Medical Office Assistant

Job TitleJob DescriptionThis position is grant funded. Therefore, it is solely dependent of availability of grant funds.Provides front and back office support services for the Health Department clinic in family care services; coordinates and prepares for any clinic circumstances that may arise, such as inpatient care assistance, lab, and phlebotomy support; coordinates with multiple agencies. City employee wellness, private physicians, other mid-level providers for patients, and allied health services; assists in nursing and allied health care.Essential Functions/Job Competencies/Physical RequirementsEssential Duties & Responsibilities:The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.Provides medical, allied nursing, and patient front- and back-office assistance and support (takes vital signs, may do CLIA-waived lab work/phlebotomy, immunizations, and screening services).Organizes and maintains record-keeping and data collection systems, including patient registration cards for office files, clinic data and encounter forms, transfer address changes, handles medical referrals, referral communications, and identifies and codes financial status on patients' records.Assists in patient care activities during each appointment, including weighing and measuring patients, assisting in the exam room, preparing charge and request slips, performing lab procedures, and providing allied nursing care.Assists in clean-up activities in the clinic; returns supplies, washes equipment, and transports laboratory specimens and supplies.Assists in ordering and restocking clinic supplies.Reports pertinent patient observations to the nurse.Contributes to program planning and evaluation.Works cooperatively with the sponsoring agency regarding the financial identification and follow-up of the patients in the Center.Participates in patient care conferences.Assists in evaluating patient care and the effectiveness of program operations.Performs errands requested by clinical personnel.Assists in maintaining good communication between staff, visitors, and other business contacts.Must follow all rules of telephone courtesy in all telephone communications.Performs other duties as assigned.Competencies for Successful Performance of Job Duties:Knowledge of front- and back-office clinic support in family planning (registration, billing, cash handling, medical and nursing assistance, vital signs, CLIA-waived lab work, immunizations, and phlebotomy).Knowledge of good customer service practices, public relations, and an educational background in the medical field (patient care, medical assistance, patient follow-up, insurance, etc.)Knowledge of health prevention and wellness strategies.Knowledge of family clinical services outreach.Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.Knowledge of modern office procedures and methods, including computers, electronic health records, and applicable software.Knowledge of client confidentiality and client rights according to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA)Skills and Abilities:Skill in performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature.Skill in customer services.Ability to use computer hardware, various software programs and technologies, including word processing and spreadsheet programs.Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.Ability to effectively function as a team member.Ability to meet schedules and deadlines of the work.Ability to maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.Ability to understand the policies, procedures, and services of the department or agency.Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.Ability to perform other duties as assigned.Work Environment/Conditions and Physical Demands:Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures:Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments Never:Street environment (near moving traffic)Construction siteConfined spaceVehiclesWarehouse environmentSometimes:Outdoor environmentFrequently:Office or similar indoor environmentExposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements:Never:Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)Moving mechanical partsToxic or caustic chemicals or substancesLoud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)Seldom:Individuals who are hostile or irateIndividuals with known violent backgroundsFumes or airborne particlesFrequently:Communicable diseasesTravel Position will require the employee to travel:Never:National travelInternational travelSeldom:Regional travelSometimes:Local travelMinimum QualificationsRequired Education and Experience:High school diploma or G.E.D.Six (6) months of educational trainingAt least one (1) year of experience in medical office assistant, phlebotomy, or health related fieldForeign Education:Applicants who have completed education outside of the United States must submit a foreign credential evaluation completed by a professional credential evaluation agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). The evaluation must verify the U.S. equivalency of the degree and identify the comparable U.S. degree level. Applicants are responsible for obtaining and submitting the required evaluation documentation.Note: The City of Laredo is not responsible for any fees associated with obtaining a foreign credential evaluation or educational equivalency documentation.Proof of TB Test/Screening will be required to be presented prior to employmentValid Licenses and CertificationsRequired Licenses or Certifications:Medical Office Assistant or Medical Assistant Certification. Must attach copy of the certification to your application.Valid Texas Identification card or Government Issued card is required at the time of job offer and hire. Must have reliable form of transportation to and from work site and is expected to arrive at work site