Primary Care Physician Assistant, Street Medicine (San Diego, CA))

Primary Care Physician Assistant

At Healthcare in Action, we serve patients experiencing homelessness through an innovative "street medicine" approach by contracting with Medicare and Medicaid health plans as well as hospitals and health systems.

Street medicine entails using a medically equipped van to deliver medical care directly to people experiencing homelessness in locations such as parking lots, encampments, and parks.

The Primary Care Physician Assistant will provide direct patient care to people experiencing homelessness with partner homeless services agencies we work closely with. Meet with patients, perform physicals, discuss symptoms, and educate patients on their condition. Diagnose illnesses, order and interpret laboratory tests and x-rays, prescribe medications, develop and manage treatment plans, and advise patients on preventative care and optimal health practices.

Care is delivered directly on the street, encampment, or shelter in the San Diego region.

This position requires the use of personal vehicles going out with the teams in the following schedule:

Responsibilities include:

• Conduct physical exams and assessments including diagnostic exams; take medical histories; diagnose and document patient's health conditions; conduct wellness exams, administer vaccinations and draw blood for lab tests (if necessary).
• Interpret and evaluate diagnostic tests to identify and assess individuals' clinical problems and health care needs.
• Develop care plans in collaboration with patients, peer navigators, and primary care physicians. Educate and advise on medical issues as needed. Consult with physicians and Medical Director as needed. Ensure Primary Care Physicians are aware of patient's health conditions and progress.
• Provide health education to patients. Work with patients in the prevention of illness, promotion of health, and management of patient's adjustment to chronic health problems.
• Document patient visit/interaction accurately and timely.
• Engage with providers and patients to create a trusting environment.
• Maintain a safe, efficient, and pleasant environment conducive to optimum patient wellbeing, in conformance with recognized standards.
• Function in a collaborative relationship with physicians and other health care professionals in the clinical management of patients.
• Maintain a good working relationship with other personnel, medical staff, and administration.
• Follow company policies and procedures for the proper handling of lab specimens and biohazardous waste. Provide referrals both internally and externally to appropriate medical resources.
• Report suspicious, unethical, or illegal conduct and cooperate with approved investigations and inspections.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Actively supports the achievement of Healthcare in Action's Vision and Goals.
• Drive your own vehicle to assigned locations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and experience:

• Master's degree from an accredited PA program, required
• 2+ years of experience working as a Physician Assistant in a medical office, hospital, population health or field setting required.
• Current California Physician Assistant license in good standing.
• Experience with the homeless population strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience providing direct patient care in the field, required.
• Experience in the military or international relief providing patient care in outdoor environments strongly preferred.
• Experience with substance abuse and mental health highly desired.
• Familiarity with insurance switches and navigating MediCAL.
• NPI, DEA license
• Current First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced outdoors environment
• Ability to move and manipulate patients
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form
• Ability to multi-task and manage time effectively
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality required. Knowledge of HIPAA requirements
• Ability to work on a team and maintain good working relationships with staff and patients
• Ability to problem-solve and to prioritize changing patient conditions.
• Knowledge of efficient interviewing practices and techniques used to gather information.
• Knowledge of diagnostic equipment and procedures
• Good interpersonal skills
• Good critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Good computer literacy
• Ability to climb, stoop, kneel and crouch required. Ability to bend, reach, lift, pull, push and/or carry up to 15 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally required.
• Proof of Valid CA Driver's License, State Liability Insurance and reliable transportation.
• Must be able to walk distances and hike as needed carrying supplies.

Tuberculosis Screening Policy

To ensure the health and safety of our members, if you are selected for this position, your job offer with Healthcare in Action will be contingent on providing proof of Tuberculosis screening upon hire or providing proof of a negative screening within the last year. If you have a disability/medical reason or sincerely held religious belief that prevents you to provide information required in this policy, Healthcare in Action will initiate and engage in the interactive process to evaluate what, if any, reasonable accommodations may be available.

What's in it for you?

• Base salary range: $150,000 to $ 175,000 per year
• An annual employee bonus program
• Robust Wellness Program
• Generous paid-time-off (PTO)
• 11 paid holidays per year, plus 1 additional floating holiday
• Excellent 401(k) Retirement Saving Plan with employer match
• Robust employee recognition program
• Tuition reimbursement
• CME
• Paid Malpractice
• An opportunity to become part of a team that makes a difference to our members and our community every day

At Healthcare in Action, we believe that it is our business to improve the state of our world. Each of us has a responsibility to drive Equality in our communities and workplaces. We are committed to creating a workforce that reflects our community through inclusive programs and initiatives such as equal pay, employee resource groups, inclusive benefits, and more.

Healthcare in Action is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action workplace. Individuals seeking employment will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by law. A background check is required.

Healthcare in Action was established in 2021 as a 501 (c)3 organization and associated medical group. Utilizing mobile clinics staffed by healthcare professionals, community health workers, and social workers, our teams travel directly to unhoused individuals living in communities across the geographies we serve, providing services where they reside including tents, cars, shelters, and temporary housing. In meeting patients where they are and supporting their goals, HIA team members build trust a critical component that can lead to meaningful and positive changes in health and housing. Our mission is to improve the lives of people experiencing homelessness through quality holistic care. It is our vision that all people experiencing homelessness have access to quality healthcare that addresses their mental, social and physical health needs.