Medical Assistant – Pitner

Spring Branch Community Health Center; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Spring Branch Community Health Center in Houston, TX is seeking a coordinated Medical Assistant to support clinicians, document encounters, explain procedures to patients, and maintain a safe, clean clinical environment.

The role requires bilingual English/Spanish communication, knowledge of electronic health records (EHR), and the ability to work with diverse patient populations and a collaborative care team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Medical Assistant certificate required; CMA preferred.
• BLS certification required.
• Experience in Federally Qualified Health Centers is a plus.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is required.

Responsibilities

• Administer medications and injections under supervision as directed.
• Complete prior authorizations and refills under standing orders.
• Document patient encounters in the electronic health record accurately.
• Assist in examinations and prepare patients for procedures.
• Maintain clinical supplies and sanitize exam rooms and equipment.
• Attend staff meetings and participate in safety and quality initiatives.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

eClinicalWorks knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Medical Assistant certificate

Certified Medical Assistant

BLS certification

Tools

eClinicalWorks

Job description

Job Description

Job Purpose/Summary:

The Medical Assistant (MA) works under the direction and supervision of licensed healthcare professionals. The MA is primarily responsible for encounter documentation, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting medical providers during examinations. The MA also assists in maintaining supplies, supporting a safe and clean environment, as well as supports, and acknowledges SBCHC’s Mission and Vision. The MA will work directly with vulnerable populations including but not limited to Communities of Color, Women with Children, Pediatrics, Youth, Individuals and Families Experiencing Homelessness, People Living with HIV/AIDS, and individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders (SUDs) including co-occurring issues.

Policy

It is the policy of SBCHC that MAs must perform duties that are only within limitations of the scope of practice and in accordance with the guidelines stipulated by the Medical Board of Texas. It is the responsibility of the MA to know their limitations and abide by the regulatory standards.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Administer medication orally, sublingually, topically, vaginally, rectally, or by intramuscular, subcutaneous and intradermal injection (injections require additional training).
• Completes prior authorizations for medication and imaging orders, and call in refills to a pharmacy under the direct supervision of the medical provider per Standing Orders – Prescription Refills.
• Documents patient encounter intake based on visit type appropriately and accurately into the electronic health record. Collect and record patient data such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, height and weight, pain management, and IPV screening tool. Documentation may include but not limited to: social history, family history, surgical history, medical history, gynecology, and obstetrics history.
• Performs procedures including but not limited to administering injections, collecting specimens, electrocardiogram, hearing test, vision tests, in-house point of care testing, lab draws, and ear lavage.
• Apply and remove bandages and dressing to superficial incisions or lacerations; apply orthopedic appliances such as knee immobilizers, envelope slings, and similar devices. Remove sutures or staples from superficial incisions or lacerations.
• Prepare patients for and assist the licensed healthcare professional in examinations or procedures including positioning, draping, shaving and disinfecting treatment sites.
• Monitors pending referrals, notifies patients of lab results and diagnostic results based on providers written orders, obtains consult notes, and documents attempts within eClinicalWorks.
• Maintains cleanliness and supplies in each patient room, completes room checklists, and notifies appropriate personnel of clinical supply shortages. Disinfects all medical equipment and exam room tables and surfaces after each patient encounter.
• Completes sterilization by autoclave, autoclave maintenance, including spore testing weekly. (requires additional training)
• Completes daily huddles with care teams, including providers.
• Administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an emergency.
• Prepare charts by completing pre visit planning including ensuring lab result retrieval, medical record retrieval, vaccination history, etc.
• Obtains consents for treatment, and reviewing vaccine screening checklist forms.
• Upholds strict patient confidentiality requirements required by federal and state law.
• Maintains strict scope of practice. See Medical Assistant Scope of Practice.
• Actively provide willingness to help and maintain professional relationships with coworkers.
• Perform other duties as assigned, within scope of practice.
• Attend all staff meetings and mandatory In Service meetings.
• Observe and acknowledge all SBCHC policies and procedures, including all emergency and disaster response responsibilities.
• Participates in Compliance, Risk and Safety, and Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement initiatives.
• Always greet patients, visitors, and clinical staff in a courteous and respectful manner; respond to patients with empathy and positive interpersonal skills; consistently handle all requests in a positive manner.

Qualifications

• Graduate of approved high school or GED equivalent
• Medical assistant certificate, Certified Medical Assistant Certificate strongly preferred
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) or BLS equivalent
• Medical Assistant experience within Federally Qualified Health Center’s or equivalent preferred
• Multi-lingual, English/Spanish required
• Available for all shifts/assignments and, when required, able to work evenings and weekends