Physician Assistant (Mental Health)

About the role

The Psychiatry Physician Assistant (PA) position is located within the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), under the Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Service Line (MHBS).

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the admission to, transfer from, and discharge of patients assuring that patient testing, history and physical exams, and discharge planning and education are completed in a timely manner.
• Coordinates and is responsible for the medical management of the previously mentioned patients, within the limits of established protocols.
• Continuously reviews and revises patient care based on clinical findings and assessment while following approved clinical protocols and privileges.
• Orders appropriate diagnostic tests/procedures and appropriate pharmacologic agents.
• Obtains a health and medical history, performs a physical examination, screens for disease prevention and identifies health risks and needs.
• Documents assessments, reassessments, different diagnoses, plan of care, and patient education in the clinical record.
• Demonstrates the skills and knowledge necessary to provide care appropriate to the adult and geriatric population served, including the ability to obtain and interpret information to identify patient needs and to provide the care needed.

Requirements

Open to U.S. Citizens. 1st area of consideration will be given to current permanent employees of the Hampton VA Health Care System to include all associated (CBOCs); 2nd area of consideration- current, permanent VHA Employees; 3rd Area of Consideration - all others.

The Physician Assistant will be providing medical care and evaluation for both inpatients and outpatients in the mental health wards and/or outpatient clinics. The PA engages in primary mental health care decision making, assess the physical and psychosocial health status of individuals, assess emergent mental health needs, and decisions regarding admissions to inpatient psychiatry. The incumbent will promote health maintenance and protection of diseases. The PA is an integral member of the Mental Health team and collaborative partner with Psychiatry, Psychology, Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, and other health care providers.

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

• Master's degree in any discipline or a bachelor's degree in any discipline with one year of experience as a Physician Assistant ~AND~ Successfully passed the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE) (or are you in the process to taking the exam) ~AND~ Currently hold, or will hold, a full and unrestricted license to practice in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or in the District of Columbia.

Preferred Experience: Approximately 2-3 years of recent or current psychiatric physician assistant experience in mental health specific to the area of interest. Experience with Behavioral Health patients. Experience as a provider for Mental Health diagnoses and treatment plans.