Physician Assistant - Access to Care-camh

Improving access to care is an important aspect of CAMH’s new strategic plan, Connected CAMH. As part of this work, CAMH is recruiting for a new role for a full-time, contract (1 year) Physician Assistant (PA) in our Access to Care Program. The PA will work under the supervision of physicians who see a high volume of clients in our general psychiatry, mood and anxiety disorder clinics. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is excited to contribute to developing a new role within the interprofessional team and making improvements and modifications as time progresses.

The PA will assist with conducting patient interviews and histories; performing selected diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and procedures; prescribing medication; and other aspects of assessment and treatment, as needed. Working with their supervising physician(s), the PA is accountable for addressing acute medical issues, engaging in client education with patients experiencing mental health illness and addiction, and providing expert consultation to clients and community providers. The PA must have the ability to make behavioral observations, complete mental status assessments, monitor clients’ responses to care interventions, document and maintain ongoing communication with other team members, and liaise with health care providers, both within and outside CAMH. The PA is expected to collaborate with members of the interprofessional team and contribute to program development, research and educational activities of the service. The PA will also support a workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork and complies with all applicable and regulatory requirements. This position may require some flexibility in work hours, possibly with some evening hours. This position is located at the Queen Street site.

The successful candidate will possess a Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHScPA) or Master's degree (MPAS) from an Accredited Physician Assistant program and must be a Canadian Certified Physician Assistant (CCPA) and current member of the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA). 2-3 years of practical and work related experience is preferred. The PA will have demonstrated ability to work under the direction of a Supervising Physician(s), including ability to accept constructive feedback and direction. The ability to work independently and as a member of an interprofessional team, and a demonstrated ability to effectively and professionally carry out the responsibilities of the role is required, including demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective therapeutic relationships with complex clients and demonstrated skill in critical thinking, analysis, problem-solving and decision-making. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; demonstrated knowledge of mental health and addictions issues; and extensive knowledge of the clinical standards related to the scope of practice of Physician Assistants is required. The ability to work with clients and colleagues from diverse ethno-racial and cultural backgrounds is required as is the ability to work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure excellence in client care, education and research. Effective organization, decision-making, and problem solving skills are required. Computer skills, including word processing, electronic communication and workload measures are essential. Ability to work flexible hours is a requirement. Bilingualism (French/English) or proficiency in a second language is considered an asset.

Salary Range: Competitive salary and benefits package.