Behavioral Health Medical Assistant

Ascension DePaul Services of New Orleans (DCSNO) affiliates with DCHC which manages multiple Federally Qualified Health Center locations in the Greater New Orleans area. DCSNO is committed to improving the health status of communities and continues a long tradition of health ministry. DCSNO is seeking a full-time Behavioral Health Medical Assistant.

The Behavioral Health Medical Assistant will provide services in compliance with DCSNO as a Certified Medical Assistant within the clinic, mobile unit, or school setting. The Medical Assistant assists with patient services as assigned by the Director of Behavioral Health.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES

• Assists with the treatments ordered by the medical psychologist, psychiatrist, or care manager/clinician as supervised by Director of Behavioral Health.
• Interviews patients, measures vital signs and records information in the Electronic Medical Record.
• Conduct vision and hearing screens at assigned school locations and complete the report of those screenings for the Director of Behavioral Health. 
• Access the Electronic Medical Record to assist with scheduling provider appointments and adding new consented students/patients into the EHS.
• Performs select clinical duties including patient services, certain lab procedures, maintains patient’s medical records in an orderly manner, and reports abnormal results of any service to the primary care provider as per protocol. Assists with prior authorizations and medical refills when directed.  
• Prepares treatment rooms for examination of patients including procedure room and keeps medical equipment clean and orderly.  Monitors supplies in each examination room and maintains a neat and clean workspace.
• Escorts assigned patients  and fully prepares the patient for the visit which includes taking   vital signs, completing the Health Risk Appraisal, performing in house labs , review charts for accuracy, ensure diagnostic testing results and consultant reports are scanned in the Electronic Medical Record, review health provider orders, administer medications, perform treatments such as but not limited to breathing treatments, appropriately and accurately document the outcome of the treatment or intervention;    assist behavioral health providers, consultants and patients as needed.   
• Performs basic clerical duties including answering the phone, maintaining records and shredding patient information.  
• Performs basic materials management functions to include ordering and stocking of supplies.  Assists with maintaining a clean and orderly environment including cleaning all medical instruments according to Lab and General Safety Manual.
• Use Standard Precautions with all patients, specimens and equipment.
• Use Needlestick Precautions with all patients, specimens and equipment.
• Support policies, procedures and supervisory decisions with in the Health Center.
• Accept supervision and feedback from Behavioral Health Providers/Behavioral Health Director.  Participates in continuing education programs as directed.
• Use established channels of communication and proper lines of authority for problem solving and communication. Be knowledgeable of and apply the Vision, Mission, and Core Values of the DCSNO and Ascension health.
• Maintains a professional demeanor including work attire and appearance.
• Assist in documentation of incidents and untoward events and understands; participates in safety programs and disaster/fire delays. 
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record; provide proper justification for absences and tardiness; document overtime including justification.
• Attend DCHC general staff meetings, department meetings, and annual retreats.
• Is knowledgeable of patient’s rights and responsibilities and accepts responsibility for the assurance of the same.   Maintain and assure confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Lifting, twisting, standing, bending and some activities that involve running for long periods of time will occur.  90% of work will require some sort of physical activity to be performed. Employee will be required to travel from time to time and must be willing to work various shifts to accommodate needs of various sites.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is normally performed in a clinic, office environment, school or mobile unit with varying temperatures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Successful completion of a Certified Medical Assistant course with current certification and Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare required.  Should have at least one year of clinical experience.
• Possess a sense of discipline to work with accepted nursing and medical standards. Display solid verbal and written communications skills.
• Should have experience and the desire to work in a holistic health care environment serving the under-insured and uninsured.
• Demonstrate time management skills and set priorities.
• High school diploma or general education development equivalent required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• An Associate's or Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred.