Medical Assistant

Committed to Our Community in the Heart of the Redwoods. Removing Barriers to Healthcare Access

ECHC Eureka Community Health CenterThe Medical Assistant (MA) Trainee is an on the job training opportunity for employees that are interested in becoming an MA but have no past experience. The expectation is that they will complete a training program and become eligible to test for MA Certification. The MA Trainees are trained on how to assist in examination and treatment of patients under direction of primary care provider and/or registered nurse. Advocates for patients and assists in the furtherance of their care as directed within the California MA Scope of Practice. This position provides hands on training with support from MAs and Clinical Coordinators.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(Able to demonstrate by end of probationary period)

• Delivers compassionate assistance to patients in alignment with ODCHC’s Model of Care
• Interview patients, measure vital signs such as pulse rate, temperature, blood pressure, weight, and height, using the age appropriate tools (auscultator, B/P) to ensure accurate results and record information on patients’ chart.
• Chart patients’ chief complaint and able to chart required elements of pt intake, and other basic M.A.
• charting duties outlined herein.
• Perform orthostatic vital signs and document appropriately in EMR.
• Basic performance of autoclaving, spore check, cleaning the autoclave, and the proper wrapping/packaging of instruments.
• Prepare exam rooms between patient visits and stock patient exam rooms consistently.
• Operate electrocardiograph (EKG), oxygen saturation monitors, vision and hearing tests, ear and eye irrigations, peak flow, nebulizer, and sphygmomanometer.
• Administer all medications/injections and immunizations per ODCHC policy and as directed by practitioner/registered nurse, using the proper calculations of doses and the seven rights of administration of all medications prescribed.
• Set-up, assist and clean up on minor procedures such as pap, wet mount, quick strep, mole removal, minor lacerations, etc.
• Set up and assist in age appropriate well child exams/CHDP including immunizations and accurate documentation of information
• Follow guidelines for universal precautions including hand washing and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as appropriate.
• Perform HCG, Micral and Rapid Strep and QC according to site specific lab guidelines and proficiently obtain specimens and cultures for the lab.
• Obtain diabetic labs at the beginning of patient’s visit (i.e. Dermal stick, HGB, A1c, blood sugar, urine
• micral) per DM HCM protocol.
• Schedule appointments and follow up visits as per clinic procedure.
• Keep medical areas clean and properly disinfected following standard practices of medical asepsis, including exam rooms, hallways, and other areas.
• Perform chart scrubbing and updating of the Health Care Maintenance function (HCM) in EMR.
• Perform EPIC workflows for MA duties including standard intake, telephone call documentation, prepping/routing refill encounters, PHQ, MAR, Meaningful Use and managing staff messages from the provider in basket.
• Adhere to ODCHC attendance policy
• Maintain a basic understanding of and adherence to HIPAA, HITECH and CA regulations on privacy.
• Adhere to the basic MA Scope of Practice in California.
• Other duties and responsibilities as designated by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS:

• Ability to consistently and accurately chart patient information.
• Ability to promote effective communication between the patient and the primary care provider.
• Ability and desire to work as a member of a team in order to enhance patient and staff experiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to establish constructive working relationships with all levels of management and employees in a staff of varied and diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to handle difficult or confrontational situations in a calm, consistent, and equitable manner.
• Effective communication skills; written and verbal.
• Ability to complete routine paperwork and write professional, quality correspondence.
• Basic computer skills; internet, Word, and email.
• Exercises sound and responsible judgment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Previous healthcare experience preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• CPR Certification within 90 days of hire.
• This is a training position and it is expected that the Medical Assistant Trainee will complete the Medical Assistant Apprentice Program and pass their MA Certification Exam within 1 year of employment. At which time MA Trainees will be eligible to progress on the MA Ladder based on competency.
• Injection Certification obtained by six months of employment. Knowledgeable of all injection locations (i.e. SQ, IM, ID), the seven rights of administration: “The right medication, the right dosage, the right route, the right site, the right patient, right documentation and right to refuse”.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None.

SUPERVISION AND SUPPORT: The MA - Trainee reports directly to the Back Office Manager and is an integral member of the Clinical Services team.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described are representative of those needed to successfully perform the essential duties of the position. Reasonable accommodation will be made to allow otherwise qualified candidates to perform these functions.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Vision adequate to read medication labels, electronic and written materials, medical equipment readings & results.
• The employee is frequently required to communicate (talk and hear) in person and by phone, at normal volumes.
• Activities include sitting, standing, and walking. These activities, to various degrees, extend through all work activities. Standing and walking are performed frequently throughout the work shift.
• Activities require the employee to continuously and repetitively sit for long periods of time.
• Activities frequently include lifting and/or moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifting and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Activities frequently require the employee to use hands & fingers, handle or feel objects or tools, manipulate & operate standard medical equipment including, but not limited to, exam tables, sphygmomanometers, syringes, and stadiometers. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. Kneeling, crouching, stooping, and crawling are required on an occasional basis.
• Activities require the employee to physically assist patients on an occasional basis, when stepping up
• onto scales, exam tables, to and from a seated position or into positions required for specific procedures.