Physician Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Physician Assistant, under physician direction is re­sponsible for performing medical examinations, diagnosing common medical conditions, managing stable phases of chronic illness, coordinating health management and assisting the clinic physician in delivering care to health center patients.  The Physician Assistant clinical practice is gener­ally supervised by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and is specifically supervised by the staff physicians at other sites of assign­ments.  The Physician Assistant reports to the CMO.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Under physician direction, provide primary care services to clinic patients including prescribing, dispensing or transmitting medications in accordance with standardized procedures and current state regulations
• Provide general counseling, guidance, and health instruction to individual patients and family members
• Coordinate daily clinic operation at site of assignment and participate in the daily direction or ancillary staff
• Participate in the on-call schedule as assigned
• Participate in the monthly medical staff meetings as required
• Assist the CMO and staff physicians in organizing and implementing appropriate quality assurance activities
• Ability to work independently with minimum on-site supervision
• Function as part of a team in the provision of patient care and performance of daily activities
• Supervise outreach and follow-up activities as required
• Travel to different sites of assignment as required
• May be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Performs other duties as assigned or required

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• State of California Certification as a Physician Assistant
• Satisfactory completion of a formal Physician Assistant Training program at an accredited educational institution
• Knowledge and understanding of customs, beliefs and needs of consumer group (s) served
• Valid California Driver's License, proof of insurance, and personal transportation
• Current Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Certificate

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of professional medical practices and procedures to provide patient care
• Knowledge of organizational policies, regulations and procedures to administer patient care
• Knowledge of medical equipment and instruments to administer patient care
• Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to establish a safe work environment
• Skill in applying and modifying the principles, methods and techniques of medicine to provide ongoing patient care
• Skill in taking medical history, assessing medical condition and interpreting findings
• Skill in preparing and maintaining records, writing reports, and responding to correspondence
• Skill in developing and maintaining department quality assurance
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, medical staff and the public
• Ability to maintain quality control standards
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations
• Ability to interpret, adapt and apply guidelines and procedures
• Ability to communicate clearly

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.  Requires standing and walking for prolonged periods of time.  Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 35 pounds.  Requires normal visual acuity and hearing.  Requires exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, medicinal preparations and other conditions common to a clinic environment.