Behavioral Health Medical Assistant/Care Manager
Location: All clinic sites
Name/Title of Immediate Supervisor: Rachel Quintanilla, LMSW; Luis Garza, MD
DESCRIPTION OF POSITION(S):
DESCRIPTION OF POSITION(S):
Care Manager: The care manager is responsible for providing and coordinating depression care for patients in the Integrated Behavioral Health program The Clinical Care Manager educates patients about depression and anxiety and their treatment, provides behavioral activation, monitors depressive symptoms and severity of anxiety in response to medication and/or psychotherapy using a structured instrument (e.g., the PHQ-9 and GAD-7), works closely with the primary care provider, counselor(s) and psychiatrist(s) to revise the treatment plan when patients are not improving, and offers a brief course of counseling for depression (e.g., Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT).
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Screen all adult patients for depression and/or anxiety through the use of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) depression scale and GAD-7 anxiety screener. Other pertinent screeners as required by medical staff.
2. Conduct an initial assessment of all patients that meet the criteria for behavioral health program to determine behavioral health needs.
3. Consult with patient, primary care provider, and Behavioral Health provider about treatment options and preferences; coordinates initiation of treatment plan
4. Monitor patients closely (in-person or by phone) for changes in severity of symptoms, co-morbidity issues, co-occurring disorders and medication side effects; educate patients about medications and medication side effects, as needed; encourage treatment adherence
5. Use behavioral activation techniques with patients as an adjunct to other treatments
6. Provide optional evidence-based, brief structured psychotherapy (e.g., CBT or PST-PC)
7. Participate in regular caseload review and supervision with psychiatrist/PNP focusing on patients not adequately improved within specified timeframe (e.g., less than 50% reduction in symptoms after 10 weeks in treatment)
8. Coordinate and facilitate communication between patient, primary care physician psychiatrist/PNP; and family members when appropriate to provide recommendations for change in treatment plan according to evidence-based algorithm and expert supervision; and support implementation of new plan
9. Routinely convey information from contacts with the patients to the primary care providers through the Electronic Medical Records system
10. Document all encounters according to organizational policies and procedures; monitor outcome measurements
11. Schedule behavioral health appointments for existing and new patients.
12. Facilitate treatment referrals, as needed.
13. Complete relapse prevention plan with patients who are in remission
14. Facilitate support groups for patients in the behavioral health program as indicated.
15.Participate in staff development and training as deemed pertinent to the job function and as recommended by the Chief Behavioral Health Officer.
16. Contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of Project Vida’s service to its patients by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of the Integrated Health Care team.
17.Perform other related duties as assigned
Medical Assistant: This position performs clinical and clerical duties under the direct supervision of Behavioral Health Providers and or senior staff nurse in either oral or written form. Depending on the amount of staff this employee will either perform patient care duties and/or phlebotomist duties.
Duties and Responsibilities
Records patient height, weight, blood pressure, pulse and temperature.
Assists providers while patient is being examined.
Assists physicians when necessary with minor surgery.
Performs simple laboratory results, first aid procedures and administers injections
Sterilizes instruments and cleans equipment.
Gives instruction to patient on diet, medication or special procedures as indicated by provider.
Makes referrals to other providers, ancillary services, organizations or hospitals as indicated.
Ensures that exam room are clean and stocked.
Maintains daily inventory and order supplies.
Assesses patient for appropriated invasive procedure (venipuncture or capillary puncture) and obtains that sample according to procedure.
Collects blood samples in appropriate containers after positive patient identification.
Properly labels specimen(s) and completes patient according to established criteria to ensure a positive patient outcome.
Verifies identity of samples with orders and processes laboratory specimen(s) as indicated.
Routes specimens to appropriate test site.
- The level of coworker interaction/dependence can be characterized as being (Check One)
____ Extensive (much direct interaction/dependence on coworkers to accomplish work)
___ Moderate (some interaction with coworkers to accomplish work)
____ Limited (worker must be highly autonomous; show much independence)
- The level of supervision received (Check One)
____ Extensive (much direct supervision; work with supervisor)
___ Moderate (access to supervisor and/or Behavioral Health/Medical support staff, when needed)
____ Limited (worker must be highly autonomous; show much independence)
- Describe other responsibilities specific to Behavioral Health in collaboration with providers, Care Mangers, and other support staff.
- Schedules patients for Initial and return visits;
- Assists with reminder calls as needed;
- Assists patients with the Patient Assistance Program application process as needed.
- When available, assists medical providers with clinical responsibilities.
- May be called to assist in patient registration for services and to perform front desk duties when appropriate and necessary.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $12.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Language:
- Spanish and English (Required)
License/Certification:
- Certified Medical Assistant (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
