Behavioral Health Medical Assistant

JOB SUMMARY: The Behavioral Health Medical Assistant is a key member of the clinical care team, responsible for supporting psychiatric providers in delivering high quality, patient-centered care behavioral health services. This role involves conducting patient intake, assisting during evaluations, and coordinating referrals and follow-ups. The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and fluency in Spanish to provide effective communication.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Medical Assistant Duties:

• Conduct patient intake procedures, including collecting vital signs, administering behavioral health screening tools, and providing clinical support to psychiatric providers during patient evaluations
• Administer intramuscular injections in accordance with medical guidelines.
• Review and update patient medical histories, including current medications, before and after each visit.
• Maintain a safe, secure, and compliant work environment by adhering to standards and regulations.
• Stay up to date with medical knowledge through educational opportunities and professional publications.
• Participate in staff and committee meetings, fostering collaboration and communication with team members.
• Maintain respectful, courteous, and professional interactions with staff, volunteers, and patients.
• Manage time effectively, prioritizing patient care and utilizing resources efficiently.
• Travel between clinic sites as needed.
• Document clinical encounters in the electronic health record (EHR), including visit summaries and provider instructions.
• Coordinate psychiatric appointments, referrals, and follow-up care to ensure continuity of treatment.
• Serve as a liaison between patients and psychiatric providers by communicating provider instructions, treatment plans, laboratory results, and follow-up recommendations in a timely manner.
• Provide therapeutic communication and medical interpretation between providers and Spanish-speaking patients to support understanding and engagement in care. 
• Perform additional tasks assigned.

Other Duties:

• Promotes and demonstrates Hope values of: Gospel motivation, Prayer, Excellence, Stewardship, Patience, Thankfulness, Humility, Service, Dignity through Relationship and Hospitality and Joy.
• Always maintains the confidentiality of Hope Christian Health Center and patient-related information.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations and safeguard patient information.
• The Behavioral Health Medical Assistant ensures compliance with all 19 Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Program Requirements.
• The Behavioral Health Medical Assistant is also expected to actively participate in and support quality improvement activities and the clinical practice team efforts emphasizing the importance of the individual patient and putting the patient’s needs first.
• Perform all other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications: 

• At least 2 years’ experience as a Medical Assistant – required
• Active laboratory license – required
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification - required
• Fluency in Spanish, including medical terminology – required
• Reliable transportation – required
• At least 1 year experience within Behavioral Health – preferred
• Willing to obtain Mental Health first aid certification within 6 months of employment.
• Proficiency with EHR systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Medicaid documentation standards.

Education:

• Medical Assistant Certificate or equivalent - required.

KEY COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS: 

• Faith to believe that Hope is a ministry of God, exemplifying the love of Christ, and held and directed by the Holy Spirit. 
• Ability to operate general office machinery (computers, calculators, copy/fax machine, telephones, etc.)
• Outstanding ability to build interpersonal relationships at all levels. 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. 
• Demonstrated passion for community health care. 
• Proven ability to maintain integrity in a fast paced and high-demand environment. 
• Proven ability to manage performance goals. 
• Ability to interact with people from all ethnic backgrounds, ages, and lifestyles; ability to understand and respond appropriately, effectively, and sensitively to special populations.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

Occasional standing, walking, lifting, reaching, kneeling, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, and lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds. Frequent sitting. Manual dexterity. Good reading eyesight and vision for close work. Ability to communicate by speaking and hearing in person or on the phone.