Family Practice Physician Assistant

INDIAN FAMILY HEALTH CLINIC Family Practice Physician Assistant (PA-C)

Full-Time | Great Falls, Montana

Position Summary

Indian Family Health Clinic (IFHC) is seeking a compassionate, dedicated, and highly motivated Physician Assistant (PA-C) to join our growing primary care team.

IFHC is a nonprofit Urban Indian Health Organization committed to improving the health and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native individuals, families, and the greater Great Falls community through culturally responsive, comprehensive healthcare services.

The Physician Assistant will provide high-quality, evidence-based primary care to patients across the lifespan, including preventive medicine, acute illness management, chronic disease treatment, health education, and care coordination.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of medical providers, nursing professionals, behavioral health specialists, addiction treatment providers, and community health workers to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care.

The position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the health of underserved populations while supporting IFHC's mission of improving healthcare access, reducing health disparities, and promoting lifelong wellness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Primary Care and Clinical Services

• Provide comprehensive primary care services to pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients within the PA's demonstrated competencies and authorized scope of practice.
• Conduct comprehensive medical histories, physical examinations, annual wellness visits, and preventive health assessments.
• Evaluate, diagnose, and treat acute illnesses, injuries, and chronic medical conditions.
• Develop individualized, evidence-based treatment plans in partnership with patients and families.
• Order and interpret laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging, and other clinical studies as appropriate.
• Prescribe medications and manage treatment regimens in accordance with Montana law and applicable prescribing authority.
• Perform minor office-based procedures consistent with training, competency, and IFHC-approved clinical privileges.
• Provide appropriate specialty referrals and coordinate follow-up care.
• Educate patients on disease prevention, medication management, nutrition, physical activity, and healthy lifestyle choices.

2. Chronic Disease Management and Preventive Care

• Diagnose, treat, and monitor patients with diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity, respiratory conditions, and other chronic illnesses.
• Develop and monitor individualized chronic disease management plans.
• Promote age-appropriate cancer screenings, immunizations, and preventive healthcare services.
• Collaborate with care coordination staff to improve treatment adherence and continuity of care.
• Support initiatives aimed at reducing preventable hospitalizations and improving health outcomes.
• Participate in population health and chronic disease quality improvement initiatives.

3. Integrated Behavioral Health and Substance Use Services

• Collaborate with IFHC's behavioral health department to support integrated patient care.
• Identify and screen patients for behavioral health concerns, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
• Provide appropriate interventions and referrals within professional competencies.
• Coordinate care for patients receiving medication-assisted treatment and other substance use disorder services.
• Utilize trauma-informed and patient-centered approaches.
• Participate in multidisciplinary case discussions and coordinated treatment planning.

4. Culturally Responsive Patient Care

• Deliver compassionate, respectful, and culturally responsive healthcare to American Indian and Alaska Native populations and all individuals served by IFHC.
• Demonstrate understanding of health disparities and barriers affecting underserved populations.
• Incorporate cultural humility and shared decision-making into treatment planning.
• Establish trusting relationships with patients, families, and community partners.
• Support IFHC's mission of improving healthcare access and strengthening community wellness.

5. Documentation, Compliance, and Clinical Quality

• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely documentation within IFHC's electronic health record system, eClinicalWorks (eCW).
• Complete clinical documentation, encounter notes, orders, and referrals within established organizational timeframes.
• Ensure documentation supports appropriate coding, billing, medical necessity, and continuity of care.
• Participate in Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) quality measures and other organizational performance initiatives.
• Follow all applicable HIPAA requirements, clinical protocols, infection prevention standards, and patient safety policies.
• Participate in quality assurance, peer review, clinical meetings, and continuous improvement activities.
• Support IFHC's accreditation standards and organizational quality improvement goals.

6. Professional Collaboration and Accountability

• Work collaboratively with physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, behavioral health providers, and other clinical staff.
• Exercise sound clinical judgment and recognize situations requiring consultation, referral, or higher levels of care.
• Maintain professional licensure, certification, and continuing education requirements.
• Adhere to all applicable Montana laws governing physician assistant practice, including collaborative agreement requirements when applicable.
• Participate in staff training, professional development, and organizational initiatives.
• Demonstrate accountability, professionalism, and a commitment to IFHC's mission and values.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant educational program.
• Current, unrestricted Physician Assistant license issued by the Montana Board of Medical Examiners, or eligibility to obtain licensure before beginning practice.
• Current certification through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), or eligibility to obtain certification before beginning practice.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Appropriate DEA registration, or eligibility to obtain registration, for assigned controlled-substance prescribing duties.
• Demonstrated competency in clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient education.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary healthcare environment.
• Ability to satisfy Montana's applicable physician assistant collaborative practice requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience in family medicine, primary care, community health, or a related outpatient setting.
• At least 8,000 hours of postgraduate clinical experience and eligibility for independent practice in Montana.
• Experience providing healthcare to American Indian and Alaska Native populations or underserved communities.
• Experience in preventive healthcare and chronic disease management.
• Familiarity with integrated behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment programs.
• Experience using eClinicalWorks or a comparable electronic health record.
• Prior experience in an Urban Indian Health Organization, Federally Qualified Health Center, or nonprofit community healthcare setting.

New graduates may be considered when IFHC can provide the collaborative practice arrangement, clinical support, and professional development necessary for safe and effective patient care.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of family medicine, preventive care, and evidence-based clinical practices.
• Excellent diagnostic and clinical decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage complex patient populations and coordinate multidisciplinary care.
• Understanding of health disparities and social determinants of health.
• Commitment to cultural sensitivity, professional ethics, and confidentiality.
• Strong time-management skills and ability to prioritize patient care responsibilities.
• Willingness to participate in continuing education and clinical improvement initiatives.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

This position is primarily performed in an outpatient clinical setting.

The Physician Assistant must be able to conduct patient examinations, perform clinical procedures, utilize electronic health record systems, and fulfill essential duties safely, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Compensation and Benefits

Proposed Annual Salary: $120,000–$140,000, depending on education, experience, qualifications, and clinical competencies.

IFHC provides a collaborative, mission-driven work environment focused on employee development, quality patient care, and community wellness.

Employee benefits are provided in accordance with IFHC's established benefit plans and organizational policies.

Why Join Indian Family Health Clinic?

At Indian Family Health Clinic, we believe healthcare should be accessible, compassionate, culturally responsive, and focused on the whole person.

Our team is committed to building healthier individuals, stronger families, and a healthier community.

We offer an opportunity to practice meaningful primary care while collaborating with an interdisciplinary team dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities and improving patient outcomes.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Indian Family Health Clinic is committed to equal employment opportunities in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Position Disclaimer

This job description outlines the general responsibilities and qualifications associated with the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. Responsibilities may be modified based on patient needs, clinical operations, and organizational requirements.

Indian Family Health Clinic — Great Falls, Montana

Pay: $120,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Salary : $120,000 - $160,000