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 Senior Physician Assistant 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 include securing a comprehensive patient health history and performing physical examinations; recognizing and evaluating medical problems which call for immediate attention by, or referral to, a Physician or clinic provider; performing, or may order performed for the patient, laboratory and diagnostic procedures; drawing blood and collecting specimens as indicated for additional tests; assisting the Primary Care Physician in providing services to patients requiring continuing care, including the review of treatment and therapy plans; performing routine therapeutic procedures; developing diagnoses, recording and presenting pertinent data to the collaborating Physician; collaborating with the Attending Primary Care Physician in ordering drugs and supplies, maintaining patient records and equipment; facilitating the Primary Care Physician's referral of patients to the appropriate health facilities or other community resource; instructing and counseling patients in matters pertaining to their physical and mental health; defining and treating mild psychiatric disorders and referring cases to psychologists, psychiatrists, or other mental health workers for further evaluation; observing and recording patient progress, updating and summarizing charts; screening daily, on a rotational basis, clinical laboratory reports for emergent abnormalities; and collaborating 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.

Skills/abilities include diagnosing, treating and referring patients with abnormal health conditions; communicating orally and preparing clear, concise, written reports sufficient to explain diagnosis, patient history and follow up; practicing basic diagnostic procedures, as a medical examiner, under supervision; facilitating the Primary Care Physician's referral of patients; assisting in planning orientation for new Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants and reviewing annually; using thermometers, stethoscopes, blood pressure devices and small medical instruments; assuring compliance with policies and procedures and standards of care; and investigating and attempting to resolve complaints following departmental and County policy.

Knowledge includes 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 includes 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.