Physician Assistant

Full Time MEDICAL Kewa Pueblo, NM, US

Reports to: Chief Medical Officer
FLSA Status: Exempt
Type of Position: Full-time
Revised Date: 02/2022

POSITION PURPOSE

The incumbent works under the supervision of designated Clinic Physicians while providing direct patient care to patients of all ages with a variety of medical, pediatric, and geriatric health needs. Primary focus is on ambulatory walk‑in (unscheduled patients) and selected patients requiring follow‑up for chronic care.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Uphold all principles of confidentiality and patient care to the fullest extent.
• Adhere to all professional and ethical behavior standards of the healthcare industry.
• Interact in an honest, trustworthy, and dependable manner with patients, employees, and vendors.
• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Comply with all Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation and Santo Domingo Health Center policies, procedures, and applicable laws.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES, FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform initial evaluation and triage for ambulatory patients presenting to the walk‑in clinic. Discern the nature and level of urgency of the complaint and either treat or refer as appropriate.
• Provide therapeutic and preventive health services to individual patients, family members, and patient groups in a clinic setting as assigned by supervising physician.
• Assess and diagnose needs and set up a plan of action to address identified needs. Make independent decisions concerning evaluation and treatment per level of independence approved by supervising physician.
• Assess, diagnose, and treat minor illnesses and chronic health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
• Provide counseling and health instructions to patients.
• Teach patients and families techniques on positive health measures, emphasizing responsibilities of medical care, diagnosis, and treatment, and promote positive behavior.
• Participate in specialty clinics as assigned (e.g., immunization, maternal and child health clinics, well baby clinics).
• Become familiar with the cultural, social, political, geographic, demographic, economic, and epidemiological characteristics of the Santo Domingo Pueblo.
• Participate in quality assurance activities of the Santo Domingo Health Center.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Must be board certified or eligible (must pass national PA boards within 18 months maximum of hiring).
• Must have or be able to obtain CPR and/or ACLS certification(s) within 90 days from the date of hire.

Experience

• Minimum of two years’ experience working in a healthcare facility, hospital, rural clinic, or health center.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills, and Other Qualifications

• Knowledge and applied skills in utilizing concepts of adult education, including motivation and behavior change.
• Knowledge of moral and customs of the ethnic group within the area and the ability to appreciate cultural differences.
• Skills necessary in making physical and psychosocial assessments of communities, families, and individuals, recognizing normal and abnormal manifestations, and selecting, planning, and implementing necessary therapeutic treatments.
• Knowledge of drugs and biological effects, and their desired effect on disease treatment.
• Ability to interview and provide counseling in preventive health care on nutrition, common illnesses, child growth and development patterns, and mental health.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation medical staff by‑laws, rules, and regulations and compliance with all requirements for appointment to the medical staff.
• A record of satisfactory performance in all prior and current employment as evidenced by positive employment references from previous and current employers.
• Familiarity with mandatory reporting requirements under the Indian Child Protection Act regarding suspected child abuse or neglect.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual skills in English and the Keres native language.
• Emergent or urgent care experience.
• Familiarity and ability to perform skilled procedures, including suturing simple lacerations, management of intravenous lines with IV antibiotic administration, bladder catheterization, and ostomy care.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Normal office conditions exist. Noise level may vary from low to moderate. Employees may be exposed to hazardous materials, waste, and contagious diseases (e.g., HIV, COVID, TB). The position involves inherent health risks associated with working in a health center facility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Employees may frequently stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, talk, and hear. Prolonged sitting, keyboarding, reading, driving, or riding in transport vehicles may occur. Employees must occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include reading, distance, computer, and color vision. Talking and hearing are essential for communication with patients, vendors, and staff.

MENTAL DEMANDS

The position involves deadlines, multi‑tasking, and interaction with a variety of people on complex issues.

OTHER

All employees must uphold confidentiality and patient care principles to the fullest extent. Access to sensitive information is granted, and breaches will lead to immediate termination.

Among applicants who meet all minimum mandatory qualifications, preference will be granted, to the maximum extent feasible, to qualified Native American applicants.