Advanced Practice Practitioner (NP/PA)

The Advanced Practice Practitioner (APP) provides evidence-based clinical care to patients with substance use disorders in our comprehensive care program (CCP). The APP is responsible for the delivery of person-centric, trauma-informed, efficient, standardized, evidence-based, high-quality care to our patients. The APP, in partnership with the Chief Medical Officer, contributes to our medical programs and initiatives to support StartCare’s mission, vision, and values. The APP is part of a team-based model comprised of nursing, counseling and medical providers focused on care delivery, management and operations of our clinical programs.

The APP will practice excellent patient and clinical care, responsible for the identification and diagnosis of DSM-5 substance use disorders (including opioid, alcohol and cocaine use disorders), and co-occurring mental health disorders as well as the initiation and management of personalized treatment plans that incorporate current clinical standards of care and evidence-based practices and guidelines.  

The APP will foster a culture of medical and clinical excellence and innovation, and is expected to understand federal, state and DEA rules and regulations to ensure the clinics are compliant with SAMSHA, DEA and OTP/CCP regulatory requirements.

The APP will be an integral member of the Department of Medicine’s clinical team, and will participate in patient care optimization, programmatic development, departmental and clinic strategic planning.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform diagnostic assessments, including the identification of DSM-5 substance use and mental health disorders and associated medical complications to devise problem specific treatment plans that are trauma-informed, culturally responsive and reflect social determinants of health.

• Conduct clinical assessments, including the appropriate history taking, physical examination and supporting laboratory studies, to create problem-based treatment and care plans.
• Clinical management of highly prevalent chronic medication conditions.
• Clinical knowledge and expertise to manage and coordinate care of patients in our Hepatitis C and HIV programs.
• Proficient in basic medical procedures, including vitals assessment, laboratory/toxicology test interpretation, electrocardiography interpretation and phlebotomy.
• Provide urgent and emergency care to patients and staff, including naloxone administration.
• Member of the on-call coverage team.
• Understand and practice harm reduction as a clinical care philosophy.
• Participate in Quality/Process Improvement initiatives and projects.
• Attend Department of Medicine meetings.
• Performs other clinical duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION & COMPETENCIES

• Master's degree in nursing and graduate of an accredited nursing program. Master’s degree in physician assistant studies and graduate of an accredited physician assistant program approved by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA).

•  American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board, American Nurses Credentialing Center, National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) board certification is required.
• Minimum of 3 years clinical experience and/or 2 years post masters clinical experience preferred.
• Provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
• Assess patients and develop treatment plans.
• Diagnose and manage acute and chronic medical conditions.
• Utilize FDA-approved and off-label medications for substance use disorders, including opioids, alcohol, nicotine, and cocaine, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
• Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests.
• Experience using Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems.
• Knowledge of medical billing and claims reimbursement processes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Licensure & Certifications

• Active New York State NP or PA license.
• Current Drug Enforcement Administration registration to prescribe controlled substances.
• Current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Maintain required continuing medical education (CME) to meet organization/certification requirements.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Adoption of data-informed and evidence-based clinical and administrative practices, aptitude for analytics; demonstrated ability to analyze, visualize and present clinical data.

• Solid quality/process improvement knowledge and experience.
• High emotional intelligence, innovative, adaptive, and responsive to clinical unpredictability and practice pace. 
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not require direct supervision.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions described of the position which are reviewed in each individual case.

While performing the responsibilities of the role, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use his or her hands and fingers, to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may be required to lift an object weighing up to 50 lbs., with or without assistance. The vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

LIMITATIONS & DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

StartCare provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.