Adolescent Behavioral Health Physician Assistant

Adolescent Behavioral Health Physician Assistant

UNC Health Pardee is growing and looking for an Adolescent Behavioral Health Physician Assistant to join a newly constructed inpatient adolescent behavioral health facility.

Position Summary

The Advanced Practice Provider (Physician Assistant) provides comprehensive medical evaluation and management for adolescents admitted to the inpatient psychiatric unit (ages 13-17). The APP conducts admission history and physical examinations, manages acute and chronic medical conditions within scope of practice, and collaborates closely with psychiatry, nursing, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure integrated, trauma-informed, and developmentally appropriate care.

This role requires clinical expertise in adolescent medicine and familiarity with behavioral health populations. The APP serves as the primary medical provider for non-psychiatric medical needs during psychiatric hospitalization.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Care

• Perform comprehensive admission history and physical examinations for all adolescent psychiatric admissions.

• Evaluate and manage acute and chronic medical conditions within scope of practice.

• Provide medical clearance assessments as needed.

• Order, interpret, and follow up on diagnostic tests and laboratory studies within scope of practice.

• Prescribe medications and manage medical treatments in accordance with state regulations and organizational policies.

• Monitor for and address medication side effects, including those related to psychotropic medications.

• Respond to urgent medical concerns on the unit and stabilize patients as appropriate.

• Escalate care and consult appropriate specialty or emergency medical services for conditions exceeding scope or severity.

• Provide medical/psychiatric support during restrictive interventions

Collaboration & Care Coordination

• Partner with psychiatrists, therapists, nursing staff, social workers, and other team members to support whole-person care.

• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.

• Communicate effectively with families/guardians regarding medical findings and care plans.

• Coordinate follow-up care and referrals upon discharge.

Compliance & Documentation

• Complete timely, thorough, and accurate documentation in the electronic medical record.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and organizational standards.

• Maintain awareness of safety protocols for behavioral health settings.

• Complete face to face evaluation in restrictive interventions

Qualifications

Required

• Physician Assistant (PA) in good standing

• Board certification appropriate to population

• DEA registration

• Experience in adolescent health/behavioral health

• Experience in behavioral health settings

• Strong assessment and clinical decision-making skills

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced inpatient environment

Preferred

• Experience in inpatient psychiatric or residential treatment settings.

• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles.

• Familiarity with psychotropic medications and their medical implications.

Work Environment

• Inpatient adolescent psychiatric unit (ages 13-17)

• Exposure to behavioral health crises

• Requires flexibility, responsiveness to urgent needs, and strong professional boundaries

• Monday- Friday schedule

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