Psychiatric Physician Assistant (AMKC C-95) – Day tour For Americans

Besides providing administrative and human resources services, PAGNY also fosters an environment in its partner hospitals that allows healthcare professionals to identify and implement best practices across institutions; promote training, academic and research opportunities; develop multidisciplinary integrated clinical service lines; build new systems of care; and address the impact of anticipated major changes in the nation’s healthcare system.

With approximately 65,000 admissions per year and 10,000 average daily population, the NYC jail system is among the largest in the nation. The Division of Correctional Health Services (CHS) of New York City Health + Hospitals (H + H) is responsible for the delivery of medical care, mental health care and discharge planning in the jail system. CHS is a national leader in the delivery of healthcare to the criminal-justice involved population and aspires to the highest standards of care, with the goal of meeting or exceeding what is available in the community. CHS care includes a comprehensive history and physical at the point of admission, robust screening efforts (HIV, hepatitis C, STDs, TB, etc.) and the management of chronic and acute illness. CHS views incarceration as a crucial opportunity to provide care to an underserved population and improve the population health of the communities to which our patients return. CHS is committed to continuously improving the delivery of care in the security setting, using the system-wide Electronic Health Record as a tool to promote patient safety and population health. CHS has contributed to the literature on medical care in the jail as well as public health concerns related to incarceration and seeks to build on a reputation as a national leader, now integrated into the larger H + H care delivery network. CHS seeks to promote an academic practice environment with ample opportunities for continuous education, clear pathways for career growth and engagement of front line staff in the ongoing process of improving clinical care.

Under the supervision of a Senior/Supervising Psychiatrist in the Mental Health Service of CHS, this position requires the provision of high quality, team-based psychiatric services including psychopharmacologic interventions, for individuals incarcerated in the New York City jail system. The mental health service strives to provide safe, holistic and evidence-based therapeutic interventions for the diverse range of mental health issues that face the population, from serious mental illness to the natural struggles that accompany incarceration. The service provides some of the most comprehensive and unique treatment modalities in the country, including specialty housing units, mental observation units for individuals with serious mental illness, a 24-hour on-call psychiatric service, robust creative arts programming, outpatient-level clinics in each of the facilities, substance use treatment, integrated re-entry services, and relationships with multiple training institutions throughout the city. Each of the facilities in the jail system has unique patient population and environmental characteristics; each psychiatric Physician’s Assistant will be matched with the population that most closely meets their clinical expertise and desired work location and schedule. Experience working in correctional settings is not required, however the ability to work closely and effectively with multiple other disciplines, including security staff, is critical.

Responsibilities

• Provide psychiatric care, including admission evaluations, follow-ups, and urgent and emergent consultations to individuals with mental health needs.
• Participate in the creation of an individualized treatment plan after discussing the case with the mental health care team, collecting and reviewing psychosocial data, medical history, nursing assessment, and other pertinent information.
• Evaluate patients for the need for a higher level of care, including hospitalization. If a patient is hospitalized, maintain contact with the hospital psychiatric staff to ensure continuity of care.
• Provide patient education, specifically around issues related to medications and treatment adherence, and aftercare services.
• Document all activities in the electronic medical record in a timely, concise and clear manner.
• Integrate nursing and medical concepts in planning care for medically complicated psychiatric patients.
• Provide consultation to non-prescribing mental health staff and medical staff about diagnosis, treatment and/or the need for psychiatric medication.
• Participate in team meetings with the treatment staff, on a daily basis if working on a mental observation unit and on a weekly basis if working in one of the clinics.

Working Conditions: Because patents require round the clock care, working hours include days, nights weekends and holidays. LPNS are required to stand for long periods of time. Employees are encouraged to safely move patents and use alternative methods whenever possible; alternative methods include requesting assistance to roll/lift/transfer patients. LPNs may face hazards from exposure to chemical and infectious diseases. In addition, they have to treat patients that are confused, irrational, agitated and/or uncooperative.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree
• State of New York Certified Physician’s Assistant and Certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician’s Assistant
• At least 3 years of hospital or outpatient clinical experience as a PA in Behavioral Health
• An equivalent and satisfactory combination of education and experience may be considered

Department Preferences:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of psychopathology in assessing patients in need of mental health treatment, including mental status examination and diagnosis.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of psychopharmacology as it pertains to the patient population being treated and writing prescriptions.

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm

Salary: $71.40 per hour

Please be advised that proof of Covid-19 vaccination is required prior to hire.

This position will require a background check, security clearance and/or drug screening. PAGNY is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with federal and state employment opportunity laws, qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, gender, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, Vietnam era veteran, or disabled Veteran status.

EOE M/F/D/V