Medical Support Assistant (Non clinical)
This is an excellent opportunity to join the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, the nation's premier clinical research hospital. As a Medical Support Assistant, you'll play a vital role in supporting patient care and groundbreaking medical research by assisting the Nursing and Patient Support Services Departments. This position requires exceptional customer service, as you'll interact daily with patients, families, physicians, nurses, and visitors—many of whom are facing serious medical conditions or traveling from outside the area for treatment. Compassion, professionalism, and strong communication skills are essential. If you're passionate about providing outstanding patient support while contributing to the advancement of medical science, this is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The position is located on-site at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.
Responsibilities:
Join the NIH Clinical Center and play a vital role in supporting the nation's premier clinical research hospital. Medical Support Assistants (MSAs) are essential to the Nursing Department (ND) and Patient Support Services Department, helping deliver compassionate patient care while supporting groundbreaking clinical research.
As a Medical Support Assistant, you will provide exceptional customer service while interacting in person and by phone with patients, visitors, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Many patients receiving care at the NIH Clinical Center may be anxious, seriously ill, or have complex medical needs, making professionalism, empathy, and strong communication skills essential.
Multiple Shifts - Available Mon-Fri (40 hours)
- Day Shift (7am - 3:30pm)
- Mid Shifts ( 11am- 7:30pm )
- Evening Shifts (3pm - 11:30pm)
Key Responsibilities
- Scheduling Activities: Schedules patient appointments in the computerized appointment scheduling
- system. Appointments must be entered accurately and according to the guidelines for the specific area assigned. All visits for the day must be statused (the patient status is marked as arrived, no-showed or canceled) in the scheduling system before the end of each day. Complete requests for new or modifications to existing schedule templates.
- Admissions and Outpatient Registration Activities: Transcribe requests for patient admission; pre register patients for admission; admit inpatients and register new outpatients. All these activities are entered in the NIH Clinical Research Information System (CRIS). Attention to detail is required in data entry process to ensure that no duplicate records are created for patients and the demographic information is entered timely and accurately. In addition, patients are to be seen in a timely manner
- and personnel shall have an understanding of the consent process and be able to answer questions that new patients may have about consents and general information regarding the Clinical Center. Apply an accurate patient identification wristband to all patients. Assist physicians, nurses and patients with forms and other procedures related to patient expirations.
- Reception Activities: Prepare areas for the workday; receive and direct telephone calls; provide reception; make arrangements for interpreter services; close area for the work day according to the standard closing procedures for that area. Apply an accurate patient identification wristband to all patients. Accurate and complete documentation of calls or requests; prioritization of requests and timely response.
- Patient Record Activities: Prepare any medical record or visit paperwork for the patient visit; assemble inpatient chart; disassemble inpatient chart for filing in medical record; submit any patient records to the Health Information Management Department after correct patient label applied.
- Clinical Support Activities: Perform monthly safety inspections; and provide requested patient identification materials (labels, wristbands, etc.).
- Equipment, Material and Supply Support Activities: Request and stock appropriate supplies and forms; request and stock office supplies and forms; acquire meals and snacks for patients; monitor patient care nutrition and specimen refrigerator temperatures on a daily basis.
- Travel and Local Transportation Services Support Services: Transcribe requests for patient travel authorizations into the NIH Business Systems (NBS); issue travel authorizations and vouchers to the government approving official for approval before disbursement to patient or authorized guardian; scan all travel documents into the appropriate electronic patient record; reconcile lodging and taxi invoices against travel authorizations; arrange authorized patient travel and transportation.
- Statistics, Reporting and Other Administrative Activities: Enter data, produce, and/or distribute various reports; collect and enter patient wait and processing time statistics; filing, document topics discussed in meetings and orientation; issue keys and control key inventory. Requires knowledge of Microsoft computer applications, scanning, copying, and filing.
Physical Requirements
- Frequent walking and extended computer use.
- Ability to lift and carry records, supplies, or equipment weighing up to approximately 50 pounds.
Qualifications
- U.S. Citizen
- High school diploma or GED
- At least one year of experience working directly with patients in a hospital healthcare setting
- Must pass a background screening + Professional References
Compensation: DOE + H&W + Evening Differentials
Pay: From $24.65 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Are you able to pass a background screening & Drug Screening?
Experience:
- Hospital: 1 year (Required)
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Preferred)
- Overnight Shift (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
