Ambulatory Care Assistant (FT/Days)

About City of Hope

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.

Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hope’s translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope™, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hope’s specialized cancer expertise.

A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope is ranked among the nation’s “Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

City of Hope’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe diversity, equity and inclusion is key in serving our mission to provide compassionate patient care, drive innovative discovery, and advance vital education focused on eliminating cancer and diabetes in all of our communities. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ensures we bring the full range of skills, perspectives, cultural backgrounds and experiences to our work - and that our teams align with the people we serve in order to build trust and understanding. We are dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity - in ideas, backgrounds and perspectives; this is reflected in our work and represented in our people.

Position Summary

This position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications which may be required of the employee assigned to the position. Job duties may vary depending on facility.

An Ambulatory Care Assistant are unlicensed individuals who perform under the direction of a licensed provider basic administrative, clerical and non-invasive routine technical supportive services. Non-invasive technical supportive services are defined as simple, routine medical tasks and procedures. Recognizes and reports changes in a patients’ condition. Functions as a member of the multidisciplinary team. Demonstrates investment in the overall forward movement of the unit and the organization. The duties may vary from setting to setting, depending on the size, location, and type. Applies good interpersonal and communication process utilizing verbal and non-verbal skills to achieve organizational service goals of customer satisfaction and a positive work environment.

Key Responsibilities include:

Will provide direct patient care services as determined by the patient’s plan of care under supervision of provider and licensed support staff

• Prepares for patient appointments by reviewing and updating patient records prior to appointment. This includes checking for updates of recent test results, lab results and correspondence. Also reviews patient record (EHR) to determine needed services and whether referrals are in process or have been completed since last visit.
• Provides initial medical screening: Greets patients and directs to appropriate exam / procedure room. Obtains weight, height, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, pain level, chief complaint, O2 saturation (if indicated) and basic medical history; accurately documents in medical chart according to generally accepted medical standards
• Appropriately prepares patient for visit and alerts physician when patient is ready to be seen. When provider is unavailable, keeps the patient updated on the status of their appointment and when necessary assists the patient in re-scheduling or scheduling follow-up. Provides information to patient as to general clinic policies, patients’ rights and responsibilities as needed.
• Performs general clerical duties in support of health care team according to the needs of the clinic and as directed by provider(s) and nursing staff. These include but are not limited to answering phones, photocopies, faxing, typing, completing forms, etc. Works with patient scheduling system to assist Patient Scheduling/Registration staff with the orderly and efficient patient flow.
• Assists provider or nurse upon request during examination / procedure of patient and according to generally accepted medical standards. Practices universal precautions with respect to established safety protocols. Facilitates communication between the provider(s) and patient as needed, including translation as appropriate.
• Provides administrative back-up support to the health care team as assigned and as necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the clinic. Accepts floating assignments to other clinical areas as needed and assigned.
• Maintains work station in accordance with protecting PHI. Performs routine quality check of equipment and promptly reports damaged or missing equipment from exam/procedure rooms.
• Ensures clinical areas are organized with respect of standards in safety and quality patient care. Works collaboratively with health care team and other departments in solutions-oriented problem solving with the goal of providing safe quality patient care.
• Maintains exam / procedure rooms according to protocols: Cleans rooms between patient exams to ensure patients' comfort and compliance with infection control standards; ensures all necessary supplies are stocked. Promptly reports when supplies are low and works with nursing staff to ensure timely reordering is completed.
• Utilizes time in a constructive and efficient manner by assisting in such duties as restocking rooms/shelves/trays, checking supplies and ensuring that all areas, exam / procedure rooms are clean and orderly.
• Maintains compliance with manufacture guidelines to include, but not limited to disinfectant/sterilization and safe handling of instruments/equipment
• For safety and security reasons, is responsible for knowing the whereabouts of a patient any time the patient is in clinical areas. In the event a patient or clinic emergency, may be called to activate the proper ‘code’, assisting provider(s) and clinical staff with the appropriate emergency response. In the event of evacuation, will assist in the evacuating of patients being seen by her/his provider(s) as scheduled.
• Attends staff and medical meetings, as required
• Annually demonstrates competence in accordance with required functions.
• Performs all duties in support of successful EHR implementation.
• Performs additional duties within their scope of training, as assigned by health care team and in support of quality assurance and improvement.

Follows established City of Hope and department policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines, including adherence to the workplace Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan. Practices a high level of integrity and honesty in maintaining confidentiality.

Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school graduate (or GED) required plus one of the following:

• Medical Assistant Diploma from community college program or accredited institution or
• Two years Medical Assistant experience in corresponding setting or
• Non-licensed graduate of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licenses Vocation Nurse (LVN) program or
• Enrollment in an approved RN program and completion of at least one medical surgical clinical rotation

Required Certification/Licensure:

Basic Life Support for Healthcare providers from the American Heart Association.

Preferred education experience and skills:

• Working knowledge of common medical terminology
• Phlebotomy certification preferred
• California Certified Medical Assistant preferred. (Certified by a medical assistant certifying organization approved by the board)
• Bilingual English/Spanish and/or other languages preferred

Additional Information:

As a condition of employment, City of Hope requires staff to comply with all state and federal vaccination mandates.

City of Hope is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.