Physician Assistant

Job Title: Physician Assistant or Family Nurse Practitioner

Department: Ko-Kwel Wellness Center – Eugene

Reports to: Medical Director – Eugene

FLSA Status: Exempt / Full-Time

Location: Eugene

SUMMARY OF MAJOR FUNCTIONS

Under the direct supervision of the Medical Director – Eugene, the Physician Assistant or Family Nurse Practitioner serves as a primary care medical provider at the Ko-Kwel Wellness Center in Eugene, providing same-day access to care for acute medical conditions. This position coordinates with primary care, behavioral health, the KWC Opioid Treatment Program, pharmacy, and other KWC departments as needed to provide holistic, patient-centered care. The provider delivers comprehensive primary care to Tribal members and the broader community within a Primary Care Home model that integrates medical, behavioral health, and substance use disorder services. The provider collaborates closely with clinicians, nursing staff, care coordinators, and community partners to address patients’ whole-person needs across the lifespan.

Essential Duties AND Responsibilities

1. Provides comprehensive, patient-centered primary care, including medical screenings, evaluations, diagnoses, treatment, and routine outpatient procedures within the practitioner's scope of practice.
2. Obtains, reviews, and documents patient medical histories, including chief complaints, current conditions, personal and family medical histories, and other relevant clinical information.
3. Orders, performs, and interprets diagnostic and therapeutic tests appropriate to patients' age-specific needs and clinical conditions.
4. Prescribes and manages appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments in accordance with established clinical guidelines and applicable regulations.
5. Provides preventive care, annual wellness visits, and diagnosis and management of acute and chronic medical conditions across the lifespan.
6. Manages assigned patient panels, monitors patient outcomes, and ensures continuity of care through appropriate follow-up and care coordination.
7. Educates patients and families regarding diagnoses, treatment options, preventive care, and available resources to support informed healthcare decisions.
8. Coordinates referrals and collaborates with specialists, community resources, and appropriate staff when patients' medical needs exceed the capabilities of the facility or practitioner.
9. Collaborates with behavioral health consultants, nursing staff, medical assistants, care coordinators, Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) staff, and other healthcare professionals to support an integrated, interdisciplinary model of care.
10. Participates in interdisciplinary case reviews, care planning, and collaborative decision-making to address patients' medical, behavioral health, and substance use disorder treatment needs.
11. Provides evidence-based medical care and supports the implementation of clinical best practices, treatment protocols, and established standards of care.
12. Completes accurate, thorough, and timely clinical documentation in Epic in accordance with established organizational, regulatory, and coding standards.
13. Utilizes telehealth technologies, when appropriate, to support patient access, continuity of care, and effective healthcare delivery.
14. Participates in population health initiatives, preventive screening efforts, and care-gap identification to improve patient health outcomes.
15. Monitors chronic disease outcomes, evaluates patient care needs, and collaborates with the healthcare team to address identified gaps in care.
16. Participates in quality improvement initiatives, performance monitoring, and efforts to enhance patient safety, clinical efficiency, and overall quality of care.
17. Assumes responsibility for assigned medical program services and supports the coordination, implementation, and evaluation of clinical activities.
18. Participates in organizational committees, staff meetings, and interdisciplinary activities as assigned to support effective communication and program operations.
19. Assists with safety initiatives, emergency preparedness, and disaster planning to promote a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
20. Performs other duties and provides clinical support within the practitioner's professional discipline and scope of practice as assigned.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by the employee. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires oral communication and repetitive movement of the wrists, hands, and fingers. Duties frequently involve walking, standing, sitting for extended periods, bending, and stooping, and occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds. The position may involve exposure to communicable diseases and stressful interactions with patients and their families. Work is generally performed in a clinical office setting.

The individual must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position safely, efficiently, and accurately, with or without reasonable accommodation.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Individuals must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to demonstrate the ability to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Work duties or processes may be modified, when appropriate and feasible, to support successful performance.

1. Demonstrated competency in caring for patients across all age groups, including neonates, infants, children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
2. Independent, sound judgment in patient care, treatment planning, and referral of complex cases.
3. Ability to examine, diagnose, and provide medical treatment, seeking consultation as needed.
4. Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with clinic staff, Tribal members and their families, and outside health professionals.
5. Ability to communicate effectively with Tribal and community members, staff, and federal, state, and local health agencies.

Qualifications

REQUIRED Qualifications

1. Must have graduated from an accredited Physician Assistant or Family Nurse Practitioner educational program.
2. Ability to obtain and maintain appropriate board certification and Oregon state licensure.
3. Must have or be able to obtain appropriate licensure and registration to prescribe controlled substances, as applicable to the practitioner’s role.
4. Must have or be able to obtain Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification if requested.
5. Must be eligible for malpractice insurance.
6. Experience practicing in an integrated primary care, behavioral health, and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment setting.
7. Experience working within interdisciplinary care teams.
8. Current and valid Oregon driver’s license in good standing with no insurability issues as determined by the Tribe’s insurance carrier is required.

PREFERRED Qualifications

1. Three or more years of experience practicing in family medicine, community health, tribal health, rural health, or Federally Qualified Health Center settings.
2. Experience using Epic electronic health records.
3. Buprenorphine treatment experience or willingness to obtain required training.
4. Experience providing care to Native American/Alaska Native populations.
5. Experience with quality improvement, population health, and value-based care initiatives.