Physician Assistant - PACT - Primary Care (Martinez)

Veterans Health Administration • Martinez, CA

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Primary Care Physician Assistant (PA) provides medical care to Veterans as a member of an outpatient Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT). The PA conducts comprehensive histories and physical examinations, reviews medical records, performs clinical interviews and assessments, makes diagnoses and medical opinions, and develops treatment plans that may include diagnostic testing, medication management or therapy, and specialty or subspecialty referrals. Other specialized practices and procedures may be performed when approved by the PA and collaborating supervisory physician.

The PA works collaboratively with individuals and communicates with staff at other Northern California Health Care System sites to support clinical advice and integration into PACT processes. The role requires proficiency with computer software and mainframe systems, effective oral and written communication, interpersonal and telephone skills, customer service and problem-solving skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. The incumbent must maintain PA certification, complete mandated annual reviews, and participate in in-service and continuing education activities.

The position supports an integrated delivery system, operational efficiency, safe practices, Lean principles, quality improvement initiatives, and continuous quality improvement. The PA identifies and classifies symptoms by acuity, performs basic triage and clinical assessments using collected data and protocols, organizes and analyzes patient information, understands relevant VA administrative regulations and local procedures, and educates patients about symptom management. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework is available; this is not a virtual position. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change of station are not authorized. The position may be eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, subject to eligibility and approval.

Requirements

• Master's degree in any discipline, or bachelor's degree in any discipline plus one year of experience as a Physician Assistant.
• Successfully passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), or be in the process of taking it.
• Currently hold, or be eligible to hold, a full and unrestricted license to practice in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Ability to use PA practice principles to provide appropriate patient care.
• Ability to perform patient histories and physical examinations, formulate plans, and provide treatment.
• Ability to provide patient care informed by changing concepts and advancements in the profession.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and to use effective interpersonal and telephone skills.
• Ability to navigate software and mainframe systems on a personal computer.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks and work in a fast-paced environment; customer-service and problem-solving skills.
• Maintain Physician Assistant certification and meet applicable professional standards, annual review, in-service, and continuing education requirements.
• Meet the experience and education criteria for the selected grade: PA-I requires no experience beyond basic requirements; PA-II requires two years of successful PA practice, an eligible postgraduate PA residency, or a doctoral degree in a health-related field; PA-III requires three years of successful PA practice, an eligible postgraduate PA residency plus one year of PA practice, or a doctoral degree in a health-related field plus one year of PA practice.
• Meet grade-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities, including clinical assessment and treatment capabilities, autonomy appropriate to grade, and collaborative interdisciplinary practice.
• Complete pre-employment requirements, including background/security investigation, drug testing when applicable, physical evaluation, TB testing, and immunization evaluations; seasonal influenza vaccination is required for VA health care personnel.
• Be subject to a probationary period if required.

Nice To Haves

• Physician Assistant experience in Primary Care, Internal Medicine, or Family Medicine.
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) license.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive patient histories and physical examinations for Veterans.
• Review medical records and perform clinical interviews, medical assessments, and evaluations.
• Make diagnoses and render medical opinions.
• Develop treatment plans that may include diagnostic testing, medication management or therapy, and specialty or subspecialty referrals.
• Perform specialized practices and procedures when deemed appropriate by the PA and collaborating supervisory physician and after completing applicable approval documentation.
• Communicate with end users at other health care system sites to improve clinical advice and integration into PACT processes.
• Maintain an integrated delivery system through expansion of clinical practices.
• Support operational efficiency, safe practices, Lean principles, quality improvement projects, and a culture of continuous quality improvement.
• Identify symptoms and classify them by acuity using collected data; perform basic triage and appropriate clinical assessments using protocols and systematic approaches.
• Organize, compare, analyze, and synthesize patient data.
• Apply knowledge of VA administrative regulations, healthcare access points, entitlements, and relevant local policies and procedures.
• Educate and instruct patients on symptom treatment.
• Maintain PA certification, remain current with mandated annual review programs, and attend in-service and continuing education activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package.
• May be eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program, with potential loan reimbursement up to $200,000, subject to eligibility and program approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level