PHYSICAN ASSISTANT

Job Purpose

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Physician Assistant (PA) to join our interdisciplinary team within the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). As a PA, you will provide comprehensive healthcare services to elderly participants, many of whom have complex medical needs, in a community-based setting. You will collaborate with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality, holistic care for older adults enrolled in the PACE program.

Duties and Responsibilities

Direct Patient Care:

• Perform comprehensive physical assessments, including history taking, physical examinations, and diagnostic procedures for PACE participants.
• Diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of acute and chronic conditions commonly seen in the elderly population, such as diabetes, hypertension, dementia, and mobility issues.
• Prescribe medications, order lab tests, and interpret diagnostic results.
• Provide education to participants and families regarding disease prevention, treatment plans, and health promotion.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.

Care Coordination:

• Serve as a key member of the interdisciplinary team, working closely with physicians, nurses, social workers, rehabilitation specialists, and other providers.
• Participate in care planning meetings and case reviews to ensure that care plans align with each participant’s individual needs, goals, and preferences.
• Assist in transitions of care, including hospital discharges, rehabilitation, and end-of-life care, ensuring smooth coordination between different care settings.

Clinical Leadership & Education:

• Mentor and train medical students, residents, nursing staff, and other healthcare providers as needed.
• Keep up-to-date with the latest evidence-based practices in geriatrics and PACE care models.

Compliance & Documentation:

• Ensure that all documentation meets regulatory standards and is completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Adhere to all PACE program policies, procedures, and compliance guidelines, including the use of electronic health records (EHR) systems.

Family and Caregiver Support:

• Provide guidance and education to families and caregivers regarding participant health status and care needs.
• Address concerns and questions from family members, ensuring their involvement in the care plan process.

Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies from an accredited program.
• Certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
• Current state licensure to practice as a Physician Assistant.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required; ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of clinical experience, preferably in geriatrics, internal medicine, or primary care. Experience in the PACE model or with elderly populations is highly desirable.
• Strong clinical knowledge of aging-related conditions and an ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary care plans.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Excellent clinical assessment and diagnostic skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain complex medical concepts to participants and families.
• Compassionate, patient-centered approach to care, with an understanding of the unique needs of older adults.
• Knowledge of electronic health record (EHR) systems and proficiency in medical documentation.

Other:

• Must be able to work required schedule.
• Requires physical strength to perform essential functions of the job.
• Occasional travel between sites, nursing/group homes and to members’ homes required.
• Requires use of personal vehicle.
• Requires proof of automobile insurance coverage at the following minimum amounts in order to be reimbursed for mileage: $100,000/$300,000 personal liability and $100,000 property damage.
• May require use of personal cell phone for business purposes (may be eligible for stipend)

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• Ability to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Able to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Able to constantly position yourself to maintain files in file cabinets such as reaching with hands and arms, kneeling, crouching, etc.
• The ability to communicate, detect, converse with, discern, convey, express oneself, and exchange information is crucial for this role.

Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Our center is dedicated to fostering an environment that is inclusive and accessible, welcoming everyone with open arms. We strictly follow the guidelines outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which includes a prohibition on discrimination in employment practices and other terms and conditions of employment.

By joining us, you will become part of an organization that cherishes diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in our community and positively influence the lives of those we serve.