PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT I – CERMAK

The Cermak Health Care of Cook County (CERMAK) provides healthcare to the detainees at the Cook County Department of Corrections. Under the direction of Chair of the Department of Correctional Health, Medical Director at Cermak, the Physician Assistant I will primarily perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that are deemed appropriate to the normal scope and characteristics of the collaborating physician and in compliance with the Illinois Physician Assistant Practice Act. May perform other job related duties as assigned.

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Assess referred patients in the clinical setting
• Conducts patient’s health needs assessments
• Obtains comprehensive and/or problem focused history and performs detailed physical examinations to determine accurate diagnosis
• Orders appropriate diagnostic tests or lab work necessary, i.e. x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), complete blood count (CBC), etc.
• Formulates a treatment plan and meets with patient/family/provider to inform them of a bio psychosocial management plan
• Identifies and communicates with supervisor any patient care issues; offers research guided recommendations for improvement initiatives if applicable –
• Develops and implements patient management plans in providing continuity of care
• Performs procedures, treatments, and other subspecialty dependent modalities within the scope of the collaborating physician to improve patient outcomes
• Adheres to quality and patient safety standards set forth by CCH. Participates in necessary peer review and quality assurance activities
• Adheres to infection control policies and protocols, i.e. hand hygiene
• Prescribes and dispenses medications utilizing best practices
• Complies with federal, state and local legal and professional requirements.
• Maintains professional licensing requirements and technical knowledge through continued educational programs and workshops supporting emerging healthcare trends

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate of an Accreditation Review Commission (ARC) Physician Assistant program OR have the ability to obtain license prior to starting employment, required.(If already obtained must provide proof at time of interview)
• Must possess a valid Physician Assistant license in the State of Illinois OR have the ability to obtain license prior to starting employment, required. (If already obtained, must provide proof at time of interview)
• Must be Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), required. (Must provide proof at time of interview)
• Must possess a valid Illinois Controlled Substances License (ILCS) OR the ability to obtain license prior to starting employment, required (If already obtained, must provide proof at time of interview)
• Valid licensure with the Federal DEA OR the ability to obtain license prior to starting employment, required. (If already obtained, must provide proof at time of interview

• Valid Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification, preferred.
• Valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, preferred.

• Knowledge of proper hand hygiene and hand washing techniques
• Knowledge of infectious control policies and procedures
• Thorough knowledge of Physician Assistant practices and principles and the ability to apply them in a clinical setting.
• Excellent Physician Assistant clinical and technical skills
• Knowledge and skill to perform mathematical accuracy in measuring and dispensing medication
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff and a patient population composed of diverse cultures and age groups
• Strong customer service and empathy skills
• Demonstrates good computer and typing skills
• Demonstrate good phone and email etiquette skills with strong response times
• Demonstrate analytical and organizational, problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict management/resolution skills
• Demonstrate attention to detail, accuracy and precision
• Ability to effectively communicate while maintaining HIPPA for PHI
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast paced and stressful environment
• Ability to adhere to department policies and standards utilizing best practices
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and composure when challenged
• Ability to function autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to see and hear clearly (including with correction)
• Ability to tolerate exposure to unpleasant noise, odor and temperature

PLEASE READ

When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service

• Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
• Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, “Are you a Military Veteran?”
• Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, Please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list and Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable

• A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver’s License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.

BENEFITS PACKAGE

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States’ territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.

• Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

• CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.

COOK COUNTY HEALTH AND HOSPITALS SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER