Medical Assistant

Partnership Health Center; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Partnership Health Center in Missoula, MT, seeks Medical Assistants to provide clinical patient care in a team setting. Responsibilities include managing patient flow, conducting health assessments, and assisting providers in minor procedures. Ideal candidates have a high school diploma and experience in healthcare.

The role offers opportunities for advancement, with specific training for Medical Assistant I to IV levels. Candidates must be able to obtain BLS certification and vaccines as required. Rotating schedules include evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Medical Assistant or in a healthcare setting.
• Ability to obtain a current Healthcare Professional BLS certification within 90 days of hire.
• Proof of immunizations or immunity to infectious diseases.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical patient care as a member of a care team.
• Manage patient flow and ensure timely clinic appointments.
• Conduct initial health interviews and document vital signs.

Skills

Blood and urine specimen collection

Patient assessment equipment

Electronic medical record usage

Immunization administration

Effective communication

Education

High school graduation or GED

Job description

Position Overview

Provides clinical patient care as a member of a patient centered care team in all aspects of serving the patients of Partnership Health Center (PHC). This position is used to train new Medical Assistants (MA) to perform the full component of duties required of that position and prepare employees to advance within the ladder. Employees may be eligible for advancement to the next level based on demonstrated competencies.

Essential Duties

• Medical Assistant I

  Prioritizes patient needs in person and on the telephone. Manages patient flow and ensures that clinic appointments are conducted on schedule, with the primary role of continuity and efficiency by collaborating with patient service representatives, nursing, and provider staff. Conducts and records initial health interview including health histories, medication reconciliation, and prepares patient for examination. Gathers and records vital signs including temperature, blood pressure, height and weight. Documents interactions with patients in accordance with clinic policies and procedures. Assists provider in minor procedures, including dressing changes, wound care and first aid. Collects specimens, draws blood and performs the tests allowed as a CLIA-certified laboratory for waived tests based on evidence based research. Maintains control logs for patient testing. Prepares and administers prescription medications to patients including immunizations to adults and children age 12 years and up, in accordance with CDC regulations and guidance, and under the direction of a licensed health care provider, and in accordance with training level and approved competency. Documents medications and immunizations in accordance with PHC policies. Communicates with other health care providers, including other medical offices, hospitals and nursing home, as directed by providers. Coordinates referrals to specialists and outside lab testing facilities as directed by providers. Refills prescriptions per Provider directive and in accordance with PHC Policy and Procedures, and in accordance with training level and approved competency. Accurately records refill in electronic medical record. Maintains clinic work area and equipment, including cleaning and sterilization. Completes other supportive duties directed by care team, including but not limited to paperwork, cleaning of patient rooms, sterilization of equipment and supplies, and organization of supplies. Assists with material management, and stocking of area, inventory and ordering.

• Medical Assistant II

  Advancement to MA II requires successful completion of PHC Core Competencies for MA I position. Performs all the duties of a Medical Assistant I. Phones in prescriptions to pharmacies as directed by the medical provider. Participates in task force or other clinical committee to strategize and implement workflows and procedures that enhance PHC Clinical Quality measures, while increasing patient safety and care, using Lean principles and further utilization of Patient Centered Medical Home programs. Provides training of new on-boarding team members as assigned by MA Manager/MA Supervisor in addition to working with MA and Nursing Students during externship.

• Medical Assistant III

  Advancement to MA III requires successful completion of PHC Core Competencies for MA II position. Performs all the duties of a Medical Assistant I and II. Requires successful completion of a Quality Improvement Project approved by the MA Manager to advance to level IV.

• Medical Assistant IV

  Advancement to MA IV requires successful completion of PHC Core Competencies for MA III position. Performs all the duties of a Medical Assistant I, II and III. Completes ImMTrax training. Maintains ImMTrax vaccine access logs. Responsible for participating in daily Team Huddles per Patient Centered Medical Home Policy as directed. Successfully completes training and performs work as an Electronic Medical Record (EHR) Super User. Serves as a lead worker to support staff and MA staff in PHC clinic.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications – Medical Assistant I

  Education: High school graduation or GED. Experience: Experience working as a Medical Assistant or in a healthcare setting desired.

• Minimum Qualifications – Medical Assistant II

  Education: High school graduation or GED. Experience: One year of experience working as a medical assistant or in a healthcare setting.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Skill in collecting blood and urine for laboratory specimens.
• Skill in the use of patient assessment equipment (thermometer, blood pressure cuff).
• Skill in using an electronic medical record and in the use of personal computer (word processing).
• Skill in administering immunizations.
• Work effectively as part of a care delivery team.
• Remain calm and tactful in stressful situations.
• Gather information through interview.
• Respect and maintain confidentiality.
• Communicate effectively and follow instructions in English.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals and groups.

Special Requirements

Requires a current Healthcare Professional BLS certification or the ability to obtain it within 90 days of hire. Requires immunizations or proof of immunity to certain infectious diseases and a TB test. New employees will be asked to volunteer vaccination status for required vaccines upon hire and will be offered assistance in receiving necessary immunizations. Employees who have not received the required vaccines or who are unwilling to voluntarily provide vaccination status will receive a reasonable accommodation where such accommodation does not require an undue hardship or endanger the health or safety of any person. Subject to a criminal background check with fingerprinting.

Physical/Environmental Demands

The work is performed while walking or standing most of the time. Requires medium range lifting, including supply boxes (20‑30 lb); assisting patients on and off the examination tables; carrying, lifting and restraining children. Requires manual dexterity to perform skills such as drawing blood. Employee may risk exposure to bio-hazardous waste (blood, urine, body fluids), disinfectant chemicals and communicable diseases. Work schedules rotate and may include evening and weekend hours including Saturday clinic, and travel to satellite locations. This position does not have a work-from-home option.