Physician Assistant​/Pediatrics​/California​/Locum Tenens​/Physician Assistant, Street Medicine; Northern LA

At Healthcare in Action, we serve patients experiencing homelessness through an innovative ?street medicine? approach by contracting with Medicare and Medicaid health plans as well as hospitals and health systems.

Street medicine entails using a medically equipped van to deliver medical care directly to people experiencing homelessness in locations such as parking lots, encampments, and parks.

The Peer Navigator supports members who are experiencing/ are at risk of experiencing homeless with managing their own health in the Downtown LA/West Hollywood/Marina Del Rey, CA Area . Assist in motivating behavioral changes in patients to improve health outcomes through education, peer support, housing & resource navigation, and the relaying of shared experience.

At Healthcare in Action, we serve patients experiencing homelessness through an innovative ?street medicine? approach by contracting with Medicare and Medicaid health plans as well as hospitals and health systems.

The Physician Assistant will provide direct patient care to people experiencing homelessness with partner homeless services agencies we work closely with. Meet with patients, perform physicals, discuss symptoms, and educate patients on their condition. Diagnose illnesses, order and interpret laboratory tests and x-rays, prescribe medications, develop and manage treatment plants, and advise patients on preventative care and optimal health practices. Care is delivered directly on the street, encampment, or shelter in the Northern LA County region.

This position requires the use of personal vehicles going out with the teams in the following schedule:

• Monday
  -Friday: with the Union Station team which alternates days in cities in the SPA 3 area, such as Altadena, Irwindale, Pomona and El Monte.

** Must be able to perform field phlebotomy and perform minor procedures. Must be able to walk distances and potentially hike to reach encampments as well.

Responsibilities include:

• Conduct physical exams and assessments including diagnostic exams; take medical histories; diagnose and document patient?s health conditions; conduct wellness exams, administer vaccinations and draw blood for lab tests (if necessary).
• Interpret and evaluate diagnostic tests to identify and assess individuals? clinical problems and health care needs.
• Develop care plans in collaboration with patients, peer navigators, and primary care physicians. Educate and advise on medical issues as needed. Consult with physicians and Medical Director as needed. Ensure Primary Care Physicians are aware of patient?s health conditions and progress.
• Provide health education to patients. Work with patients in the prevention of illness, promotion of health, and management of patient's adjustment to chronic health problems.
• Document patient visit/interaction accurately and timely.
• Engage with providers and patients to create a trusting environment.
• Maintain a safe, efficient, and pleasant environment conducive to optimum patient wellbeing, in conformance with recognized standards.
• Function in a collaborative relationship with physicians and other health care professionals in the clinical management of patients.
• Maintain a good working relationship with other personnel, medical staff, and administration.
• Follow company policies and procedures for the proper handling of lab specimens and biohazardous waste. Provide referrals both internally and externally to appropriate medical resources.
• Report suspicious, unethical, or illegal conduct and cooperate with approved investigations and inspections.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Actively supports the achievement of Healthcare in Action?s Vision and Goals.
• Drive your own vehicle to assigned locations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and experience:

• Master?s degree from an accredited PA program, required

• 2+ years of experience working as a Physician Assistant in a medical office, hospital, population health or field setting required.

• Current California Physician Assistant license in good standing.
• Experience with the homeless population strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience providing direct patient care in the field, required.
• Experience in the military or international relief providing patient care in outdoor environments strongly preferred.
• Experience with substance abuse and mental health highly desired.
• Familiarity with insurance switches and navigating MediCAL.

• NPI, DEA license

• Current First Aid/CPR/AED certification.

• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced outdoors environment

• Ability to move and manipulate patients

• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form

• Ability to multi-task and manage time effectively

• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality required. Knowledge of HIPAA requirements

• Ability to work on a team and maintain good working relationships with staff and patients

• Ability to problem-solve and to prioritize changing patient conditions.

• Knowledge of efficient…