JOB
Certified Medical Assistant
WA State Penitentiary – Walla Walla, WA
Salary Range: $4,632 to $6,200- Monthly
Schedule: Monday – Friday 0700 - 1530
The Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to fill a project position as Certified Medical Assistant.
The mission of Department of Corrections (DOC) is to improve public safety.
The mission of Health Services is to provide necessary comprehensive, quality health services and to promote wellness in preparation for return to the community.
The medical assistant performs all duties under the supervision of the healthcare provider in a safe and effective manner and within the scope of their practice as defined by state law and administrative code, RCW 18.360.050 Authorized Duties of the Medical Assistant – Certified, so that patient care provided is safe, effective, efficient and clinically appropriate. The medical assistant uses tools, techniques, physical and cognitive skills and abilities to perform tasks as delegated by a health care provider.
Under the general supervision of the licensed practitioner and/or lead of the Registered Nurse, the Medical Assistant-Certified will assist in providing patient care, which may include performing routine medical records duties, some administrative support, and other clinical duties to assist in the smooth operation of the medical department of Washington State Penitentiary (WSP).
Application assessment will be ongoing, and the hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time during the recruitment process. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible.
"This recruitment could be used to fill multiple permanent or non-permanent positions."
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Provide clinical support to the health services team to ensure continuity of patient care and efficient clinic operations.
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Attend briefing from off going staff upon arrival on shift for pertinent clinical information, including patients’ current health status, urgent diagnostic reports, observation rooms, staffing concerns, etc.; brief oncoming clinical staff as appropriate before departing from duty.
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Monitor patient flow in the outpatient clinic to ensure timeliness of care and efficient clinical operations.
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Ensure exam room is prepared for each patient, including medical records, instruments, etc. To expedite patient flow and support practitioner, as appropriate.
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Work collaboratively with patient services representatives to ensure patient scheduling, rescheduling, check-in, or no show is documented appropriately, to include mental health and optometry appointments.
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Assist with sick call triage and reception/intake process, based on the facilities established practice.
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Assist in preparing and administering medication and perform extra dermal subcutaneous and intramuscular injections as directed by a licensed practitioner within the scope of credentialing and training as authorized by RCW 18.360.050.
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Prepare clinical instruments for autoclaving, and perform automatic external defibrillator checks, refrigerator temperature checks, counting needles and equipment, safety checks, etc., as needed or required for compliance with agency policy and clinic protocols.
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Communicate with the care team through effective means, such as e-mail and other written and verbal methods to ensure that patient care orders and other tests are performed and completed in a timely manner.
Assist in providing patient care services within the scope of licensure and as delegated by the licensed practitioner or Registered Nurse.
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Provide assistance in all direct delivery of patient care by the provider, which includes but is not limited to:
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Vital signs
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Visual acuity and visual exams
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Ear irrigations
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Injections/Vaccinations
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Basic laboratory functions (venipuncture, CLIA waived laboratory in-house testing) and transport labs
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Electrocardiography
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Respiratory assessments (pulmonary function/peak flow)
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Observe, document in the medical record, and report to practitioner or Registered Nurse:
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Patient history and relevant data
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current health status (physical and emotional)
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Situation of patient, family, groups and/ or communities by interview, observation, and inspection.
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Recognize and report abnormal vital signs and labs.
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Assist in carrying out the plan of care by performing common therapeutic interventions, such as dressing changes, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with minor medical procedures in the direction of the practitioner or registered nurse.
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Document provision of patient services by completing electronic encounters, necessary forms, flow sheets or other documents included in the patient's medical record as required by policy or at the request of the licensed practitioner or the registered nurse.
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Carry out licensed practitioners’ written, verbal, and telephone orders in a timely manner. Assist in checking for allergies, medication dosages, intended effects of medications, side effects, and drug interactions of medications, and other signs and symptoms relevant to the patient's condition. Document findings and/ or report as appropriate to the practitioner or registered nurse.
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Monitor patient’s condition following procedures; Recognize and report emergent/ urgent problems or symptomology of common medical illness to the licensed practitioner or Registered Nurse.
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Respond to emergencies within a facility by providing emergency medical care, including Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic life support in a timely, competent manner.
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Other tasks directed by the physician, ARNP, or physician’s assistant, that fall under the legal scope of practice of a Medical Assistant-Certified.
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Communicate with the mental health practitioners in regard to requesting medication refills, ordering release medication, and addressing kites.
Medical Records Documentation
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Legibly document subjective and objective clinical findings and the actions taken to deliver health care in the health record, computerized database (OMNI-HS Encounters), and on other doc approved forms. All documentation will be in accordance with the health records policy and associated protocols.
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Maintain the confidentiality of protected health information (PHI) as mandated by law, professional standards, DOC policy directives, facility operational memoranda, and health care unit procedures by securing records, computer access, and clinical reports at all times.
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Effectively communicate verbally, in writing, and via computer or other electronic media with other healthcare personnel, custody, and other institutional personnel.
Other duties.
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Participate in facility and/ statewide continuous quality improvement processes, committees or work groups.
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Complete clerical tasks for Telepsychiatry and Optometry, to include but not limited to, copying, scanning and uploading documents for the providers, answering/ transferring calls, and retrieving medical records.
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Perform other duties as assigned.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Mission: The mission of DOC is to improve public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Vision: Working together for safer communities.
Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.
Our Core Values:
Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.-
Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.
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People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
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Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
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Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community – understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
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DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
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DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
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**Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
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A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
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Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
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We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
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Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
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Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
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Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
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This position may be represented by a bargaining unit.
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Requires respirator medical evaluation questionnaire, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the WA Industrial Safety & Act standards. Refer to WAC 296-842 to learn more.
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Must be able to work in spaces, climb stairs, walk long distances, and frequently lift up to 30 pounds. Under rare circumstances this position may be required to lift or carry up to 50 pounds and push up to 100 pounds.
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Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
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Candidates who are offered a job with the Department of Corrections must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
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Salary is based on experience and is determined at the time a final offer of employment is made.
We are committed to hiring individuals who possess core diversity competencies:
Foster a positive attitude and openness toward the ever changing social and cultural makeup of the workplace.
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Work effectively with people of different perspectives, abilities, disabilities, races, religions, ages, lifestyle preferences and social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
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Respectfully acknowledge people's differences and recognize these differences as important and valuable.
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Promote inclusiveness.
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Be culturally sensitive and appropriate.
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Respect and value diverse backgrounds and traditions.
What We Offer:
As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:
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Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
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8 hours of paid sick leave per month
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12 paid holidays a year
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Generous retirement plan
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Flex Spending Accounts
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Dependent Care Assistance
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Deferred Compensation and so much more!
Many DOC jobs are covered by the Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS). If someone moves from a Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) eligible position to a PSERS eligible position, they actually retire under two different systems/plans. For more information, please contact the Department of Retirement System at: 1-800-547-6657.
DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email [email protected] or call us at 509-907-7808 For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
