Senior Physician Assistant

Senior Physician Assistant

The Health Services Agency (HSA) is seeking a Senior Physician Assistant who is passionate about providing high-quality care in a clinic setting and dedicated to serving patients in Family Medicine or Women's Health. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, communicates effectively with patients and team members, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. We currently have a full-time opportunity available in our clinics located in Modesto, CA.

The Position Provides a variety of primary diagnostic and medical care services under the direction of a Physician. Positions in this class are characterized by the responsibility for performing basic diagnostic, treatment, rehabilitative and supportive services and functions as a member of the primary health care or emergency medical team. This leadership position is distinguished from the entry-level Physician Assistant by the greater independence and expertise in job performance and by the progressive increase in quantity and quality of work performed. The Senior Physician Assistant also must achieve the full confidence and trust of the Primary Care Physician. This position is subject to overtime, standby, and callback assignments and performs related duties as required.

Typical Tasks:

• Secure a comprehensive patient health history and performs physical examinations;
• Recognize and evaluate medical problems which call for immediate attention by, or referral to, a Physician or clinic provider;
• Perform, or may order performed for the patient, laboratory and diagnostic procedures;
• Draw blood and collects specimens as indicated for additional tests;
• Assist the Primary Care Physician in providing services to patients requiring continuing care, including the review of treatment and therapy plans;
• Perform routine therapeutic procedures;
• Develop diagnoses, records and present pertinent data to the collaborating Physician;
• Collaborate with the Attending Primary Care Physician in ordering drugs and supplies, maintaining patient records and equipment;
• Facilitate the Primary Care Physician's referral of patients to the appropriate health facilities or other community resource;
• Instruct and counsel patients in matters pertaining to their physical and mental health;
• Define and treat mild psychiatric disorders and refers cases to psychologists, psychiatrists, or other mental health workers for further evaluation;
• Observe and record patient progress, update and summarize charts;
• Screen daily, on a rotational basis, clinical laboratory reports for emergent abnormalities; and
• Collaborate with physicians and other members of the health care team in providing care and acts as a consultant to their nursing staff in the area of specialization.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience):

Skills/Abilities:

• Diagnose, treat and refer patients with abnormal health conditions;
• Communicate orally and prepare clear, concise, written reports sufficient to explain diagnosis, patient history and follow up;
• Practice basic diagnostic procedures, as a medical examiner, under supervision;
• Facilitate the Primary Care Physician's referral of patients;
• Assist in planning orientation for new Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants and review annually;
• Use thermometers, stethoscopes, blood pressure devices and small medical instruments;
• Assure compliance with policies and procedures and standards of care; and
• Investigate and attempt to resolve complaints following departmental and County policy.

Knowledge:

• Routine diagnostic and treatment techniques used in practicing primary care medicine;
• Ethics and laws under which medicine is practiced;
• Socioeconomic principles of medicine; and
• Roles and responsibilities of community health care agencies and related health professionals.

Education/Experience:

• Completion of a Primary Care Physicians Assistant Training Program approved by the State Board of Medical Quality Assurance and possession of a certificate or letter of approval to practice as a Physician Assistant by the State Board of Medical Quality; AND
• Possession of at least one (1) year of increasingly responsible experience as a Physician Assistant.

Proof of education and/or licensure will be required for verification purposes at the time of application. Applicants who are unable to submit proof must call View phone number on click.appcast.io to make other arrangements by application deadline. Failure to submit proof will result in disqualification.

Desirable Qualifications:

• One (1) year of clinical experience in Women's Health or Family Medicine

Application and Selection Procedures:

Application Procedures/Final Filing Date:

Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

Examination Process:

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position.
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months.