Physician Assistant - job 1 of 3

As a Physician Assistant, your responsibilities will include performing medical assessments, utilizing withdrawal assessment tools for appropriate interventions, prescribing and managing withdrawal medications under supervision, monitoring patient health, documenting patient progress, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, and providing mentorship to healthcare staff.

To apply for the Physician Assistant position, you must have an active PA license in California and ideally have 6 months to 1 year of experience in substance use disorder or mental health. Additionally, a CPR certification is required, or you should be able to obtain it within the first month of hire. Bilingual candidates are preferred.

You can expect a collaborative and supportive work environment as a Physician Assistant. Our multidisciplinary team works closely to ensure safe patient care, and we emphasize best medical practices in a clean and safe treatment setting.

The salary for the Physician Assistant role ranges from $140K to $150K annually, depending on your experience and qualifications. We value your skills and the impact you'll make on our patients' lives.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to all full-time employees, including 100% medical, dental, life, and long-term disability coverage for the employee, with 50% coverage for dependents, paid time off and holiday pay, retirement benefits after 6 months of service, as well as training and CEU opportunities.

When approaching patient assessments, I focus on gathering comprehensive medical histories and utilizing appropriate assessment tools. I believe in building rapport with the patient to ensure they feel comfortable sharing information vital to their treatment.

I have had experience prescribing and managing MAT, and I ensure to stay updated with the latest guidelines to provide optimal care. It’s essential to tailor the treatment plan to each patient’s specific needs while monitoring their progress diligently.

To foster collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, I prioritize open communication and regular meetings to discuss patient care. I value the input of each team member, believing that a collective approach leads to the best patient outcomes.

For a patient resistant to treatment, I believe in employing empathy and active listening to understand their concerns. Building trust and providing information about the benefits of treatment often helps in motivating the patient to engage in their care.

In my previous roles, I have effectively utilized withdrawal assessment tools like CIWA and COWS to guide interventions. Understanding the patient's symptoms helps develop a tailored management plan, focusing on their safety and comfort.

I maintain detailed records of patient assessments and treatment progress using electronic health records, ensuring compliance with all agency policies. I find that accurate documentation helps track changes effectively and supports continuity of care.

When mentoring junior staff, I consider it essential to create an encouraging learning environment. I focus on sharing my knowledge of best practices, providing constructive feedback, and being approachable for any questions they may have.

I regularly attend professional development workshops and read current literature on substance use disorders. Staying informed about emerging research helps me provide the best care and keeps my practice relevant and effective.

I am passionate about using my skills to support individuals on their recovery journeys. The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those facing substance use challenges is both fulfilling and important to me.

I anticipate challenges such as managing complex patient cases and maintaining engagement in treatment. To tackle these challenges, I believe in a patient-centered approach and will leverage team support while continually adapting my strategies to best meet patient needs.