Salary : $83,512.00 - $128,044.80 Annually
Location : Independence - 50644 - Buchanan County, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-02527
Agency: 400 Health & Human Services - State Operated Specialty Care
Opening Date: 06/09/2026
Closing Date: 6/21/2026 11:59 PM Central
LinkedIn Tag: #LI-POST
Point of Contact:

Job Description
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, Bureau of Independence Mental Health Institute (IMHI) is seeking a Physician Assistant to join our team! This is a full-time position with opportunity for advancement, growth, and development.

IMHI's mission is to administer quality mental health services in a caring, supportive, and individualized atmosphere. We are seeking an energetic and talented Physician Assistant to provide medical and psychiatric services to the facility's patient population. The Physician Assistant will treat their assigned patients in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team and under the supervision of a Psychiatrist.

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Assesses, diagnoses, and treats medical and psychiatric problems.
• Conducts physical examinations and interviews patients to collect historical and physical data.
• Prescribes medication to patients.
• Interprets, performs, or assists in performing routine therapeutic procedures.
• Instructs and counsels patients on physical and mental health matters including nutrition, disease, therapy, and human growth and development.
• Completes daily ward/patient rounds.
• Communicates with patients, families, and other clinical staff who are involved in the patient's direct care.
• Works as a member of a multi-disciplinary team to develop and carry out an individualized plan of care.
• Completes progress notes according to the level of care the patient is receiving and as per facility guidelines including medication adjustments/changes, changes in diagnosis, mental status, medical/psychiatric issues, and progress toward goals set in the plan of care.
• Performs clinical duties such as admission rotations, on-call, committee assignments, in-service training, supervision or consultation with other disciplines, staff development, quality assurance, and other duties as assigned.

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

IMHI provides inpatient treatment and acute psychiatric services, includingindividualized treatment plans and support for children and adolescent patients to continue their education. Individuals are encouraged to collaborate with staff members in formulating their own plan. Medication, group counseling, and activities therapies might be included as well. If you enjoy helping people with adult, children and family services, mental health treatment, disabilities services, and long-term care, this is a wonderful opportunity to consider. For more IMHI info:

When a long-term team member was asked "why did you choose a career at IMHI," the team member stated, "It really is the work that has kept me here. The work is rewarding. The patients are the most difficult to treat and most expensive. We are the final stop for getting cutting edge psychiatric treatment."

Benefits of Joining IMHI

Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage!
• Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation(96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month).
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits

to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.

Independence Highlights

IMHI is in Independence, Iowa, a city of approximately 6,000, located in scenic Northeast Iowa. The Wapsipinicon River flows through town offering many recreational opportunities from canoeing to fishing. Independence is a progressive community sporting a newer public library, trails, and Cedar Rock state park which includes a Frank Lloyd Wright home.

Independence is 30 minutes from Waterloo/Cedar Falls home of the UNI Panthers, 45 minutes from Cedar Rapids and 1 hour from Iowa City, home of the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Licensure as a physician assistant by the Iowa Board of Physician Assistants.

For additional information, please click on this
Additional Qualification Requirements

Designated positions in this class require registration with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyGain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!
01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability?
Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Are you licensed as a physician assistant by the Iowa Board of Physician Assistants?

• Yes
• No

Required Question