County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, to assess and evaluate the health care needs of patients; to perform selected diagnostic and therapeutic tasks; to institute and manage care for patients; and to perform related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Mid-Level Practitioners provide medical care of a degree between that provided by a registered nurse and a physician. Mid-Level Practitioners receive supervision and direction from a physician. These positions are located in the primary care and/or specialty clinic settings of the public health services, hospitals and in criminal justice medical system. Mid-Level Practitioners provide health care services and perform clinical procedures that require possession of advanced knowledge and skills and the exercise of a high degree of clinical judgment in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients. Physician Assistants employed within this class practice under the provisions of the Physician Assistant Practice Act; Nurse Practitioners employed within this class practice under the provisions of the Nursing Practice Act.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Performs history and complete physical examinations of patients either in a general medical setting or within the context of specialty clinics to which assigned; assesses the clinical status of patients; establishes and maintains health records.

2. Orders and/or performs laboratory and screening tests in accordance with approved protocol.

3. Consults with physicians as necessary regarding health status of patients; refers complex cases to appropriate resources.

4. Plans a program of care, seeking consultation with physicians, other professional staff, patients and families as needed or as required. Formulates problem lists based on clinical findings.

5. Provides and evaluates patient care according to protocols and quality assurance program criteria.

6. Teaches patients, families and staff; provides counseling services related to promoting good health practices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I
Education:

Successful completion of an approved Nurse Practitioner training program that conforms to the Board of Registered Nursing standards,

And
Experience:

Demonstrated experience which would provide the knowledge and skill necessary for successful performance as a Mid-Level Practitioner.

License:

Possession of a valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse and certification as a Nurse Practitioner issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing.

Possession of a current C.P.R. certificate is desirable.

Possession of a current Furnishing Number issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing is desirable.

Most positions require possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

Or II
Education:

Successful completion of a Physician Assistant program of instruction in primary health care approved by the Physician Assistant Examining Committee,

And
Experience:

Demonstrated experience which would provide the knowledge and skill necessary for successful performance as a Mid-Level Practitioner.

License:

Possession of a valid Certificate as a Physician Assistant issued by the California Board of Medical Quality Assurance.

Possession of a current C.P.R. certificate is desirable.

Most positions require possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.



Special Requirements:

1. In compliance with the Administrative Simplification provision of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), employees in this classification are required to possess a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number prior to their first day on the job.

2. In compliance with Medicare regulations, employees in this classification are required to complete the "Medicare Enrollment Process for Physicians and non-Physician Practitioners" through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, prior to their first day on the job. Active enrollment in Medicare is a condition of employment. Failure to attain or maintain active enrollment will result in termination.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Examples of Duties" section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Major disease conditions, including pathophysiology, signs, symptoms, diagnostic tests, management and treatment.
• Basic pharmacology, including actions, reactions, and interactions.
• Control and prevention of communicable disease.
• Principles and techniques of effective interviewing.
• Wellness to illness continuum.
• Case management techniques.
• Health systems, agencies and patterns of referral.
• Medical documentation procedures.
• Principles of teaching-learning theory.

Ability to:

• Identify etiology of a problem and make essential decisions utilizing the problem-solving process.
• Identify needs of patients and families and take effective action.
• Prepare and maintain clear and concise patient case records and reports.
• Respond effectively to emergency situations and immediately consult with a physician.
• Utilize counseling, guidance, and teaching techniques.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

TT:Lm-h 11/84
TMZ:pb Revised: 8/85
TMZ:pb Revised: 8/88
Updated: 9/89
Old doc: 1020h
New doc: 5383.doc
ys/6/01
CSC Date: 9/7/87
SG:po Revised 7/8/09
CSC Date: 7/29/09

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.