Physician Assistant - Mental Health

Summary This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) – a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval – award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply. Duties Work Schedule: 7:30 am to 4:00 pm – Monday through Friday. Compressed schedule. Authorized Telework: Not Authorized. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact View email address on click.appcast.io – the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. The Physician Assistant (PA) is responsible for the care and administrative needs of mental health patients in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. The PA also functions as a coordinator between the attending physician and the other team members to include nurses and PMH NPs, psychologists, social workers, psychotherapists, LMFTs, LPCs, addiction therapists and other clinic personnel. The PA will also be directly responsible to the Outpatient or Inpatient Psychiatry Medical Director for all clinical and administrative duties. The major duties and responsibilities include – but are not limited to: conduct initial psychiatric evaluations, including initial assessment interviews, history and physical exams. Lab - imaging - medication and psychotherapy consultation orders - aftercare plans and follow‑up visits. Following the initial evaluation – the PA will provide appropriate follow‑up care including reassessments of diagnoses and conditions, medication adjustments, and any further tests or consults indicated. Provide mental health education/counseling and brief therapy of patients and their families. Make rounds for inpatients and hold scheduled appointments for outpatients to observe and record patients' medical progress – and notify the collaborating physician of significant changes in patients' condition. Participate in a quality assurance program with a multi‑disciplinary group to develop criteria for administrative goals in the clinic. Perform academic didactic or clinical teaching – lectures or presentations for VA affiliated academic institutions as needed per the PA’s training and areas of interest. #J-18808-Ljbffr