
5. Résumé: The applicant's résumé supports information contained on all forms. Do not assume that the information on the résumé will automatically translate to information on the Application.
  1. Use the résumé to support all the information provided on the application and the answers provided on the Online Questionnaire.
  2. Include prior education, professional licenses, registrations, certifications, and detailed descriptions of volunteer and work experience, especially those that are healthcare related.
  3. The résumé must not exceed five single-sided pages and must be at least 11-point font.
  4. Dates should be in MM/YYYY format.
6. Transcript: NOTE: An unofficial transcript is acceptable from program currently in or previous transcript for courses completed.
  1. At a minimum, the student must provide an un-official transcript to support the CGPA the school put on the Academic Verification form.
  2. If there is not a supporting transcript for the CGPA, then the application will not be considered.
7. Declaration for Federal Employment: (OF-306) This form is required to complete the Background Investigation. If the applicant does not submit this form, the application will not be considered.
  1. Page 1 of the DFE should not be included in your application submission as it is an instructional page for the applicant.
  2. The information on the form is self-explanatory and all information should be filled in.
  3. Once you have filled in the information, print out the form and Sign/date line 17a.
8. Document Handling
  1. Because many of the documents should be printed and signed, you will need to re-scan those documents back into the computer so they can be prepared for final submission. Here are some notes when rescanning:
    
    The preferred file type is a .pdf.
    
    When scanning, set your dpi (dots per square inch) to 100. This will keep the file size down.
    
    Name your files: (LastnameFirstinitial - Example SmithJ)
    
    LastnameFirstinitial - Application
    
    LastnameFirstinitial - Academic Verification
    
    LastnameFirstinitial - Declaration for Federal Employment
    
    LastnameFirstinitial - Recommendation - Academic Faculty
    
    LastnameFirstinitial - Recommendation - VA Supervisor
    
    LastnameFirstinitial - Recommendation - Supervisor or Employer or Friend
    
    LastnameFirstinitial - Resume
    
    LastnameFirstinitial - Transcript
    
    Upload documents as required into USAJobs.
For questions and additional information on filling out the forms, contact the HPSPTeam@va.gov.

Veterans' Preference: When applying, 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 http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.

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.
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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.

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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.
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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 06/05/2020 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10731205.
1. 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.
2. 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.

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). HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations where patients receive care or who come into contact with VA patients 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 facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, paid and unpaid, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, students, researchers, volunteers, and trainees who work at these facilities. HCPs that are unable to receive or otherwise decline a flu shot will be expected to wear a face mask throughout the influenza season.
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Agency contact information

VHA National Recruitment Center

Phone

(844)456-5208

Email

VHANationalRecruitmentCenter@va.gov

Address

VHA Servicing Human Resources Office
2402 Wildwood Ave Suite 301
Sherwood, AR 72120
US

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Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After the review is complete, applicants will be notified of their status by email.

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Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is setup to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) for federal employees & job applicants
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Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.

Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodations when:
- An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace.
- An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events.
You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about disability employment and reasonable accommodations or how to contact an agency.
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Legal and regulatory guidance

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/561139800. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP) Physician Assistant Scholarship

Department of Veterans Affairs

Overview

Open & closing dates

Service

Pay scale & grade

Salary

Appointment type

Work schedule

Location

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Telework eligible

Videos

Duties

Summary

Responsibilities

Travel Required

Supervisory status

Promotion Potential

Job family (Series)