PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT I - CANCER CENTER

LOCATION: John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital

DEPARTMENT: Cancer Center

Applicants may apply for this position online or submit a resume/ CV to the following email address: PARecruit@cookcountyhhs.org.

When submitting a resume/CV by email, you must include the job title and posting number in the subject line of your email. An application or resume/CV must be filed for each position which interests you.

To receive Veteran Preference, appropriate discharge papers must be attached to the online application or must be included with your emailed resume/CV. Please refer to Veteran Preference document requirements listed on the bottom of this posting.

Job Summary

In collaboration with a licensed physician, the Physician Assistant provides exceptional care to a diverse patient population. Promotes wellness and health maintenance by performing comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic medical services.

Develops and implements patient management plans in providing continuity of care. Maintains professional and technical knowledge through continued educational programs and workshops supporting emerging healthcare trends. Performs duties within the legal guidelines of the Cook County Health (CCH) policies.

Typical Duties

Provides and manages direct patient care

Conducts Patient's Health Needs Assessments

Provides an independent physician assistant assessment, history and physical examinations, medical reconciliation, coordination of patient care and patient management for a variety of oncologic conditions

Orders appropriate diagnostic tests or lab work necessary, i. e., X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), complete blood count (CBC), etc. and differentiates between normal and abnormal deviations

• Informs and effectively communicates with patient test results and/or diagnosis
• Identifies and communicates with supervisor any patient care issues; offers research guided recommendations for improvement initiatives if applicable
• Develops and implements patient management plans in providing continuity of care
• Performs procedures, treatments, and other subspecialty dependent modalities within the scope of the supervising physician to improve patient outcomes
• Adheres to quality and patient safety standards set forth by CCH
• Adheres to infection control policies and protocols, i. e., hand hygiene
• Prescribes and dispenses medications utilizing best practices
• Complies with federal, state, and local legal and professional requirements

Maintains professional licensing requirements and technical knowledge through continued educational programs and workshops supporting emerging healthcare trends

Performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as delegated, such as fine needle aspiration biopsy, core needle biopsy, punch biopsy, incision and drainage and other subspecialty dependent modalities within the scope of the collaborating physician to improve patient outcomes. Assists in the operating room as needed.

Collaborates with the healthcare team to ensure comprehensive care coordination of breast oncology patients

Minimum Qualifications

Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) or must obtain certification prior to starting employment is required.

Valid Physician Assistant license in the State of Illinois OR must obtain license prior to starting employment, is required.

Current Illinois Controlled Substances License (ILCS) OR must be able to obtain license within six (6) months of starting employment is required.

Current licensure with the Federal DEA OR must be able to obtain license within six (6) months of starting employment is required.

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association is required. (Must provide proof at time of interview)

Preferred Qualifications

Bilingual is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of proper hand hygiene and hand-washing techniques
• Knowledge of infectious control policies and procedures
• Thorough knowledge of Physician Assistant practices and principles and the ability to apply them in a clinical setting.
• Excellent Physician Assistant clinical and technical skills
• Knowledge and skill to perform mathematical accuracy in measuring and dispensing medication
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff and a patient population composed of diverse cultures and age groups
• Strong customer service and empathy skills
• Demonstrates good computer and typing skills
• Demonstrate good phone and email etiquette skills with strong response times
• Demonstrate analytical and organizational, problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict management/resolution skills
• Demonstrate attention to detail, accuracy, and precision
• Ability to effectively communicate while maintaining HIPPA for PHI
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast paced and stressful environment
• Ability to adhere to department policies and standards utilizing best practices
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and composure when challenged
• Ability to function autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to see and hear clearly (including with correction)
• Ability to tolerate exposure to unpleasant noise, odor, and temperature

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements.

This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified

For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, “Typical Duties” are essential job functions.

Veteran Preference

Please Read

• When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service
• To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:
• Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question, “Are you a Military Veteran?”

Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, Please submit the one with the latest date.

Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable

• OR
• A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver’s License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.
• If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference

VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER’S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

Benefits Package

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link: cookcountyrisk.com

Must Meet All Required Qualifications at Time of Application Filing.

Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States’ territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U. S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents bust be presented at time of interview.

Must successfully meet the credentialing standards established by the Cook County Health and Hospitals System to include a State of Illinois PA license and any other license, certification, or specialized training, etc., no later than two (2) weeks prior to the candidate’s start date

*Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications, and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

*CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing, or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.

COOK COUNTY HEALTH AND HOSPITAL SYSTEMS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER