Physician Assistant – Adult Psychiatry Outpatient

Physician Assistants, under the direct supervision of an FCS MD or DO and in accordance with state regulations, evaluate patients and prescribe medications for new and follow-up care. Working within a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC) model, they provide medication services to support integrated behavioral health treatment. Responsibilities include outpatient care for medical and psychiatric clients, coordination with hospitals and emergency services, participation in multidisciplinary care teams, and support to management as needed. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of co-occurring disorders and appropriate interventions. Physician Assistants maintain prescribing privileges in collaboration with an MD or DO and adhere to the Oklahoma Scope of Practice guidelines.

Consumer Engagement, Assessment & Prescribing Duties

• Demonstrate knowledge of and fidelity to the Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC) model, including its history, philosophy, structure, and purpose.
• Conduct comprehensive psychiatric assessments, including psychiatric history, course of illness, treatment response, mental status exams, and DSM-5 diagnosis.
• Provide medication management services, including reviewing vitals, prescribing psychotropic medications, monitoring for side effects, and educating consumers on medication use and adherence.
• Deliver office-based opioid treatment (OBOT), including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and outpatient withdrawal management, as appropriate.
• Provide on-site crisis assessments and interventions to stabilize acute situations.
• Participate in and help lead treatment planning meetings.
• Maintain an 85–90% schedule fill rate.
• Ensure services are welcoming, engaging, integrated, and comprehensive in scope.

Collaboration & Care Coordination

• Collaborate with CCBHC team members to support and educate family members on mental illness, treatment participation, and recovery support.
• Educate consumers and families on opioid-related risks, including cross-tolerance, overdose signs and symptoms, use of opioid antagonists, and when to seek emergency care.
• Work closely with the psychiatry team to ensure timely prescriptions, refills, and access to care, including walk-in services.
• Partner with nursing staff to assess physical health, coordinate care, and refer to community providers as needed.
• Direct and collaborate with nursing staff to develop, implement, and maintain psychopharmacological and medical treatment policies and procedures.
• Serve as liaison between FCS and hospitals/emergency facilities to coordinate inpatient admissions when necessary.

Documentation & Administrative Responsibilities

• Document consumer progress in the electronic health record on the same day of service, following established standards.
• Complete all Patient Assistance Program (PAP) documentation daily to maximize access to medications.
• May offer evening clinic hours to accommodate consumer needs.

Consultation & Tele-Psychiatry

• Provide psychiatric and primary care consultation to the Adult Behavioral Health Home team.
• Utilize tele-psychiatry services as appropriate; training will be provided on required systems and regulations.
• Deliver care via tele-psychiatry when needed, while ensuring consumers may opt for in-person services if preferred.