Medical Assistant
Department: Medical Services
Reports To: Manager of Medical Services Classification:
Non-Exempt Employment Status: Full-Time
Position Purpose
The Medical Assistant supports medical providers and the interdisciplinary treatment team in delivering coordinated, compassionate, and efficient behavioral health services. This position assists with clinical and administrative duties, including preparing individuals for appointments, obtaining vital signs, maintaining accurate health information, coordinating medication-related requests, and supporting the daily operation of medical services.
The Medical Assistant works under the direction of a licensed medical provider or designated supervisor and performs only those duties permitted by organizational policy, applicable law, and the employee’s education, training, certification, and demonstrated competency.
Essential Job Functions
Clinical Support
1. Prepare individuals for appointments by reviewing the purpose of the visit, obtaining relevant information, and accurately recording vital signs, height, weight, allergies, medications, and other health information.
2. Escort individuals to examination rooms and assist medical providers with examinations and procedures as directed.
3. Collect and document information regarding symptoms, medication concerns, side effects, and changes in health status for review by the medical provider.
4. Assist with medication refill requests by gathering required information and routing requests to the appropriate licensed medical provider.
5. Administer injections, complete laboratory testing, or perform other clinical procedures only when properly trained, authorized, and permitted by applicable law and organizational policy.
6. Assist with specimen collection, point-of-care testing, and laboratory coordination as assigned and within the employee’s demonstrated competency.
7. Maintain examination rooms, equipment, and medical supplies in a clean, sanitary, organized, and fully stocked condition.
8. Follow infection-control practices, universal precautions, medication-safety procedures, and proper disposal requirements for sharps and biohazardous materials.
9. Identify and promptly report urgent medical concerns, significant changes in condition, medication reactions, or safety concerns to the appropriate licensed medical provider.
Care Coordination
1. Support communication among individuals receiving services, medical providers, nursing staff, pharmacies, laboratories, hospitals, primary care providers, and other members of the treatment team.
2. Assist with obtaining medical records, laboratory results, medication lists, releases of information, and other documents needed to support coordinated care.
3. Communicate provider instructions to individuals only as directed and authorized by the medical provider.
4. Assist individuals with understanding appointment instructions, laboratory orders, medication procedures, and follow-up requirements within the limits of the position.
5. Support referrals and follow-up appointments with internal and external healthcare providers.
6. Work collaboratively with clinical, nursing, case management, crisis, front-office, pharmacy, and other departments to promote continuity of care.
Documentation and Administrative Support
1. Accurately and promptly document services, communications, vital signs, medication information, and other required information in the electronic health record.
2. Review documentation for completeness and notify the appropriate team member when additional information is needed.
3. Answer telephone calls, respond to messages, schedule appointments, and route medical questions to the appropriate licensed professional.
4. Assist with prior authorizations, pharmacy communications, laboratory orders, prescription assistance processes, and other administrative duties as assigned.
5. Maintain appropriate inventories of medical supplies and notify the supervisor when items need to be ordered or replaced.
6. Protect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals receiving services in accordance with HIPAA, organizational policies, and all applicable federal and state requirements.
7. Complete assigned reports, forms, training, and other documentation within established deadlines.
Team and Organizational Responsibilities
1. Provide respectful, trauma-informed, person-centered, and culturally responsive services.
2. Maintain professional boundaries and communicate respectfully with individuals receiving services, family members, coworkers, providers, and community partners.
3. Participate in staff meetings, supervision, training, quality-improvement activities, and organizational initiatives as required.
4. Follow all organizational policies related to safety, confidentiality, ethical conduct, technology, documentation, and professional behavior.
5. Maintain dependable attendance and report to work as scheduled.
6. Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
1. Must be at least twenty-one years of age.
2. High school diploma or equivalent is required.
3. Certified Nursing Assistant certification or Medical Assistant certification is preferred but not required.
4. Previous experience in a medical office, behavioral health setting, hospital, clinic, pharmacy, long-term care facility, or other healthcare environment is preferred.
5. Basic computer skills and the ability to learn electronic health record and scheduling systems are required.
6. Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
7. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive medical and behavioral health information appropriately.
8. Ability to follow instructions, work within established procedures, and recognize when a question or concern must be referred to a licensed medical professional.
9. Must successfully complete all required pre-employment screenings, background checks, and drug testing.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The employee must demonstrate:
· Basic knowledge of medical terminology and common healthcare procedures.
· Ability to accurately obtain and document vital signs and health information.
· Strong organizational and time-management skills.
· Attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation.
· Ability to prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
· Ability to remain calm and professional during stressful or emotionally sensitive situations.
· Ability to work independently while also functioning as part of an interdisciplinary team.
· Respect for individuals from diverse backgrounds and individuals experiencing mental health, substance-use, or medical concerns.
· Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
· Willingness to complete required training and competency evaluations.
Physical Requirements
The employee must be able to:
· Sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the workday.
· Use a computer, telephone, and standard medical and office equipment.
· Assist with positioning individuals or moving supplies and equipment as required.
· Lift or carry supplies and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
· Communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic systems.
· Respond appropriately to medical, behavioral, or environmental safety concerns.
Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.
Working Conditions
Work is primarily performed in a medical office, behavioral health clinic, or community-based healthcare environment. The employee may have contact with individuals experiencing physical illness, emotional distress, behavioral health symptoms, or crisis situations. The position may involve exposure to blood, bodily fluids, infectious conditions, cleaning products, medications, and other healthcare-related hazards. Required safety procedures and personal protective equipment must be used.
Disclaimer
This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of the position. It is not intended to include every responsibility, duty, or qualification associated with the position. Responsibilities may be modified based on organizational needs. Employment is at will and may be ended by either the employee or the organization at any time, with or without notice or cause, subject to applicable law.
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
