Physician III | Hourly/On- Call | Opportunity in Rio Grande, TX

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of each other, teamwork, and inclusivity? HSCS is dedicated to building a diverse community atmosphere where employees feel valued, supported, and accepted while providing specialized care for Texans in need. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interest you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Physician III performs highly advanced and/or managerial (senior-level) medical, clinical, or public health work. The Physician III works under the general clinical and administrative supervision of the Medical Director or designee. Work involves directing medical and infection control activities, monitoring trends and making recommendations for improvement. Responsible for the delivery of high quality general medical evaluation and treatment to patients with psychiatric disorders. Provides supervision to physicians and nurse practitioners in the medical clinic. Acts as a resource for infection control and consultant to general medical physicians. Provides treatment to state hospital employees injured in the course and scope of employment. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Cover call duties as assigned. These duties include: Take calls from admissions and units regarding patient care; Review referrals for admissions and give admission orders if patient is accepted; Address medical issues when nurse calls and give appropriate orders for treatment. Give orders for restraints and complete face-to-face within one hour of restraint. Must understand that duties, location of work and shift pattern are subject to change as determined by the administration to meet the needs of the hospital.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Shift statement: This position may be eligible to earn additional pay for work performed on evenings, nights and/or weekends.

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Requests input from colleagues, when indicated, and demonstrates a cooperative and supportive manner in working with the supervisor, peers, and support staff to facilitate work and information flow.

Performs comprehensive physical assessments and medical history in order to arrive at the most appropriate multi-axial diagnostic impressions and formulations. Orders appropriate laboratory and diagnostic studies as necessary. Monitors the patient’s response to treatment on a continuous basis. Documents all patient encounters related to assessment, rationale for treatment interventions and other related issues in order to outline the course of hospitalization. Frequency of documentation is appropriate to the level of care the individual requires.

Monitors patient’s response to treatment on an on-going basis. Reviews diagnostic studies, conducts clinical assessments of abnormal results, and follows up or refers patients as appropriate. Documentation is provided, as appropriate, to the level of care the patient requires. Treatment is consistent with standards of care stablished by The Joint Commission (TJC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), and state hospital policies and procedures.

Demonstrates respect, compassion, consideration, and responsiveness by practicing in a manner that reflects respect for the patient and family members and is attentive to the needs of other co-workers and their ability to work towards a common goal for the patient.

Provides treatment to state hospital employees injured in the course and scope of employment. Provides initial clinical assessment and basic non-invasive care and stabilization for emergency and non-emergency occupational injuries within the scope of discipline licensure. Provides support to visitors and employees, when indicated, while waiting for transfer to outside facility for assessment and treatment.

Establishes and maintains professional competencies through participation in Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs or activities in order to provide the best level of care to patients as well as maintain state licensure. Provides CME certificates, current licensure and other required documentation for Medical Staff credentialing file.

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and treatment appropriate to the age-related needs of patients served

Knowledge of the principles of public health practices

Knowledge of disease management and risk analysis

Skills in the care and treatment of patients, and in the use of medical diagnostic and treatment tools and equipment

Skills in the use of a computer and applicable software

Skills in developing, describing, and communicating medical or public health plans and procedures

Skills in project management, prioritization, and program evaluation

Skills in problem identification, analysis, and resolution

Skills in process facilitation techniques, team building, negotiation, conflict resolution, and strategic planning

Ability to examine, diagnose and treat physical disorders

Ability to interpret laboratory analyses and X-Rays

Ability to evaluate the age-specific needs of patients and implement an effective course of treatment in coordination with other disciplines

Ability to interact effectively and professionally with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

Ability to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others

You’ve decided to make caring your career. Come to the place where you can do that and make a real difference in the lives of Texans with mental health needs.

HHSC’s Health and Specialty Care System has nine state psychiatric hospitals (with more expansion planned) and a residential unit dedicated to adolescents. The State Supported Living Centers have 13 long-term care campuses across the state.  These centers are home to many adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Join us and you’ll have the opportunity to work in partnership with academic institutions, community providers, and partners within our agency as we increase work efficiency and provide patient-centered care to more than 12,000 people a year. You can also help us incorporate cutting edge technology into treatment plans.

If you want to be on the forefront of revolutionizing forensic and community psychiatric care or ensure and oversee the delivery of high quality, integrated medical services to individuals with intellectual disabilities, the HHSC Health and Specialty Care System is looking for bright people with new ideas to help us. With a growing demand for our services and a State Legislature that’s investing in the entire mental health continuum of care, Texas is positioned to be a leader and put itself in on the cutting edge of mental health for the 21st Century. Come be a part of it.