PHYSICIAN SPECIALIST 1

Definition

Under general supervision of a Medical Director, Managing Physician/Psychiatrist, or other higher level supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, functions as a consultant and specialist in a medical specialty; performs clinical responsibilities in accordance with normalization concepts and unified services. Performs medical specialist functions in accordance with legal and judicial mandates and Patient's Bill of Rights; performs technical applications to meet The Joint Commission's and other accreditation bodies' standards; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Studies, evaluates, diagnoses, and treats the more complex diseases of the human body related to the specialty training in accordance with standards and legal/judicial mandates applicable to the agency of assignment, which may include the Patient's Bill of Rights; Department of Health regulations; Joint Commission, CMS, and VA standards.
• Understands and treats clients with multiple and complex medical and behavioral conditions and recognizes the interactions of medications on those conditions.
• Participates in the development of patient treatment plans in accordance with the Patient's Bill of Rights.
• Prescribes medicine and ensures that medical specialist treatment is in compliance with Joint Commission standards, other accreditation standards, and legal or judicial mandates.
• Meets with Medical Power of Attorney and/or Patient Advocate to discuss and/or explain treatment plans if patient is unable to participate in own care. Advises patient of need for medication and/or treatment strategies, and the results of non-use of medication or non-compliance with treatment.
• Examines patients utilizing appropriate types of medical equipment, instruments, and tests following standard medical procedures.
• Instructs individuals and organizations in methods to preserve health and prevent disease. Serves as a key member of the treatment team preparing a treatment plan to be followed by nursing and direct care staff.
• Follows-up on treatment plan, changes plan when medically necessary and documents the results or lack of results.
• Writes up and presents at staff conferences data on patients for diagnosis, treatment, and disposition.
• Provides professional physician's direction and guidance to other medical nursing personnel.
• Makes required rounds and inspections.
• Serves as a consultant to other members of the staff on problems related to the medical specialty.
• Conducts new employee physical examinations as needed, and performs emergency employee assessment at time of injury or illness.
• Maintains complete and adequate case and medical histories and prepares reports.
• Participates in various committees as assigned by the Medical Director or designee (i.e. Quality Assurance, Infection Prevention and Utilization Review etc.)
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Requirements

Completion of medical internship or equivalent; licensure to practice medicine in the State of New Jersey; three (3) years of approved specialty training; certification or eligibility for certification by the American Board of the specialty; demonstrated competence in hospital practice; Credentials Committee or equivalent recommendation; and approval by the Central Office Board of Professional Standards.

Experience

Two (2) years of clinical experience in the practice of the clinical specialty.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of anatomy and normal healthy functioning of the human body.
• Knowledge of division, state, and federal policies, regulatory standards, certification, and accreditation standards.
• Knowledge of the current medical practices of the specialty and related clinical services including diagnoses and treatments, programs, and services options.
• Knowledge of pharmaceuticals, side effects, and possible complications of use.
• Knowledge of the symptoms, behavior changes, or other indications of the positive and/or negative effects of medication on clients and the methods used to observe these indications.
• Knowledge of the preparation and maintenance of medical and other records.
• Ability to assess and evaluate client health care needs.
• Ability to develop treatment plans in conjunction with other professionals.
• Ability to analyze and interpret diagnostic studies, tests and examination results and to communicate those results effectively with agency clients and their attending Unit Psychiatrists.
• Ability to administer and prescribe medications.
• Ability to establish and maintain constructive working relationships with professional and lay groups.
• Ability to prepare correspondence in the course of official duties.
• Ability to prepare clear, medically sound, technically accurate, and informative reports.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.