Advanced Practice Provider (NP/PA)

Description

OUR MISSION

Wellness Equity Alliance is a national multidisciplinary health organization that designs and delivers integrated, community-based care for populations most impacted by health inequities. We do this through mobile and field-based models, providing medical care, behavioral health services, substance use treatment, harm reduction, and care coordination in nontraditional settings such as encampments, schools, reentry sites, and rural communities as well as with sovereign tribal nations. Grounded in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and data-driven practices, WEA combines clinical expertise, lived experience, and advanced population health analytics to reduce barriers to care, improve continuity, and strengthen local systems. We have partnered with more than 60 public agencies, managed care plans, and community-based organizations across the U.S. to implement scalable, sustainable programs that are advancing health equity and improving outcomes for historically marginalized populations  

We are known as Renegades, Rebels, Disruptors and Dreamers. If that sounds like you we want you on our team.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Purpose of the position

WEA has launched a unique street medicine program featuring primary care, mental health, substance use disorder treatment, and infectious disease management in several regions across Southern California.

As an Advanced Practice Provider (NP/PA) with strong experience working with special populations, the position provides healthcare to the unsheltered homeless in and around Downtown Los Angeles wherever they may be living, including encampments, tents, vehicles, shelters, or temporary housing . This role includes working alongside diverse healthcare workers such as nurses, case managers, and others to assist individuals in adopting healthy behaviors, with the ultimate goal of improving health disparities and advancing individual and community health.

The APP is responsible for the mental and physical well-being of the community by advocating for health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, and education. The APP is a trusted member of the community served. This trusting relationship enables the APP to serve as the first healthcare professional who defines evident or underlying health issues. As these positions represent some of the early roles to help build this program, the APP must have a considerable understanding of and direct experience working with communities, in a public health capacity.

Key Highlights

• Compensation: The annualized compensation range for this position is $135,200–$166,400, based on a 1.0 FTE. Final compensation will be prorated based on the agreed-upon FTE allocation and determined by experience, qualifications, and role responsibilities.
• Work Location & Expectations: Seeking Per Diem and Part-Time Advanced Practice Providers (NP/PA) to join our Downtown Los Angeles team.
• Professional Development: Opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional leaders across Behavioral Health, Medical, Street Medicine, Public Health, Rural Health, and Tribal Health initiatives. 

Key Responsibilities

• Perform initial patient screenings, patient history, physical examinations, and preventive health measures within prescribed guidelines in accordance with the California Association for Nurse Practitioners and American Association of Nurse Practitioners or the California Academy of Physician Assistants (California PA Practice Act).
• Update patient records and check records for accuracy at each patient appointment.
• Orders, interprets, and evaluates diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient’s clinical problems and health care needs.
• Complete safety assessments and evaluate the need for medical and/or psychiatric admission.
• Record physical findings and formulate plan and prognosis, based on patient’s condition.
• Review lab, reports daily.
• Follows appropriate screening assessments and understands how to connect findings with the appropriate treatment response or referral.
• Determine the need for patient follow-up appointments and further treatment options.
• Deliver quality care while maintaining all company metrics pertaining to productivity.
• Serve as the resource patients need for ongoing care information, counseling and provide guidance for any patients with critical conditions.
• Discusses and coordinates with other internal health professionals to prepare a comprehensive patient care plan.
• Submits health care plan and goals of individual patients for periodic review and evaluation.
• Prescribes or recommends drugs or other forms of treatment such as physical therapy, inhalation therapy, or related therapeutic procedures.
• Treat acute illnesses and injuries.
• Treat and manage chronic diseases.
• Cooperate with operational initiatives for improvement of the business.
• Provides supervision to lower level certified staff in accordance with the California Association for Nurse Practitioners.
• Supervise daily staff communication.
• Participate in special screening, training, and community outreach activities as determined.
• Participate in cooperative arrangements with other health providers in the area.
• Perform all other medically-related assigned duties.

Requirements

 Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Must possess an unexpired, unrestricted license to practice as a  Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistants (PA) in the State of California.
• Demonstrated history of experience successfully working with diverse cultural backgrounds, in a healthcare capacity.
• Experience with medical Spanish is strongly preferred. Preference to cultural competence with LatinX communities.
• Ability to work both independently and to collaborate with teams of individuals in diverse settings, using a solution-oriented approach.
• Must possess active Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certifications.

Preferred Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of primary care practices and street medicine procedures.
• Demonstrated knowledge of infectious diseases treatment and prevention (e.g. HIV, STIs, viral hepatitis, COVID-19).
• Demonstrated knowledge and competence in the field of substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health as well as the appropriate treatment and prevention of such.
• Sufficient experience and technical skill required for minor ambulatory procedures.
• Skilled in patient intake and triage procedures.
• Demonstrated knowledge of local and regional community resources.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public health programs.
• Experience and interest working with historically marginalized communities, focusing on people experiencing homelessness.
• Demonstrated ability to provide appropriate guidance and positive bedside manner while utilizing a patient centered approach.