Physician Assistant

Overview

UC Santa Cruz Student Health Services (SHS) seeks a Physician Assistant to deliver primary ambulatory and telehealth care to students. The position is full‑time (40‑hour work week preferred, 32‑hour acceptable) with a summer work break option. Located on the UC Santa Cruz Main Campus, the role serves 16‑20 patients daily, providing medical, psychological, and wellness services to a diverse student population.

The Physician Assistant, under the direction of the Associate Medical Director and/or Medical Director, performs comprehensive primary care and telehealth visits, manages acute and chronic illnesses, provides mental health screening, and coordinates referrals. Key duties include:

• Provide direct patient care, including in‑person and telehealth visits, in the Student Health Center clinic.
• Perform clinical assessment and management of routine health problems, episodic acute illnesses, stable chronic illnesses, minor injuries, routine gynecological care, and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.
• Evaluate and manage depression and anxiety in collaboration with counseling and psychiatric services available on campus and in the community.
• Order, interpret, and communicate indicated screening and diagnostic exams.
• Recognize and evaluate life‑threatening situations, and initiate emergency treatment.
• Educate and counsel patients about physical and mental health, such as social habits, family planning, normal growth and development, and disease management.
• Provide support around issues commonly confronted by college students, such as sexual health, drugs and alcohol, and stress.
• Makes appropriate referrals.
• Perform minor procedures, such as laceration repair, incision and drainage, application of splints and casts, and treatment of minor burns.
• Initiate and manage care for patients requiring IV hydration or medication.
• Promote continuity of care by assuming the role of primary care provider for patients with chronic or ongoing health issues using the principles of patient‑centered care.
• Complete appropriate documentation and detailed charting, as well as billing and coding responsibilities in a timely manner.
• Participate in peer review, committee work, and special projects as requested.
• Assist where help is needed, which may include occasional nights or weekends.

Work closely with other members of the clinical staff — physicians, nurses, technologists, pharmacists and ancillary personnel — to provide clinical care in the most efficient manner. Participate in quality management and other staff committees directed toward monitoring and improving clinical care at UCSC Student Health Services. Contribute to special projects and outreach efforts.

• Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant Program.
• Current State of California Physician Assistant license in good standing.
• Current DEA registration.
• Board certification as a Physician Assistant (PA‑C).
• Significant experience and background in a general medicine, urgent care, or family practice setting, typically obtained after three to five or more years of post‑training work experience.
• Experience in medical management of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and gender‑affirming care.
• Oral communication skills, excellent listening skills; ability to receive and give clear and concise information; communicate clearly and effectively with patients, colleagues, and staff members.
• Written communication skills; must be able to communicate clearly and effectively in writing with patients, colleagues, and staff members.
• Demonstrated competency in working on a multidisciplinary team; ability to contribute to team effort.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural competency in serving a diverse student population.
• Demonstrated flexibility and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize a high‑volume workload and work independently under time pressures with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work on several tasks concurrently with frequent interruptions; ability to maintain concentration in a fast‑paced environment; ability to work and communicate in a positive and cooperative manner with management and supervisory…