Medical Assistant BH - Wilson Children's BH

Clinica Sierra Vista•Bakersfield, CA

About The Position

The Medical Assistant BH serves as the welcoming point of contact for psychiatric medication service requests and is principally responsible for coordinating the flow of patients through the medication management process. The MA schedules appointments according to written protocols and client needs, helps ensure mental health providers’ schedules are well organized, confirms that required paperwork and treatment plans are complete before visits, and communicates with psychiatrists or nurse practitioners about clients’ medication management needs. The role also supports behavioral health care coordination, including facilitating transparent “warm handoffs” between members of the behavioral health team. The MA performs routine patient-care functions within the scope of their education, training, and responsibilities, following established clinical protocols and maintaining confidentiality. The position may perform other duties as assigned and directed.

Requirements

Minimum of two years’ experience in a medical setting, or one year of experience in a behavioral health setting, or equivalent experience.
Possess and maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) card accredited by the American Heart Association.
Willingness to work well with other health care providers.
Commitment to preventative medicine and a team approach to health care delivery.
Willingness to participate actively in the expanded role of the medical assistant.
Ability to learn about patients and their problems.
Knowledge of community resources and collaborative agencies.
Verbal and written communication skills for working with individuals and families facing behavioral health issues.
Ability to deliver excellent customer service to diverse and difficult populations with respect and sensitivity.
Adhere to Clinica Sierra Vista employee health and immunization requirements, or provide a valid exemption request for subsequent approval.
Current State of California Medical Assistant Certification is required for MA II.

Nice To Haves

Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant Program is preferred.

Responsibilities

Schedule and confirm patient appointments; communicate with medical providers, behavioral health providers, and clients.
Facilitate warm handoffs between behavioral health team members, supporting communication and clarification among the care team and client.
Welcome clients by telephone or in person with requests for psychiatric medication services and support their ongoing clinic care.
Perform routine patient-care functions prescribed by licensed healthcare providers, following established protocols, policies, procedures, and scope of responsibility.
Schedule appointments according to written protocols and client needs, addressing high-risk clients urgently as appropriate.
Facilitate the work of assigned providers in a non-judgmental manner.
Provide basic information and assistance to patients under the direction of licensed personnel.
Document pertinent patient information, nursing procedures, and patient responses according to guidelines while maintaining confidentiality.
Perform other duties as assigned and directed.