Job Description

Under the direction of the Director of Psychiatric Services, Medical Director, and in collaboration with a supervising or consulting psychiatrist, the Psychiatric Physician Associate/Assistant (PA-C) provides compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care to a diverse patient population. This includes psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, treatment planning, medication management, brief therapeutic interventions, and patient education. The PA-C collaborates closely with therapists, medical providers, and other interdisciplinary team members to ensure holistic care that addresses medical, mental health, and social needs. Care is provided with sensitivity to age, culture, trauma history, and other individual factors.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Conduct psychiatric evaluations, assessments, and diagnoses based on diagnostic and statistical criteria. Develop and implement individualized treatment plans, including medication management and psychotherapy when appropriate. Collaborate with therapists, case managers, and other healthcare professionals to provide integrated care. Document patient interactions and treatment plans accurately and timely in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. Complete all required documentation accurately, timely, and thoroughly in accordance with company/contract and legal standards/requirements as well as comply with EHR requirements, including medication refills, responding to patient requests, finalizing notes. Educate patients and families about mental health conditions, treatment options, and medication adherence. Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, including HIPAA, OSHA, and Medi-Cal requirements. Participate in clinical meetings, case conferences, and continuing education activities to maintain licensure and stay updated on best practices. Conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and diagnostic assessments. Develop and implement individualized treatment plans focused on psychiatric care. Prescribe and manage psychotropic medications based on clinical need and evidence-based guidelines. Collaborate with therapists, medical providers, and supervising psychiatrists to ensure continuity and coordination of care Educate patients and families about diagnoses, treatment options, medication use, and side effects. Maintain thorough, timely documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) in accordance with company policies, legal standards, and contractual requirements. Respond to patient messages, medication refill requests, and provider communications in a timely manner. Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including HIPAA, OSHA, and Medi-Cal requirements. Participate in clinical case conferences, team meetings, supervision, and continuing education as required for licensure and practice improvement. Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and support during emergent psychiatric situations. Offer consultation to other clinics or providers in areas of psychiatric expertise, when appropriate. Utilize standardized procedures in collaboration with a supervising psychiatrist, with access via phone or electronic communication as needed. Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.

Education:

Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant program. Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies is preferred. Bachelor's degree is accepted for PAs whose education was completed prior to the profession's transition to a master's-level standard.

Licensure & Certification:

Active, unrestricted license as a Physician Assistant in the state of practice (e.g., California). National certification by the NCCPA. Current DEA registration and authority to prescribe controlled substances. Valid BLS/CPR certification.

Experience:

One year of experience in psychiatric or behavioral health settings is preferred but not required for in-office positions. A minimum of one year of experience is required for consideration of remote or hybrid work arrangements. New graduates with strong psychiatric clinical rotations or background may be considered for in-office roles. Experience working with underserved populations, including Medi-Cal beneficiaries and individuals with serious mental illness, is preferred.

Spravato (esketamine) experience preferred.

Technical Skills:

Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHR). Knowledge of psychiatric diagnostic frameworks as defined by current professional standards (e.g., DSM, ICD) and psychopharmacology. Knowledge of California mental health laws and Medi-Cal billing requirements is preferred.

Soft Skills:

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to establish rapport and build therapeutic relationships with culturally and clinically diverse populations. Strong clinical judgment, reliability, and flexibility in prioritizing work in dynamic environments. Commitment to cultural humility, inclusion, and trauma-informed care. Demonstrated commitment to cultural competence, social justice, and advocacy for underserved communities. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. * Dedication to ethical, professional, and evidence-based psychiatric practice.