SUMMARY Responsible for providing primary and urgent care to a diverse patient population, focusing on health maintenance, disease prevention, patient education, and counseling. Works under a Practice Agreement following established guidelines and within the established scope of practice. KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Demonstrates the ability to perform physical exams on all patients, neonate through the geriatric population. • Obtains and documents the patient's medical history. Identifies health risk factors. • Demonstrates the ability to diagnose and treat common acute illnesses. • Demonstrates the ability to diagnose and treat chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension. • Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors. • Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality. • Orders and interprets diagnostic tests, i.e., laboratory work, x-rays, EKG. • Provides well childcare; women's healthcare, prenatal care, family planning. • Demonstrates the ability to prescribe medications (see individual state laws) and non-pharmacological therapies based on the patient's diagnoses, health history and age. • Encourages positive health behaviors for the maintenance of health and the prevention of disease. This is done through education and counseling. • Always applies standardized care guidelines in clinical practice. • Provides patient and/or family with health education, counseling and referrals to other healthcare professionals and community resources when appropriate. • Assesses and documents patient and/or family psycho-social issues. • Treats patients and families with respect and dignity. Maintains high patient satisfaction scores. • Collaborates with physicians and other members of the health team to plan optimal care for the patient. • Works with the patient and family to formulate a patient treatment and education plan. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES • Provides follow-up care, determines the effectiveness of the treatment plan, reassesses and changes the plan as needed. • Documentation meets all standards and policies. Documentation includes all findings, interventions and results. Appropriately codes E&M at appropriate levels, without over or under coding. Completes and signs all documentation timely, usually at the point of service, but no later than the end of the shift. • Maintains patient confidentiality at all times. • Functions as a patient advocate. • Demonstrates the ability to be flexible, organized, and function under stressful situations. • Participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities. • Stays current with medical advancements, new technology, new drugs through continuing education classes, society meetings, professional journals, etc. • Attends all departmental, organizational, and medical staff committee meetings as appropriate. • Meets the organization’s requirements for participation in government and private payer incentive programs, such as PQRS and Meaningful Use. • Completes patient charts following appropriate documentation guidelines in a timely manner. • Assists with the development and implementation of specific policies and procedures. CREDENTIALS/EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE • Bachelor's Degree in Health Sciences, etc. • Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant Program. • Current Physician Assistant license from the California Physician Assistant Board • The scope of practice is related directly to the PA’s supervising physician and California laws. • Current BCLS certification. • Registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Registration must be obtained within the first six (6) months of employment. • Basic computer knowledge. Ability to master efficient use of EMR. • Able to perform minor office surgeries, apply casts and splints, laceration repairs. (Training will be provided if needed) • Basic X-ray interpretation. (Training will be provided if needed) • Telemedicine evaluations for common minor injuries and illnesses. • Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. • Able to communicate effectively in Spanish is highly desirable. Must be able to work on-site at our Watsonville, CA Clinic. Available Monday - Friday, 8 am - 6 pm. Saturday-Sunday 8 am - 4 pm. CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: If not vaccinated, must be masked during Flu and cold season per CDC and county guidelines. Proof of identity and legal authority to work in the U.S. is a condition of employment.