Medical Specialist

Pay Range

$/yr - $/yr

As a Medical Specialist, you will actively participate in diagnosing and treating patients within your specialized field, advising and collaborating with members of other disciplines to provide comprehensive care. You will serve as a senior practicing specialist within a recognized medical discipline.

• Assist in the development or revision of medical policy and procedures to ensure quality care.
• Review lab work, specialty consults, hospital discharges, medical visit summaries, and diagnostics to support the group‑home RN and treatment team.
• Discuss care with hospitals or rehabilitation facilities to ensure clinical information is shared and continuity of care is maintained.
• Review and approve discharge summaries before accepting an individual back into the group‑home residence.
• Review medical information for new admissions to ensure appropriate care can be provided.
• Communicate with team members regarding medical issues and participate in team meetings, either in person or virtually.
• Communicate with family members and advocates to explain medical or treatment issues.
• Provide short‑term urgently needed prescription renewals when a community medical provider is unavailable.
• Act as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team, attend meetings, and serve on committees and work groups to improve services and outcomes.

• Provide after‑hours and weekend on‑call medical telephone consult on a rotating basis.
• Provide coverage of primary medical care for people in a Comprehensive Adult Transitional Home when needed.
• Provide medical expertise to Family Care Program and Community Mental Health Nurses as required.
• Assist with physician coverage in sister regions as needed.

• License to practice medicine in New York State (including limited license/permit option).
• Certification by an American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) member board in your specialty.
• Not listed on any federal or state Medicaid and Medicare exclusion lists; maintain eligibility throughout employment.
• Obtain and provide a National Provider Identifier (NPI) if required to bill through Medicare and Medicaid.
• Maintain active practice license and board certification; failure may result in removal from position.
• For limited license holders: obtain full license within one year of limited permit issuance.

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). The program allows non‑competitive appointments for eligible candidates. Within one year of permanent appointment, staff may transition to permanent competitive status without taking an exam.

• If currently a New York State employee in a permanent competitive qualifying title, eligible for transfer via Section 70.1.
• Assignment of PS&T employees follows any Memorandum of Understanding with the local DDSO.
• Preference given to OPWDD employees impacted by closures.
• All OPWDD employees must remain eligible for full Medicare and Medicaid participation.
• State government employees may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Employees on long‑term leave can bid on positions; must report within 14 days.
• Reasonable accommodations are available; contact the Reasonable Accommodation Unit.
• Savings programs such as U.S. Savings Bond and College Savings Plan.
• Voluntary pre‑tax savings programs (Health Care Spending Account, Dependent Care Advantage).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal support services.
• Life and Disability insurance.
• New York State Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Paid holidays and leave: 13 paid holidays; 13 days paid vacation; 5 days personal leave; 13 days paid sick leave; up to 3 days professional leave.
• Health care coverage for employees and dependents; family dental and vision at no cost.
• Paid parental leave up to 12 weeks at full pay for qualifying events.
• Retirement through the NYS Employees’ Retirement System (ERS).
• Professional development: NYS training programs and tuition assistance;
  Public Service Workshops Program for continuing education credits.

OPWDD is an equal‑opportunity/affirmative action employer dedicated to creating and sustaining a culture of inclusion. All applicants, including those with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.