Attending Physician Assistant

Full Job Description

Position: Attending Physician Assistant

Location: Tucson, AZ – Nova Via DX LLC

Facility Type: Acute Dextox Clinic

Department: Medical

Reports To: Medical Director

Schedule: Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week

Compensation: Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

About Us

NOVA ViA Glendale LLC and its affiliated Nova Via DX LLC, Tucson are committed to offering holistic, integrative outpatient behavioral health services, including Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). We strive to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals facing substance use disorders and other behavioral health challenges. Our interdisciplinary team—which includes therapists, counselors, nurses, medical professionals, and administrative staff—works together to enhance patient outcomes and facilitate long-term recovery.

We are seeking an Attending Physician Assistant to join our dedicated staff. This role involves direct patient care, documentation, and collaboration with clinical teams to help ensure a safe, supportive environment for our patients.

Position Summary

An Attending Physician Assistant (PA) in an acute detox center in Tucson, Arizona, functions as a high-level medical provider responsible for the safety and stabilization of patients during the most critical phases of withdrawal.

In an “acute” setting (ASAM Level 3.7 or 4.0), the PA manages complex physiological symptoms that can be life-threatening, such as seizures, delirium tremens, or severe dehydration.

Core Responsibilities

The role is a mix of emergency stabilization, internal medicine, and behavioral health:

• Admission Physicals & Medical Clearance: Perform comprehensive physical exams and medical histories within 24 hours of admission to determine if the patient is stable enough for the facility or requires a higher level of hospital care.
• Withdrawal Management: * Assess severity using standardized tools like CIWA-Ar (alcohol) and COWS (opioids).
• Titrate and manage detox protocols using medications like benzodiazepines, buprenorphine (Suboxone), or anticonvulsants.
• Daily Clinical Rounds: Evaluate patients daily to monitor vitals, manage “breakthrough” symptoms, and adjust medication dosages.
• Emergency Response: Provide immediate intervention for acute medical crises, including respiratory distress, cardiac issues, or drug-induced psychosis.
• Collaboration: Coordinate with a multidisciplinary team including the Medical Director (Physician), Registered Nurses (RNs), and Addiction Counselors.

Mandatory Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree from an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Certification: Current PA-C designation from the NCCPA.
• Arizona Licensure: Active, unrestricted license from the Arizona Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants.
• DEA Registration: Must have a valid DEA certificate to prescribe Schedule II-V controlled substances.
• Required Training (SB 1001): Completion of at least 3 hours of opioid-related CME per license renewal cycle, plus the federally mandated 8-hour DEA MATE Act training on substance use disorders.

Local Tucson Preferences

• ASAM Criteria: Strong knowledge of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) placement levels.
• Life Support: Active ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) and BLS certifications are almost always required for “acute” level facilities.
• PMP Access: Ability to navigate the Arizona Controlled Substances Prescription Monitoring Program to review patient history.

Comparison of Levels of Care

Understanding where an “Acute Detox” PA fits compared to other roles is helpful for career planning:

FeatureAcute Detox (Inpatient)Residential RehabOutpatient (IOP/PHP)

Medical RiskHigh (Life-threatening withdrawal)Moderate (Post-acute)Low (Stable)

PA Presence24/7 coverage or on-callDaily check-insWeekly or as needed

Primary GoalPhysical stabilizationBehavioral changeLong-term recovery

Key ToolsCIWA/COWS, IV fluids, medsCounseling, MAT

Statement of Cultural Alignment

At Nova Via DX LLC, we are committed to delivering precision, science-driven detox care that is ethical, compassionate, and compliant. The Attending Physician Assistant plays a critical role in ensuring our financial and clinical integrity while supporting our mission to bring innovation and excellence to detox and recovery medicine.

Pay: $113,000.00 – $128,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person