PA) - ORCA Center

DESC•Seattle, WA

53m•$79,153 - $87,392•Onsite

About The Position

This role will provide direct clinical care within the DESC Opioid Recovery and Care Access (ORCA) Center. The ORCA Center is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, including holidays. It offers four overlapping types of services, delivered by a team of prescribers, nurses, medical assistants and peer specialists, with operational leadership support: Care to individuals in stable condition who have experienced an opioid overdose, brought to the ORCA Center by first responders or transferred from local emergency departments. Rapid initiation of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), including buprenorphine (sublingual and long-acting injectable) and methadone (under the “72-hour rule”, or Code of Federal regulations Title 21 §1306.07 (b)), for people with opioid use disorder (OUD), regardless of whether an opioid overdose has recently occurred. Harm reduction counseling and OUD-related physical and behavioral health services, such as hepatitis C testing and treatment and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. Follow-up care, at the ORCA Center or at times field-based, with individuals who have started MOUD to ensure support in MOUD continuation. This is a clinical role without administrative or supervisory duties.

Requirements

Fully licensed as a Physician, Nurse Practitioner (Family or Adult NP), or Physician Assistant in the State of Washington.
Registration with the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Experience or training in addiction medicine and harm reduction.
Strong commitment to serving individuals with complex needs, including homelessness and co-occurring behavioral health conditions.
Familiarity with trauma-informed care, harm reduction principles, and equity frameworks.
Ability to remain open and receptive to constructive feedback.
Strong ability to approach those with differing opinions with curiosity & active listening.
Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in low-barrier buprenorphine programs or Federal Opioid Treatment Programs.
Experience in an acute care setting (e.g., emergency department or overdose prevention center).
Skills in addressing co-occurring mental health conditions and physical health needs.
Proficiency with electronic health records and clinical documentation.

Responsibilities

Provide evidence-based treatment for OUD, including initiation and management of buprenorphine (sublingual and long-acting injectable) and, according to DESC protocols, methadone initiation.
Conduct harm reduction counseling and provide services related to infectious diseases such as syphilis, hepatitis C, and HIV (including PrEP).
Manage and treat conditions commonly seen in individuals with OUD, such as skin and soft tissue infections and linkage to mental health care.
Perform initial health assessments and follow-up visits for individuals starting or continuing MOUD.
Educate patients on health-related topics, treatment plans, and harm reduction strategies.
Document clinical care in accordance with DESC and regulatory standards.
Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of clinicians, peer specialists, and social workers to provide holistic care.
Ensure continuity of care for individuals transitioning between ORCA Center services and other health care providers.
Stay updated on best practices in addiction medicine and harm reduction through continuing education.
Participate in in-service training and case discussions to maintain high clinical standards.