School Based Staff Physician

Department: Clinical | Reports to: Chief Medical Officer (CMO) | FLSA Status: Exempt

About the Role

As the main provider and Clinical Director for our School-Based Program at UCHC, you will play a crucial role in providing primary care services to students within the school setting. This position combines clinical expertise and leadership skills with a focus on preventive care, health promotion, and addressing the unique healthcare needs of school-aged children. You will work collaboratively with school personnel, parents, and community partners to ensure the well-being of students and promote a healthy learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for clinic staff, including healthcare providers, administrative personnel, and support staff.
• Serve as a clinical leader and resource for healthcare providers, including physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and medical assistants, ensuring adherence to evidence-based practices and quality standards.
• Provide comprehensive primary care services to students, including routine physical exams, acute care visits, chronic disease management, and immunizations.
• Conduct health screenings, assessments, and risk evaluations to identify and address medical, developmental, and behavioral health concerns.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including school nurses, counselors, and educators, to develop care plans and support student health and academic success.
• Develop and implement health promotion initiatives, educational programs, and preventive interventions to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles among students.
• Deliver age-appropriate health education sessions on topics such as nutrition, exercise, hygiene, sexual health, substance abuse prevention, and mental wellness.
• Engage with parents, caregivers, and school staff to provide guidance, resources, and support for promoting positive health outcomes within the school community.
• Facilitate care coordination and referrals for students requiring specialty care, mental health services, dental care, or additional support services.
• Communicate effectively with external healthcare providers, specialists, and community agencies to ensure seamless transitions of care and continuity for students with complex health needs.
• Advocate for students and families to access appropriate resources and services, addressing social determinants of health and barriers to care as needed.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date medical records, documentation, and confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA regulations and FQHC standards.
• Ensure timely completion of encounter notes, progress reports, and required paperwork for billing, reporting, and quality assurance purposes.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, program evaluation activities, and accreditation processes to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of school-based healthcare services.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant healthcare regulations, including FTCA, PCMH, and PHMI programs. Monitor and improve the quality of care provided at the clinic.
• Develop and implement health programs tailored to the needs of the student population, focusing on preventive care, health education, and wellness initiatives.
• Manage the school-based clinic’s budget, resources, and supplies efficiently. Seek funding opportunities and manage grants to support school-based clinic operations.

Requirements

• Medical Doctor (MD) degree from an accredited medical school.
• Board certification or eligibility in Pediatrics, Family Medicine, or a related specialty preferred.
• Current state medical license and DEA registration.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience, with demonstrated ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and manage clinical operations.
• Experience working with pediatric populations, preferably in a school-based or community health setting.
• Strong clinical skills in primary care, preventive medicine, and adolescent health.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
• Commitment to promoting health equity, cultural competence, and student-centered care.

Skills

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Occasional light lifting up to a 25-pound limit, and some bending, stooping, or squatting.
• Considerable walking may be involved. Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time is required.
• Flexibility to work in multiple locations throughout the week.
• Finger dexterity and hand coordination required.
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust or focus.

Work Environment

• Exposure to adverse conditions, extreme heat, extreme cold, wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions, and possible risk of electrical shock.
• Possible risk of exposure to explosives, radiation, and vibration.
• Protective clothing or equipment may be required, including gloves, helmets, steel-toed boots, and protective eyewear.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually high.