Physician Assistant - Surgical Subspecialty Clinic

Full Job Description

How to Submit a Successful Application video: https://hr.venturacounty.gov/how-to-apply/application

THE POSITION: Under the supervision of a physician and following written guidelines of protocol, the Physician Assistant performs medical examinations, selected diagnostic and therapeutic tasks, and other special procedures to assist in the delivery of pre-, intra-, and post-operative care to patients of the Ventura County Health Care Agency. The incumbent may also be responsible for serving as a first assistant to the surgeon as needed. The surgical specialty areas in this recruitment include: ENT, neurosurgery, urology and plastic surgery.

Our County and Community:
Ventura County is located on California's "Gold Coast," nestled between the cities of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara and has a nearly perfect Mediterranean climate with an average annual temperature of 74 degrees. Residents enjoy rolling hills and sweeping ocean and Channel Island views. The beauty, weather and diverse cultural community come together to offer a wonderful quality of life.

Distinguishing Characteristics:
Positions in this class are characterized by their responsibility for performing basic diagnostic, treatment, and supportive services in the care and treatment of patients as a member of the health care team. Incumbents receive technical direction on medical procedures from a physician, who accepts full responsibility for the health care of the patient when determining diagnosis and therapeutic treatment.

The class is distinguished from Nurse Practitioner/Senior Nurse Practitioner in that a California Registered Nurse license is not required; however, incumbents must be licensed to practice as a Physician Assistant by the Physician Assistant Board of the Medical Board of California.

Approximate Salaries
Primary Care Clinic Physician Assistant: $5,745.24 - $6,425.64 biweekly
Per Diem Clinic Physician Assistant: $73.03 - $81.67 hourly

The Per Diem Primary Care Clinic Physician Assistant is distinguished from the Primary Care Clinic Physician Assistant in that Per Diem Physician Assistants are scheduled to work on an as-needed basis to supplement staffing needs.

EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE: Some positions may be eligible for educational incentive. This incentive may be 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% for incumbents in eligible positions based on completion of an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree that is not required for the classification.

BILINGUAL INCENTIVE: Some positions may be eligible for bilingual incentive depending on the applicable memorandum of agreement and the needs of the department. In order to qualify for this incentive, incumbents in eligible positions must take and pass the applicable bilingual fluency examination.

Primary Care Clinic Physician Assistant and Per Diem Primary Care Clinic Physician Assistant are represented by the California Nurses Association (CNA). The Primary Care Clinic Physician Assistant is not eligible for overtime compensation. The Per Diem Primary Care Clinic Physician Assistant is eligible for overtime compensation.

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future Regular (including Temporary and Fixed-term), Intermittent, and Extra Help vacancies for these positions only within the Health Care Agency - Ambulatory Care.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
OPENING DATE: March 24, 206
CLOSING DATE: April 03, 2026

Requirements

• Provides complete, comprehensive, family-oriented, culturally-sensitive clinical care for patients pre-, intra-, and post-surgery. This includes obtaining medical histories, performing physical examinations, making diagnoses, and treating patients;
• Prepares both the patient and surgical team for operations, which includes explaining the surgical procedure and obtaining informed consent where necessary;
• May function as a first assistant to the surgeon during surgical procedures;
• Writes post-operative orders and coordinates discharge planning;
• Prescribes medications and treatment, monitors patients’ progress, and adapts treatment as required;
• Inoculates and vaccinates patients to immunize patients from communicable diseases;
• Advises patients concerning evidence-based lifestyle changes that improve patient health and works with patients to develop self-management goals;
• Coordinates with care team to provide high-quality patient care and ensure patient treatment goals are met;
• Works with high volume of patients, internal/external customers, and appropriately manage frequent changes, delay or unexpected events;
• Follows workflows that support quality improvement efforts and increase patient access;
• Explains in appropriate verbal and written language the care plan and any procedures, including surgical procedures;
• Advises nursing and related personnel as to the administration of medication and treatment; writes orders;
• Gives or determines the need for medical tests, orders laboratory tests as necessary; interprets medical tests;
• Consults with physicians and providers, referring patients to specialists when necessary, and working with other healthcare staff, such as nurses, assistants, and physicians;
• Keeps accurate and timely medical records and charts and adheres to documentation policies. Prepares various records such as progress notes, comprehensive care plans, summaries, etc. Documents gathered information in medical record as required by policies;
• Maintains an updated problem lists and medication lists for all patients assigned to the provider based on available information and clinical judgement;
• Determines the need for ancillary tests, orders these tests as necessary, interprets these tests and closes the loop by providing timely results to the patient and coordinating follow up care including additional testing or referrals as needed;
• Responds to portal messages and EHR inbox in a timely fashion and provides coverage for colleagues’ inboxes when they are not available;
• Counsels patients and families about physical, medical, and mental conditions; obtains appropriate consent for treatment from patients or parent/caregiver;
• Participate in meetings, conferences, and training sessions as determined by Ambulatory Care administration;
• Follows safety protocols, including but not limited to using two patient identifiers and time-out procedures;
• Keeps all medical staff privileging requirements up-to-date, including CME requirements;
• Administers first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an emergency;
• Complies with medical laws (for example, HIPAA). Demonstrates knowledge of domestic violence, child and dependent abuse protocols and mandated reporting;
• Adheres to applicable State and Federal regulations pertaining to scope of practice and licensure;
• May perform procedures within scope of practice; and
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

These are entrance requirements to the exam process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE

Primary Care Clinic Physician Assistant
Requires successful completion of a physician assistant training program approved by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). In addition, a minimum of six (6) months of full-time Physician Assistant experience (preferably in the area of clinical assignment) is required.

Per Diem Clinic Physician Assistant
Requires successful completion of a physician assistant training program approved by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires possession of a current valid license to practice as a Physician Assistant issued by the Physician Assistant Board of the Medical Board of California.
• Previous professional experience as a physician assistant in a surgical setting.
• Requires possession of a National Provider Identifier (NPI) at time of hire

DESIRED

• Possession of a DEA license

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Thorough knowledge of: surgical anatomy; surgical procedures and techniques; pharmacology (including anesthetics, antibiotics, and pain medications); the diagnostic and treatment techniques used in practicing medicine; the laws and regulations governing Physician Assistants; the principles of health maintenance and disease management; health care delivery systems; basic pharmacology; community health, mental health, and preventive medicine techniques and concepts; and routine laboratory and screening techniques.

Working ability to: recognize surgical complications quickly; utilize manual dexterity when assisting in a surgical procedure; diagnose, treat and refer patients; assess and manage the care of patients; identify problems that require immediate consultation with a physician; maintain confidentiality of patient/client information; provide health education and counseling to patients; prepare clear and concise medical reports; work effectively with the inter-professional staff in coordinating the delivery of health care services; and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Additional Information