Clinical Assistant 1 - Specialty Care

The Clinical Assistant provides care to infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, adults, and elderly in a rural ambulatory care clinic. Essential job responsibilities include rooming patients, performing clinical duties, maintaining lab and exam rooms, quality assurance activities and demonstrating customer service skills. In addition, Clinical Assistants perform administrative and data management tasks. This position is essential in maintaining efficient clinic operations and patient flow to maximize the provider’s time and to ensure access to care. This information is written in patients’ chart along with patients’ medical history. This position works closely with providers giving support such as rooming patients, performing Point of Care testing, answering phones, processing provider orders, data entry, and participation in training processes. Must demonstrate good judgment and be self-starting but works under close supervision of provider.

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job

• Prepares for patient visit by reviewing chart for needed forms, follow-up labs or procedures needed.

  • Obtains and records age-appropriate vital signs per department protocol, i.e., temperature, height, weight, head circumference, blood pressure, respiration, pulse oximetry, visual acuity testing.

  • Obtains medical history update and confirms medications.

• Accurately collects and documents information in patient chart. Keeps patient records in order with all forms properly identified; copies and compiles other medical data as needed.

• Recognizes signs or symptoms requiring prompt intervention and acts appropriately.

  • Transport patients within the facility, as needed.

  • Demonstrate ability to smoothly manage patient care duties while maintaining clinic flow.

• Reports, and when appropriate, records any changes observed in condition or behavior of patients, unusual incidents, or breeches in safety. Observes patients to insure children, elderly, or impaired patients who require observation or assistance have someone in attendance.

• Sets up equipment and supplies for routine exams and minor procedures.

• Prepares patients for and assists with procedures, treatments, and minor office surgeries.

  • Provides specimen collection and Point of Care Testing (POCT). Follows protocol for collecting, labeling, and transporting of specimens. With appropriate orders applies heat/cold packs, abdominal binders, anti-embolism stockings, obtain 12 lead EKG, peak flow, applies oxygen.

  • Assists patients with ambulation or transfer; performs minor, non-invasive treatments

• Sanitizes exam rooms between patients. Appropriately processes surgical equipment and ensures sterile package integrity. Maintains a safe and clean environment.

• Ensures exam room supplies are organized and stocked. Maintains lab equipment and organizes lab supplies. Inventory, re-order, and stock medical supplies.

• Disposes of solid/liquid waste and infectious materials according to infection control standards.

• Conducts daily/weekly/monthly QA checks on equipment and maintains logs.

  • Demonstrates correct utilization of computer-based health information systems and electronic health record systems. Notifies provider of any repairs/safety concerns that need attention.

• Performs office duties to include:

  • Answers inquiries of a general nature by nursing staff, provider staff, other departments, visitors, and patients: assisting them in a friendly and cooperative manner; receives and relays messages to personnel and uses proper telephone etiquette. Makes confirmation calls to patients as needed.

  • Performs duties as assigned in a responsible, respectful, and caring manner to promote effective staff relationships.
    
    

Other Functions

• Will provide cross-coverage for their peers, helping peers and clinics that need assistance to ensure the efficient and effective flow of patients through the department.

• Attends and participates in at least 50% area staff meetings annually; responsible for applying information presented in staff meetings; participates in unit goal setting; complies with area and departmental scheduling guidelines; initiates discussion with department manager regarding area or department issues; complies with dress code; refers un-resolved problems with patients/visitors/co-workers to appropriate Manager for resolution; addresses employee concerns consistent with Human Resources Policy.

• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position does not require supervisory responsibilities.

Additional Details:

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required

• High school diploma or GED – required.

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 45 days of hire -- required.

• Clinical Competency completed within 3 months and every 3 years -- required.

Minimum Experience Required

• Customer service experience

• Health care experience, education or training

Knowledge of

• Clinic procedures for receiving and following through on a patient visit and any related clinic treatments, procedures.

• Age-appropriate vital signs and behaviors.

• HIPAA and SEARHC Policies.
  
  

Skills in

• Communication and use of customer service skills.

• Computer application skills sufficient to utilize medical databases in a competent manner.

• Ability to operate medical equipment including blood pressure cuff, pulse oximeter, EKG machine, etc.
  
  

Ability to

• Learn and use various EMR systems and accurately record patient data.

• Communicate and interact with all members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.

• Recognize and respond appropriately in emergency situations.
  
  

Other Qualifications

• Employee will begin Clinical Assistant training program within 1 year

• Complete Clinical Assistant exam within 2 years

Position Information:

Work Shift:OT 8/40

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!