Medical Provider (Street Medicine) at WEA CA PC

Description

Wellness Equity Alliance (WEA) is a novel national public health organization comprised of a multidisciplinary team of population and public health experts with backgrounds in infectious disease, public health, emergency medicine, primary care, cardiology, pediatrics, psychiatry, community health work (CHW), nursing and advanced practice pharmacy. We work nearly exclusively with underrepresented communities, fundamentally addressing health-care disparities and the social determinants of health (SDoH) that have been amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing the following:

• People experiencing homelessness
• Indigenous communities
• Immigrant communities
• Rural communities
• BIPoC communities
• LGBTQIA+ communities
• Justice-impacted communities

The WEA team is diverse, inclusive, and nimble enough to assemble teams of healthcare professionals within days using our proven local staff recruitment models to address population health crises and communicable disease outbreaks. The WEA team’s partnership model is collaborative and allows hospitals, health jurisdictions, state/local government agencies to provide timely care using equity-based strategies for individuals and marginalized communities. Elevate your career to new heights with an opportunity that transcends traditional healthcare boundaries! Wellness Equity Alliance is actively seeking compassionate and driven individuals for several pivotal roles in our groundbreaking Street Medicine program. Street Medicine is an innovative and compassionate approach to healthcare, designed to meet individuals experiencing homelessness right where they are: on the streets, in shelters, or within underserved communities. Working for WEA is more than a job; it's a calling to serve those who are most in need, directly in their environment. 

Purpose of the position 

WEA has launched a unique street medicine program in New Mexico, focused on delivering compassionate and comprehensive care to individuals experiencing homelessness and housing instability. The program integrates mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, infectious disease management, and primary care through a mobile and community-based model.

Many of the most vulnerable people we serve have experienced repeated systemic failures, often resulting in deep mistrust of traditional institutions and healthcare providers. Our approach centers on rebuilding trust, meeting individuals where they are, and ensuring equitable access to the care and resources they deserve.

As a Medical Provider with strong experience working with special populations, this position delivers healthcare to unsheltered individuals and families living on the streets or in locations not meant for habitation—such as cars, encampments, or makeshift shelters—across New Mexico’s rural and urban communities. The role includes evaluating and examining patients, diagnosing conditions, and providing treatments while supporting individuals in adopting healthier behaviors to reduce health disparities.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform initial patient screenings, medical histories, physical examinations, and preventive health measures within prescribed guidelines and scope of practice in accordance with New Mexico Board of Nursing or New Mexico Medical Board standards.
• Update patient records and check records for accuracy at each patient appointment
• Orders, interprets, and evaluates diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient’s clinical problems and health care needs
• Complete safety assessments and evaluate the need for medical and/or psychiatric admission
• Record physical findings and formulates plan and prognosis, based on patient’s condition
• Review lab, reports daily
• Follows appropriate screening assessments and understands how to connect findings with the appropriate treatment response or referral
• Determine the need for patient follow-up appointments and further treatment options
• Deliver quality care while maintaining all company metrics pertaining to productivity
• Serve as the resource patients need for ongoing care information, counseling and provide guidance for any patients with critical conditions
• Discusses and coordinates with other internal health professionals to prepare a comprehensive patient care plan
• Submits health care plan and goals of individual patients for periodic review and evaluation
• Prescribes or recommends drugs or other forms of treatment such as physical therapy, inhalation therapy, or related therapeutic procedures
• Treat acute illnesses and injuries
• Treat and manage chronic diseases
• Cooperate with operational initiatives for improvement of the business
• Provides supervision to lower level certified staff in accordance with the California Association for Nurse Practitioners
• Supervise daily staff communication
• Participate in special screening, training, and community outreach activities as determined
• Participate in cooperative arrangements with other health providers in the area
• Perform all other medically-related assigned duties

Requirements

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Must possess an unexpired, unrestricted license to practice as an Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO),  Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistants (PA) in the State of New Mexico
• Possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Demonstrated history of experience successfully working with diverse cultural backgrounds, in a healthcare capacity
• Experience with medical Spanish is strongly preferred. Preference to cultural competence with LatinX communities
• Ability to work both independently and to collaborate with teams of individuals in diverse settings, using a solution-oriented approach
• Must possess active Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certifications

Preferred Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of primary care practices and street medicine procedures
• Demonstrated knowledge of infectious diseases treatment and prevention (e.g. HIV, STIs, viral hepatitis, COVID-19)
• Demonstrated knowledge and competence in the field of substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health as well as the appropriate treatment and prevention of such.
• Sufficient experience and technical skill required for minor ambulatory procedures
• Skilled in patient intake and triage procedures
• Demonstrated knowledge of local and regional community resources
• Demonstrated knowledge of public health programs
• Experience and interest working with historically marginalized communities, focusing on people experiencing homelessness.
• Demonstrated ability to provide appropriate guidance and positive bedside manner while utilizing a patient centered approach