Advanced Practice Clinician (NP/PA), Street Medicine (Los Angeles, CA)

Healthcare in Action•Los Angeles, CA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Healthcare in Action provides care to people experiencing homelessness through a street medicine model, using medically equipped vans to bring services to locations such as streets, encampments, shelters, parks, and other places where patients reside. The Advanced Practice Clinician supports patients experiencing or at risk of homelessness by providing direct care as an independent healthcare provider and coordinating care with partner agencies and the broader care team. The clinician conducts assessments, diagnoses and documents health conditions, creates individualized care plans, provides education and referrals, and supports patients in managing chronic conditions and improving health outcomes. The role provides clinical leadership to teams that include social workers and peer navigators, and serves as a liaison to the overseeing physician and psychiatrist. The clinician collaborates with Healthcare in Action, SCAN, providers, and quality improvement teams while maintaining professional standards, accurate documentation, patient confidentiality, and compliance with applicable policies and requirements. The position requires field-based patient care in the Los Angeles Riverbed area and the ability to drive a personal vehicle, with mileage reimbursement. The role involves walking and hiking to reach patients and carrying supplies. A job offer is contingent on providing proof of tuberculosis screening upon hire or proof of a negative screening within the prior year.

Requirements

Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from an accredited nursing school.
Current California Nurse Practitioner license in good standing.
NPI and DEA license in good standing.
Current First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
At least 2 years of experience working as a Nurse Practitioner in a medical office, hospital, field, and/or population health setting.
Demonstrated experience providing direct patient care in the field.
Experience with substance abuse and mental health.
Excellent assessment skills and the ability to problem-solve and prioritize changing patient conditions.
Knowledge of efficient interviewing practices and techniques for gathering information.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with providers and patients.
Ability to work on a team and maintain good working relationships with staff and patients.
Excellent verbal, written communication, and listening skills, in person and by phone.
Excellent customer service skills and the ability to work sensitively with a diverse patient population.
Ability to maintain quality, safety, and infection-control standards.
Knowledge of, or ability to learn, computer-based applications such as MS Office and electronic medical record systems.
Knowledge of medical records and appropriate documentation requirements.
Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and knowledge of HIPAA requirements.
Ability to remain calm and resourceful in emergency situations and maintain a professional demeanor.
Valid California driver’s license and state liability insurance.
Ability to walk distances and hike as needed while carrying supplies.
Ability to climb, stoop, kneel, and crouch.
Ability to bend, reach, lift, pull, push, and/or carry up to 15 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Provide proof of tuberculosis screening upon hire or proof of a negative screening within the last year.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the military or international relief providing patient care in outdoor environments.
Understanding of ICD-10 coding.

Responsibilities

Conduct physical examinations and assessments, including diagnostic exams; obtain medical histories; diagnose and document health conditions; conduct wellness exams; administer vaccinations; and draw blood for laboratory tests when needed.
Interpret and evaluate diagnostic tests to identify and assess clinical problems and healthcare needs.
Create individualized care plans and perform Chronic Care Assessments for patients.
Organize and complete Chronic Care Assessments and chart audits.
Develop care plans in collaboration with patients, peer navigators, and primary care physicians.
Document chronic health conditions and consider appropriate follow-up with SCAN’s local provider network.
Educate and advise patients on medical issues, health promotion, illness prevention, and management of chronic health problems.
Monitor, train, and coach patients with chronic conditions to help them meet their health goals and make behavioral changes.
Provide referrals to appropriate internal and external medical resources.
Consult with physicians and the Medical Director as needed, and keep primary care physicians informed about patients’ health conditions and progress.
Build trusting relationships and collaborate with providers and patients.
Function as an independent healthcare provider within the care team and within the scope of a California Nurse Practitioner license.
Provide clinical leadership to teams that include social workers and peer navigators, and serve as a liaison to the overseeing physician and psychiatrist.
Collaborate with SCAN, Healthcare in Action staff, and the Quality Improvement team to achieve organizational goals.
Maintain a safe, efficient, pleasant environment consistent with recognized standards and maintain quality, safety, and infection-control standards.
Follow company policies and procedures for handling laboratory specimens and biohazardous waste.
Document patient visits and interactions accurately and promptly, while maintaining patient confidentiality and complying with HIPAA requirements.
Develop an understanding of the health plan’s encounter-data submission process and CMS requirements.
Participate in grievance, audit, continuing education, quality assurance, and quality improvement programs.
Serve as an ongoing resource to providers and case management teams and participate in appropriate clinical committees as assigned.
Maintain professional and technical knowledge through educational workshops, professional publications, personal networks, and professional societies.
Maintain effective working relationships with personnel, medical staff, administration, patients, and colleagues.
Report suspicious, unethical, or illegal conduct and cooperate with approved investigations and inspections.
Support Healthcare in Action’s vision and goals and contribute to team efforts.
Drive a personal vehicle for work; mileage is reimbursed at federal rates.
Perform other duties as assigned.