Medical Assistant - Correctional Health

Medical Assistant Position

Location: Jail North Tower Full Time: 3pm-11:30pm

This position is at Lew Sterret Jail. The primary purpose of this role is to function as an integral member of the medical home team in providing direct patient care. This role assists physicians, mid-level providers, nurses, and other medical staff by performing administrative and clinical duties under the direction of a physician. This role reports to the nurse manager or designee, who is responsible for administrative supervision and orientation to the area's policies and procedures.

This role obtains vital signs, performs preventive screenings, maintains an inventory of appropriate supplies, ensures safe and efficient patient flow, tracks high-risk referrals and lab tests, facilitates safe transitions of care, organizes the practice environment to assure patient safety and quality health outcomes, and contributes to HEDIS and designated quality measures. The individual displays responsible behaviors, communicates effectively to others, and functions at the highest level based on scope of practice.

Education: Must have completed training through an accredited Medical Assistant training program.

Experience: None.

Certification/Registration/Licensure: Must have a current healthcare provider BLS for Healthcare Providers certification within 90 days of hire and/or placement in job from one of the following:

• American Heart Association
• American Red Cross Rescuer
• Military Training Network

Current incumbents in the role as of 7/1/2023 must obtain a health care provider BLS for Healthcare Providers certification no later than 9/30/2023.

Skills or Special Abilities:

• Must be able to demonstrate basic patient skills and skill in the use of supplies and assigned equipment.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and PHHS staff.
• Must be able to demonstrate patient centered/patient valued behaviors.

Responsibilities:

• Administrative Responsibilities:
• Review daily appointment schedule with relevant staff and develops a plan for patient care activities.
• Obtains external medical and immunization records prior to appointment; Forwards clinical information to internal or external specialty services in a timely manner; Process lab letters, phone calls, prescription refill requests, referrals and forms, and obtain prior authorizations for medications, referrals and tests per insurance requirements; Track labs and referrals, scans and indexes appropriate documents; documents all communication with patient per EHR standards. Collaborates with team to accommodate same day requests, checks, and responds to email and pools daily. Ensures work area is stocked with current forms for daily work and computer downtime. Demonstrates proficiency in the use of required computer systems.
• Clinical Responsibilities:
• Prepare and assess patients for visit. Ensure exam rooms are neat, clean, and stocked per infection control standards. Observe, record and report patient responses to medical care provided during appointment. Assist with office procedures and collection of specimens. Adhere to infection control and hand hygiene guidelines during all patient care activities. Recognize and adhere to Joint Commission Safety policies. Report safety concerns promptly by following the chain of command established in the area. Performs Environmental of Care and laboratory quality control per policies. Ability to travel to other locations as assigned, and contribute to team and clinic operations by cross-covering co-workers during training, meetings, lunch, and/or as needed per scope, competency and education.
• Professional Development Responsibilities:
• Constructively participate in employee engagement activities, patient satisfaction activities, performance improvement projects, departmental and committee meetings; shares ideas and best practices for improving operational and clinical workflow. Complete all required training prior to due date.
• May administer unit dose medications under the direction of the delegating physician according to departmental policies and procedures after successful completion of competencies and signed Physician-MA delegation form.

Job Accountabilities:

• Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices.
• Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.