Physician Assistant

Responsive recruiter position supporting the hiring of a Physician Assistant (PA) who will deliver quality medical care to patients at the Health Center and function as a member of the multi-disciplinary health care team within the scope of PA practice.

Responsibilities

• Provides medical services as delegated by a supervising physician.
• Maintains medical expertise and competency, including age-specific competency, and demonstrates thorough knowledge of procedures to deliver quality primary medical care.
• Provides age-appropriate pediatric patient care, including physical wellness exams according to the established Texas Health Steps Periodicity Schedule, and appropriate care for pediatric illnesses and conditions.
• Provides medical visits as scheduled in direct patient care at the clinic site, including extended hours clinics.
• Provides a minimum of 3,200 medical encounters for the contract year and services equaling at least 40 hours per week in the clinic.
• Examines, diagnoses, and treats patients on an out-patient basis; prescribes pharmaceuticals, other medications, and treatment regimens as appropriate for assessed medical conditions.
• Refers patients for appropriate specialty care services, lab and x-ray, and any other ancillary services for disease management and care.
• Reviews all lab and x-ray reports for patients under care in a timely manner as per established Health Center policy and makes medical management decisions appropriately.
• Follows appropriate standards of care for each patient and provides continuity of care to assigned patients.
• Maintains a health record for each patient and completes patient visit documentation in a timely manner in accordance with the Health Center’s Health Record Completion Policy.
• Leads the health care team in identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing patient and family needs to develop a plan of care.
• Educates patients and caregivers regarding preventative care, diagnosis, and treatment plans, and provides relevant resources as necessary.
• Participates in health promotion, education, and/or prevention programs as needed.
• Attends and participates in clinic meetings, departmental meetings, and other clinic functions as required.
• Provides Basic Life Support services as indicated for emergency situations in the Health Center.
• Provides clinical oversight under the supervision of the Medical Director and assumes accountability for delegating, directing, and supervising patient care activities.
• Trains, mentors, and supervises students and support staff engaged in activities and procedures, as appropriate.
• Participates in quality improvement projects and activities directed for continuous quality improvement and risk management purposes.
• Participates in the review and development of patient care policies, protocols (including health maintenance schedules), and standing orders.
• Implements the plans, procedures, and protocols for the medical team.
• Serves as a resource and proactive leader for the department.
• Maintains competency with current health care trends, standards of care, and clinical research that impacts medical practice.
• Maintains professional courtesy at all times.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program.
• Current unrestricted license from the Texas Physician Assistant Board to practice as a Physician Assistant in the State of Texas.
• Annual continuing medical education as required by the Texas Physician Assistant Board.
• Registered and current DEA, DPS, and other certificates to legally operate as a practitioner in the State of Texas.
• One (1) year of practice experience providing direct patient care.
• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Healthcare Professionals Certification.

Skills

• Knowledge of advanced principles of health promotion and prevention.
• Knowledge of protocols in general and ability to quickly gain specific knowledge of the Health Center’s current operational protocols.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and appropriate abbreviations.
• Knowledge of the Texas Medical Practice Act and Texas Medical Board regulations pertinent to Physician Assistants.
• Ability to document, with clarity, all information relevant to a patient’s needs.
• Ability to effectively present information in small group settings to patients, Health Center staff, and the general public.
• Ability to use office equipment including computers, fax machines, telephones, and copiers.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and/or move more than 50 pounds.
• Full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity, and eye/hand coordination.
• Requires sitting, standing, and walking for extensive periods of time.
• Requires working under stressful conditions or working irregular hours.
• Frequent exposure to communicable diseases, body fluids, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a clinic environment.
• Frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to work with a moderate noise level in the work environment.

Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST) is a private non-profit organization established in 1971 and funded through federal, state, and local grants. CACOST serves 16 counties via a wide variety of community programs and services, aiming to continuously improve the lives of South Texans by providing high-quality health care, education, housing, and economic opportunities to reduce poverty through services and partnerships.