PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT I - SURGERY

Cook County Government; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 87,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Pension plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

Cook County Health & Hospitals System seeks a Physician Assistant I in Surgery to provide comprehensive care in outpatient and operative settings. The PA collaborates with surgeons to evaluate patients, develop treatment plans, and perform preoperative assessments, post-operative follow-up, and minor procedures under supervision.

The role requires ARC-PA program graduation, NCCPA certification or eligible, Illinois PA license, and BLS; DEA license is needed within six months.

Qualifications

• ARC-PA accredited PA program required; proof at interview.
• NCCPA board certification or eligibility before starting employment.
• Illinois PA license or eligibility before starting employment.
• Illinois Controlled Substances License or eligibility within six months.
• Federal DEA license or eligibility within six months.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with physicians, fellows/residents, nurses, and other health staff to provide high-quality patient care for surgery patients.
• Provide independent preoperative assessment and coordinate patient care for various surgery indications.
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests and refer abnormal results to a physician.
• Perform simple surgical procedures including casting, splinting, wound management, incision and drainage, sutures and staples.
• Assist in outpatient independent clinic and first assist in major surgery.
• Prescribe and dispense legal drugs and controlled substances as delegated.
• Manage adult patient care and develop comprehensive patient management plans.

Skills

Clinical skills

Patient assessment

Communication

Team collaboration

EMR systems

Education

ARC-PA accredited program

NCCPA board certified

Illinois PA license

DEA license

Tools

EMR systems

DEA license

Job description

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT I - SURGERY

Job Number: 00139697

Job Posting

Oct 22, 2026, 2:25:47 PM

Closing Date: Ongoing Full-time A.M. P.M.

Collective Bargaining Unit : SEIU Local 73 Posting Salary : $63.313 - $71.259 Hourly

When submitting a resume/CV by email, you must include the job title and posting number in the subject line of your email. An application or resume/CV must be filed for each position which interests you.

To receive Veteran Preference, appropriate discharge papers must be attached to the online application or must be included with your emailed resume/CV. Please refer to Veteran Preference document requirements listed on the bottom of this posting.

This position is exempt from Career Service under the CCH Personnel Rules.

JOB SUMMARY

The Surgery Physician Assistant (PA), in collaboration with a Surgery Physician, provides exceptional care to a diverse surgery patient population and provides support to other divisions of surgery as needed. The PA in Surgery evaluates patients and develops assessment plans, place orders, and develops treatment plans in the outpatient surgery clinics. The PA completes the preoperative assessment, assists the Surgery Attending in surgery, and follows the patient post-operatively. The PA communicates with patients and families regarding education for wound care, diet and exercise. The PA orders necessary supplies for the procedures, performs outpatient procedures including but not limited to casting, splinting, mole removal and punch biopsies. The PA demonstrates flexibility and teamwork to facilitate completion of duties and ensures patients are adequately prepared for surgery. Performs all duties with the legal guidelines of the Physician Assistant Practice Act and Cook County Health policies.

TYPICAL DUTIES

Works collaboratively with physicians, fellows/residents, nurses, and other allied health staff to provide all phases of high-quality patient care for surgery patients

Provides independent preoperative physical assessment, coordination of patient care and patient management for a variety of surgery indications

Orders and interprets diagnostic tests to differentiate between normal variations and abnormal deviations; refers patients with abnormal results to consult with a physician

Performs diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as delegated; performs simple surgical procedures including casting, splinting, management of wounds, incision and drainage, suture and staple placement and removal, aspirations and injections

Performs primary surgery care in an outpatient independent clinic

Prescribes and dispenses legal drugs and controlled substances as delegated

Assesses, diagnoses and treats adult patients

Provides and manages direct patient care

Conducts patient's health needs assessments

Obtains comprehensive history and performs detailed physical examinations to determine accurate diagnosis

Orders appropriate diagnostic tests or lab work necessary, i.e. x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), complete blood count (CBC), etc.

Informs and effectively communicates patient test results and/or diagnosis

Identifies and communicates with collaborating physician any patient care issues; offers research guided recommendations for improvement initiatives if applicable

Assists in minor surgery and first assist in major surgery

Develops and implements patient management plans in providing continuity of care

Performs procedures, treatments, and other subspecialty dependent modalities within the scope of the collaborating physician to improve patient outcomes

Performs pain management and understands when to administer appropriate techniques and methods in Anesthesia, Advanced Wound Management, Diagnostic/Therapeutic procedures Diagnostic Radiology Interpretation, Operative/Perioperative Care

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate of an Accreditation Review Commission (ARC) Physician Assistant program is required. (MUST PROVIDE PROOF AT TIME OF INTERVIEW)
• Board Certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) or ability to obtain certification prior to starting employment is required.
• Valid Physician Assistant license in the State of Illinois or have the ability to obtain license prior to starting employment is required.
• Valid Illinois Controlled Substances License (ILCS) or ability to obtain license within six (6) months of starting employment is required.
• Valid licensure with the Federal DEA or ability to obtain license within six (6) months of starting employment is required.
• Must possess a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required. (MUST PROVIDE PROOF AT TIME OF INTERVIEW)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• Knowledge of proper hand hygiene and hand washing techniques
• Knowledge of infectious control policies and procedures
• Thorough knowledge of Physician Assistant practices and principles, and the ability to apply them in a clinical setting
• Knowledge and use of Microsoft Office applications and electronic medical record
• Excellent Physician Assistant clinical and technical skills
• Knowledge and skill to perform mathematical accuracy in measuring and dispensing medication
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff and a patient population composed of diverse cultures and age groups
• Strong customer service and empathy skills
• Demonstrates good computer and typing skills
• Demonstrate good phone and email etiquette skills with strong response times
• Demonstrate analytical and organizational, problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict management/resolution skills
• Demonstrate attention to detail, accuracy, and precision
• Ability to effectively communicate while maintaining HIPPA for Protected Health Information (PHI)
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and stressful environment
• Ability to adhere to department policies and standards utilizing best practices
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and composure when challenged
• Ability to function autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Ability to see and hear clearly (including with correction)
• Ability to tolerate exposure to unpleasant noise, odor, and temperature

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified

For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, “Typical Duties” are essential job functions.

VETERAN PREFERENCE

PLEASE READ

When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service

To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:

• Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
• Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question, "Are you a Military Veteran?"
• Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, Please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable

OR

A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver’s License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.

If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference

VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER’S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

BENEFITS PACKAGE

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING.

Degrees awarded outside of the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States’ territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U. S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents bust be presented at time of interview.

Must successfully meet the credentialing standards established by the Cook County Health and Hospitals System to include a State of Illinois PA license and any other license, certification, or specialized training, etc., no later than two (2) weeks prior to the candidate’s start date

*Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications, and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

*CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing, or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.

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