Description

POSITION TITLE: Advanced Practice Provider (PA/NP)
DEPARTMENT: Health and Human Services (HHS) – Opioid Treatment Program (OTP)
LOCATION: Vancouver, Washington
REPORTS TO: Clinic Medical Director
STATUS: Salaried; Full-Time
SALARY RANGE: $149,968.00 - $187,304.00

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled

Position Summary:

Offers comprehensive diagnostic assessment and treatment services to individuals experiencing symptoms associated with substance use difficulties. Optimizes evidence-based care for patients and supports them in reaching their goals. Ensures the provision of patient-centered treatment for substance use disorder. Adheres to HIPAA and confidentiality requirements. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the HHS department.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Performs history and physical assessments of patients that are accurate, complete, concise, relevant, and appropriate for age, gender, and clinical problem.
• Conducts history and physical exams, develops, manages, and modifies treatment plans.
• Orders appropriate diagnostic studies and correctly interprets the results.
• Dispenses medications and accurately maintains records for controlled substances.
• Utilizes critical thinking to synthesize and analyze collected data.
• Develops, implements, evaluates, and alters the plan of care as needed.
• Manages general medical and addiction medicine based on knowledge of the indications, contraindications, side effects, interactions, and adverse reactions of pharmacologic agents and other relevant treatment modalities.
• Counsels and educates patients and families.
• Provides crisis intervention as needed, including safety planning, relapse prevention planning, referral to community resources, and same-day evaluation and possible stabilization.
• Provides care that is patient- and family-centered, compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and treatment of disease.
• Facilitates consistent, coordinated care and clear communication among all members of the healthcare team.
• Incorporates the patient and family in care planning and treatment across settings.
• Serves as an advocate for patients and families.
• Communicates and collaborates effectively with physicians/team members and health-related agencies.
• Develops, implements, and maintains partnership with client, other health care providers, and community resources as applicable.
• Works effectively with multidisciplinary team members.
• Promotes mutual respect and trust working within a team model.
• Communicates effectively with patients and families, incorporating gender, age, culture, race, religion, disabilities, and sexual orientation.
• Follows ethical principles regarding patient confidentiality.
• Participates in education of students and other health care professionals.
• Maintains effectiveness where circumstances and priorities are changing.  
• Welcomes and participates in opportunities to advance the mission of the clinic through service, science, and social responsibility.
• Participates in organizational and departmental meetings, educational opportunities, committees, and workgroups as necessary.
• Participates in quality initiative/performance activities.
• Participates in daily huddle and collaborates with multidisciplinary health care team as needed to adjust plans of care.
• Facilitates referrals to appropriate community health facilities, agencies, and resources when indicated.
• Complies with applicable drug laws as regulated by the applicable jurisdiction.
• Maintains complete and accurate electronic health records and documents all client contacts and services provided in accordance with program policy and professional standards.
• Practices in an independent role while consulting and collaborating with department staff and community partners.
• Maintains and practices confidentiality as required by HIPAA regulations regarding client confidentiality and request/release of information.
• Adapts to changes in safety protocols and procedures.  
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by conducting research, attending seminars, educational workshops, classes and conferences; reviewing professional publications; establishing networks; participating in professional societies; conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
  Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, procedures, and regulatory requirements in providing a comprehensive substance abuse treatment program in a clinic environment.
• Knowledge of patient evaluation and plan of care procedures.
• Knowledge of patient outreach services and activities.
• Knowledge and understanding of clinical counseling principles, and methodologies in substance use disorder treatment and recovery support.
• Knowledge of etiologies, risk factors, pathophysiology, presentation, and epidemiology of substance use disorders as well as medical conditions.
• Knowledge of medications and their biological effects, and the desired effect on treatment of opioid use disorder.
• Knowledge and familiarity with the mandatory reporting requirements under the Indian Child Protection Act, with regards to suspected incidence of child abuse or child neglect.
• Knowledge of community resources and referral agencies.
• Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements.
• Knowledge and understanding of Cowlitz OTP’s internal and external patient needs and be committed to meeting or exceeding those expectations.
• Skill in treating patients with tact, courtesy, and respect, and as if the patient is the only person in the room.
• Skill in procedural skills pertinent to practice area.
• Skill in de-escalation and crisis intervention.
• Skill in completing documentation in an electronic health record system accurately and promptly. 
• Skill in staying organized and maintaining attention to detail.
• Skill in conducting routine clinical procedures independently including, but not limited to: laceration repair with sutures, staples, or Dermabond; splinting fractures; foreign body removal; incision and drainage; suture/staple removal; pelvic exams; and other medical procedures.
• Ability to diagnose substance use disorders as well as clinical signs of intoxication.
• Ability to see, treat, and be sympathetic towards substance use disorder patients.
• Ability to take medical histories, conduct physical examinations, and communicate results of laboratory tests.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to conduct all professional activity ethically.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate situations and adopt effective courses of action.  
• Ability to observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress.
• Ability to follow Cowlitz OTP personnel policies.
• Ability to maintain passion for assisting patients under all circumstances.
• Ability to give and receive constructive feedback, to share opinions, and uphold beliefs.
• Ability to maintain calm, focused, professional, and kind in highly stressful situations.
• Ability to be reliable, flexible, and versatile.
• Ability to maintain humility.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• For NP: Master’s or Doctoral Degree in Nursing, active RN licensure, and Nurse Practitioner board certification.
• For PA: Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant studies (MPAS, MPA, or MSPAS), active Physician Assistant board certification, and active PA license.
• DEA Licensure (current and unrestricted).
• Active American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support or Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
• Active American Heart Association (AHA) ACLS preferred.
• Two years’ clinical experience working in a similar setting is preferred.
• Must have no pending legal inquiries or license probation.
• Must be able to provide health and TB clearance.
• Valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening/investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.
• Has not been found guilty of, charged with, received a deferred sentence, received a conditional discharge of, or entered a plea of not contest to, or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children.
   

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; walk; sit; stop, kneel, bend, or crouch; use hands to manipulate, touch, or grasp objects and materials and type on a keyboard; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive tasks. Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively in person and via telephone.  The employee occasionally is required to lift up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in an office and clinical setting. Employee may be exposed to unpleasant odors, bodily fluids, and infectious diseases, and to frequent exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles, and/or allergens.  Situations occur where PPE (personal protective equipment) is needed. Work may involve working with hostile, violent, or offensive individuals. Overnight travel, weekend, and/or evening work is occasionally required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.