Triage Provider - Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant

Gary and Mary West PACE • San Marcos, CA

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

Gary and Mary West PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly), affiliated with West Health (www.westhealth.org), is a non-profit that delivers medical, social, and behavioral services to the frail elderly to the North County of San Diego. This PACE center is entrepreneurial in nature and focuses on innovations and bringing new processes to the traditional PACE environment. We're looking for passionate healthcare providers who want to be part of a team dedicated to enable seniors to live in their communities as independently as possible by providing compassionate, comprehensive health and supportive care.

Position Summary:
Under supervision of the Medical Director and in collaboration with clinic Providers, the Triage Provider provides assessment, planning, primary and urgent care, triage, and continuous medical coverage to PACE participants in accordance with Gary and Mary West PACE (GMWP) standards. The Triage Provider serves as a key clinical resource for the development and operation of a Triage and Rapid Response Team, providing timely assessment and intervention for participants experiencing urgent or changing medical needs. This position supports clinical triage and timely medical evaluation and treatment. Various settings may include the Day Center, triage clinic, participant homes, or other appropriate settings. This position may also incorporate usage of telehealth as well as in person visits. The Triage provider would also provide clinical support to other PACE providers and clinic team members to facilitate timely access to care, appropriate disposition, and continuity of services.
The Triage Provider works collaboratively with the IDT to identify changes in participant condition, prevent avoidable emergency department visits and hospitalizations when clinically appropriate, and ensure participants receive timely and appropriate care within the PACE model.

Requirements

• Graduate degree from an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program.
• Current, unrestricted RN license and Nurse Practitioner certification OR Physician Assistant license.
• Current DEA registration.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Current driver's license and proof of auto insurance.
• Minimum of 1 year work experience as an NP or PA doing adult health care management of acute conditions with or without MD oversight.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with other providers and an interdisciplinary team (IDT).
• Creative and enthusiastic commitment to the "triple aim" – dedication to improving experience, health, and value for PACE participants.
• Ability to process information accurately and timely, and able to learn new EMR and health tech and communication platforms quickly.
• Excellent clinical, organizational, and communication skills in settings with frail, elderly participants, their families.
• Medical clearance for communicable diseases and up-to-date immunizations before having direct participant contact.
• Successful pre-employment drug screen, background check, and physical assessment.

Nice To Haves

• Specific work experience with the frail, elderly population is preferred.
• Current knowledge of geriatric issues and best practices, experience with palliative care would be a bonus.
• Experience with having difficult goals of care and "What Matters" conversations would be preferred.
• Working knowledge of PACE regulations would be a bonus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide primary care and acute illness evaluation and treatment for participants in collaboration with clinic Providers in the Day Center, participant homes, and other appropriate community settings.
• Serve as a clinical provider responding to urgent participant needs and changes in condition that require timely clinical assessment, intervention, and follow-up.
• Provide same-day assessment and triage for participants presenting with urgent medical concerns, changes in condition, abnormal clinical findings, or symptoms requiring immediate evaluation.
• Rapidly assess participants to determine the appropriate level and location of care, including treatment in the clinic or community, consultation with a PACE Physician, coordination with nursing or other IDT members, referral to a specialist, or transfer to an emergency department or hospital when clinically indicated.
• Respond to urgent clinical situations and assist in stabilizing participants while coordinating the appropriate next level of care.
• Support the nursing and clinic teams with clinical assessment and decision-making for participants whose condition has changed or whose needs exceed routine nursing triage.
• Provide clinical consultation and support to PACE Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, nurses, medical assistants, rehabilitation staff, and other members of the clinic team regarding urgent participant needs, clinical concerns, and appropriate follow-up.
• Assist clinic providers with same-day participant needs, including evaluation of urgent symptoms, follow-up of abnormal test results, medication-related concerns, treatment questions, and other issues requiring provider-level assessment.
• Participate in the development and implementation of standardized workflows and protocols for rapid response, urgent triage, same-day access, escalation of care, and follow-up of participants with acute or changing conditions.
• Conduct focused and problem-oriented assessments as clinically indicated in response to urgent participant concerns, changes in condition, nursing referrals, or requests from other members of the IDT.
• Provide appropriate follow-up after urgent clinical encounters, including reassessment, communication with the participant and IDT, review of diagnostic results, medication management, and coordination of additional services.
• Collaborate with PACE Physicians, clinic Providers, and the IDT regarding participant disposition following urgent assessments and determine appropriate follow-up and monitoring.
• Collaborate with physician(s), Providers, and IDT in discharge planning from acute care, emergency department, hospital, skilled nursing, or long-term care settings.
• In consultation with the PACE Physician and/or clinic Providers, refer participants to medical specialists as appropriate.
• Participate in efforts to prevent unnecessary emergency department utilization and hospitalization through timely assessment, treatment, care coordination, and appropriate escalation when clinically indicated.
• Provide education and clinical guidance to participants, caregivers, and members of the IDT regarding disease management, treatment plans, medication management, warning signs, and when to seek additional medical attention.
• Protect privacy and maintain confidentiality of all company procedures and information about employees, participants and families.
• Follow GMWP policies and procedures and participate in any required QI activities, staff training and meetings.
• Maintain professional licensure, certifications, and required continuing education.
• Act only within the scope of practice and in accordance with applicable federal and California laws, regulations, professional standards, and GMWP policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Medical Director or designee.

Benefits

• Generous pay and a comprehensive benefits package focused on your health and wellness.
• 11 paid holidays, 16 days of PTO, and 5 days of sick time.
• A 5% employer match to our 403(b) retirement plan.
• An annual education allowance and a commitment to professional growth.

What This Job Offers

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