PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT – PSYCHIATRY

Job Summary

The Physician Assistant (PA) is responsible for the psychiatric needs of children and adolescents and adults, with a primary focus on children and adolescents. The position includes conducting formal and informal assessments, clinical interviews, and developing treatment plans and medication regimens for children, adolescents, and adults with complex mental or emotional problems. Duties may include facilitating groups, conducting educational workshops and in service training for staff, and participating in outreach programs. The Physician Assistant will adhere to evidence-based practice guidelines, professional standards, and state and federal requirements.

Job Duties

• Review patient records, interview patient and family to determine health and psychiatric status and take a history. Establish a differential diagnosis list and a working diagnosis. Consult reference materials as needed to identify symptoms, make diagnoses and develop approaches to treatment
• In collaboration with the treatment team and psychiatrist, and adhering to evidence based medicine and established clinical guidelines, develop treatment plans including type, frequency, intensity and duration of therapy. Provide counseling and instruction regarding patient’s psychiatric and health concerns. Evaluate effectiveness of treatment and modify plan as necessary
• Order appropriate medical tests as required within limits of practitioner’s license
• Prescribe medications or implement physician’s recommendations within established practice standards, monitor effectiveness, and educate staff, patient/client and family members on potential benefits and possible side effects. Modify medication regimen as necessary based on patient’s response to therapy. Provide any information required to facilitation authorization of medications.
• In the hospital, perform daily rounds and participate in daily team meeting. In outpatient see clients on a regular basis, perform psychiatric evaluations, provide medication management and participate in team meetings.
• Communicate pertinent medical Initiate appropriate evaluation and management of emergent or urgent situations. Respond to emergencies in a timely manner and follow up with recommendations.
• Accurately document clinical findings. Utilize templates endorsed by the KidsPeace Executive Vice President of Chief Medical Officer in organizing and writing/dictating psychiatric evaluations or updates, medication reviews, progress notes, discharge summaries and other such documentation that may be typically required. Ensure that all services provided are documented in a complete, thorough and timely manner as established by the organization. Complete any required insurance enrollment documents as required to appropriately bill for services rendered.

Qualifications

• M. S. Physician Assistant required
• One to two years of clinical experience in psychiatry preferred
• Must possess and maintain a valid, current and unrestricted license to practice as a Physician Assistant in Pennsylvania
• Must be credentialed to serve on the Medical Staff and provide in a timely manner all related information as requested and needed for the credentialing and Human Resources employment processes
• Experience with acute emotionally challenged children or adolescents preferred
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Valid driver’s license required
• This position is expected to take call on an assigned, rotating schedule that includes weekends and holidays.