Full Job Description
The Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital operated by The Department of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking a dynamic candidate for a Physician Assistant position. Providers in this position serve as a primary care provider for mentally ill patients in a long-term care facility.
Please Note: This is a full-time, 40-hour position. The schedule is 1st Shift, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with Saturday and Sunday as days off.
Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and not all inclusive):
- Perform admission, routine, annual, and as needed focused medical examinations and manage acute and chronic medical needs of WRCH patients.
- Execute the coordination of assessments and treatment plans as well as:
- Ordering and interpreting labs, EKGs, and imaging studies
- Perform minor surgical procedures
- Make appropriate specialist referrals
- Perform age-appropriate screening tests
- Order appropriate vaccinations
- Work on a multidisciplinary team as the medical provider and make recommendations for the patients’ treatment plan.
- Monitor patients’ response to treatments and medication interventions.
- Knowledge of psychiatry and psychiatric medications and the comorbidities and side effects of psychiatric medications and mental illness.
- Document in an appropriate and timely manner in the medical record.
Required Qualifications
- Ability to manage the above duties and responsibilities.
- Maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
- Exercise sound clinical judgement.
- Maintain a calm manner in stressful and emergency situations.
- Flexible and be a team player.
Special Requirements:
- Current and valid certification (or eligibility for certification for first available physician assistant certification examination) as in Physician Assistant Studies by a national Professional accrediting body.
- Valid License by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Physician Assistant.
- Valid DEA and Mass Controlled Substance License issued to Provider.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working with individuals with serious, persistent mental illness and substance abuse
- Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.
- American Sign Language (ASL)
About Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH): Located on over 20 acres in Worcester, Massachusetts, Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) is part of an integrated network of effective, efficient, and culturally competent mental health services. It provides intermediate and long-term inpatient care for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness who live in Massachusetts, as well as individuals requiring specialized court ordered evaluations.
WRCH provides inpatient services to 290 adults and 30 adolescents, inclusive of a Deaf Inpatient Mental Health Service program for 10 patients.
Learn more about WRCH: Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) | Mass.gov
DMH Mission Statement:
The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! Pre-Offer Process:
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
None
Special Requirements:
Physician Assistant must be a graduate from a program for the education and training of Physician Assistants which has been approved by the Massachusetts Board of Approval and Certification of Physician Assistant Programs, Department of Public Health (M.G.L., Chapter 112, ss. 9C-9H).
Current and valid registration as a Physician Assistant under the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine.
Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.