The Psychiatric Mental Health Physician Assistant provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment plans for patients. They work within an interdisciplinary team to manage medications, monitor therapeutic responses, and ensure continuity of care.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies and possess a current, unrestricted Physician Assistant license in the State of Ohio. NCCPA certification and the ability to obtain DEA registration are required, along with a commitment to trauma-informed, patient-centered care.
professional certificatepostgraduate degreeTreatment planningCare coordinationPatient educationRisk assessmentCrisis interventionPatient safetyInterdisciplinary collaborationTrauma-informed careElectronic health record documentationClinical diagnosisPsychiatric assessmentPsychotropic medication managementCultural responsivenessMental status examsRecovery-oriented care
Job description
GENESIS HEALTHCARE SYSTEM In order to fill our Mission of serving our community by helping each person achieve optimal health and well-being by providing compassionate, exceptional, and affordable healthcare services, all employees of Genesis HealthCare System must be committed to living the Genesis Mission and Genesis values of Compassion, Excellence, Integrity, Team, and Innovation. All employees must regard themselves as an ‘owner’ of Genesis and keep our patients at the center of everything we do - always.
Position Details
Work Shift: Varied Shift (United States of America) Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Department: GMG Behavioral Health Overview of Position: The Psychiatric Mental Health Physician Assistant (PMH-PA) provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment to individuals across the lifespan (as applicable to program scope). Working under the supervision of a licensed psychiatrist, the PMH-PA delivers evidence-based, trauma-informed mental health care in collaboration with an interdisciplinary treatment team to support recovery, safety, and continuity of care. ESSENTIAL DUTIES Clinical Care 1. Conduct psychiatric assessments, including history, mental status exams, and risk assessments 2. Diagnose psychiatric disorders in accordance with DSM-5-TR criteria 3. Develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment plans 4. Prescribe and manage psychotropic medications within scope of practice and supervisory agreement 5. Monitor therapeutic response, side effects, and medication adherence 6. Provide patient and family education regarding diagnoses, medications, and treatment recommendations Coordination & Collaboration 1. Work collaboratively with psychiatrists, nursing, social work, therapy, case management, and other disciplines 2. Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, case conferences, and care planning 3. Coordinate care transitions, including admissions, discharges, and referrals to community-based services 4. Communicate effectively with internal teams, outpatient providers, and external agencies Documentation & Compliance 1. Complete timely, accurate, and legally compliant documentation in the electronic health record 2. Adhere to organizational policies, regulatory standards (e.g., Ohio Administrative Code), and accreditation requirements (CARF and ACHC, as applicable) 3. Maintain compliance with supervision, prescribing, and credentialing requirements Quality, Safety & Professional Practice 1. Practice according to evidence-based guidelines and best practices in psychiatric care 2. Participate in quality improvement initiatives and performance monitoring 3. Support a culture of safety, ethical practice, and patient dignity 4. Demonstrate trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and recovery-oriented care Additional Responsibilities 1. Provide on-call coverage as required by program needs 2. Participate in staff education and consultation as appropriate 3. Perform other duties as assigned to support Behavioral Health Services QUALIFICATIONS 1. Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program 2. Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies or equivalent 3. Experience in psychiatric/mental health settings preferred (inpatient, outpatient, crisis, or emergency) 4. Current, unrestricted Physician Assistant license in the State of Ohio 5. NCCPA certification (PA-C) 6. Ability to obtain prescriptive authority and DEA registration 7. Eligible for credentialing and privileging per organizational policy 8. Current CPR certification is required. 9. Non-violent Crisis Intervention certification required within first 6 months of employment 10. Ability to communicate well in an oral and written manner, as well as the ability to observe, assess, guide, and evaluate others. 11. Ability to read, calculate and prepare medication, as well as the ability to observe and analyze any resulting reactions and apply clinical knowledge. 12. Ability to collect data, interpret findings, set priorities and carry out established plan. 13. Commitment to providing care to patients across the lifespan. 14. Dedicated to providing care to patients with mental illness and substance use disorders. 15. Demonstrated competence in age-specific patient care. PATIENT CENTERED CARE & BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS 1. Living the Genesis Mission, Vision and Values:
Performs work in a manner that is quality focused.
Treats patients, co-workers, visitors and volunteers with courtesy, compassion, empathy and respect.
Results oriented and focused on achievement of objectives.
Acknowledges and responds to the diversity of people and the situation.
Encourages peers (others) to be owners of change.
Always makes the effort to anticipate and exceed customer needs and expectations.
Possesses the ability to engage others with patience and understanding.
Acts in a manner that creates positive first and lasting impressions.
Demonstrates the ability to own issues until they are resolved. 2. Patient Centered Care (patients/families, physicians, co-workers, all other internal/external customers)
Introduces self and role…connects with everyone.
Communicates effectively (i.e. advising others of actions, pertinent information, time durations, etc.) and asks for feedback.
Asks for and anticipates needs and concerns of others.
Maintains a positive work environment for staff and a healing environment for patients (i.e. safe, clean, quiet, etc.)
Maintains the dignity and privacy of each person; manages confidential/sensitive information appropriately.
Responds to requests in an appropriate and timely manner.
Exits patient/customer encounters courteously, asking if there are additional needs that can be addressed. 3. Promotes Patient and Employee Safety
Demonstrates safe Materials Handling (i.e. appropriate use and disposal of chemicals, infectious wastes, etc.)
Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of Infectious Disease precautions and use of proper protective equipment
Demonstrates Slips/Trips and Falls Awareness.
Actively contributes to maintaining a safe, clean and quiet environment. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 1. Ability to sit, stand, stoop, push, pull, bend, and walk for extended periods of time. 2. Ability to lift 50 pounds to waist level. 3. Will be assigned to be on call as needed. This description reflects in general terms the type and level of work performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive, nor portray the specific duties of any one incumbent. Thank you for your interest in employment at Genesis. Genesis is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. Selection of applicants for employment is based only on qualifications and the requirements of a specific job. Our mission is to provide compassionate, quality healthcare. Genesis HealthCare System is an integrated healthcare delivery system based in Zanesville, Ohio. The system includes a not-for-profit hospital, Genesis Hospital, in Zanesville, an extensive network of more than 300 physicians and multiple outpatient care centers throughout the region. Genesis is the largest healthcare provider in its six-county region of southeastern Ohio, which includes Muskingum, Morgan, Perry, Coshocton, Noble and Guernsey counties. Genesis provides a higher level of service than what is typically found in a community of its size including open-heart surgery, trauma care, a Level II special care nursery, neurosurgery and comprehensive cancer services. This level of care has established Genesis as a primary referral center for much of the region. In addition to traditional hospital services, Genesis offers a broader range of services through its affiliated organizations, which serve as Genesis' partners to extend care far out into the community. Our steadfast commitment to delivering high quality, compassionate patient care is recognized throughout the country with numerous awards and accreditations. We are proud of our rich history of serving the community and vow to continue the tradition of healing and caring with compassion, trust, innovation and excellence.
