Medical Assistant - Behavioral Health Dept

Shenandoah Community Health (SCH) is a Federally Qualified Health Center whose mission is to provide access to healthcare by reducing barriers to care.  Our coordinated range of services includes primary care, women's health, behavioral health, oral health, HIV case management, pharmacy, lab, radiology, and a variety of support services. SCH also offers interpretation services for patients whose primary language is not English. Working at SCH is more than just a job, it is an opportunity to impact the lives of the people living in our community. Come join our team! To learn more about SCH, visit www.shencommhealth.com.

Job Summary:

This position is primarily responsible for assisting and providing safe, consistent, and appropriate patient care within his or her scope of practice.  The Medical Assistant will assist the nurse and provider, including but not limited to obtaining and document vital signs, presenting problems, assisting the provider in the exam room, performing CLIA waived lab tests, and answering telephone calls.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Ensure that exam rooms are equipped with supplies and equipment
• Gives oral, SL, nasal, and topical medication as directed by the provider.
• Vital signs; such as blood pressure, temperature, and weight, and basic sound care.
• May perform IM, SQ, and Intradermal Injections.
• Entering information into Electronic Medical Record (EHR).
• Reinforces instructions given to the patient by the Provider and RN, refers new needs for instruction to RN.
• Assists in preparing and directing patients for examination to meet SVMS objectives.
• Escort patient to exam room for initial assessment.
• Performs brief patient history, chief complaint, current medications, allergies, and significant previous medical/psychosocial problems.
• Functions as a provider chaperone when needed during exams, assist the provider as needed.
• Screens assigned telephone messages and processes injuries, or refer to appropriate medical personnel per SVMS protocols.
• Effectively performs specific laboratory test/Point of Care testing that has been approved by the Laboratory Directory.
• Performs nursing procedures and treatments, and medication administration according to SVMS protocols upon request of the provider.  Notifies the RN of significant findings or changes in patient’s physical or mental condition.
• Demonstrates flexibility, open mindedness, and versatility in adjusting to changing environments and requirements as necessary.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior with patients, families, co-workers, subordinates, supervisors, and other department staff.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and privacy at all times according to Shenandoah Community Health policies and procedures; uses discretion when discussing patient matters.
• Other duties as assigned

Essential Skills and Education Requirements:

• Professionalism: Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• Interpersonal Skills & Standards: Demonstrates the willingness and ability to establish high trust relationships at work. The ability to demonstrate high levels of respect, empathy, specificity, and genuineness when engaging with staff and patients.
• Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the work environment, manages competing demands and is able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.
• Initiative: Volunteers readily; asks for and offers help when needed.
• Confidentiality: Ability to maintain the highest level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Dependability: Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments. Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Must be Certified or Registered as a Medical Assistant.
• Must have the demonstrated ability to function effectively within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Must have excellent skills in patient communication and education.
• Annual basic BLS certification also required.
• Previous experience working in a health care setting is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Work is typically performed indoors with frequent sitting, standing, and bending necessary to perform daily job requirements.
• Occasional lifting may also be necessary in this position.