Medical Assistant/Community Health Advocate

Medstar Research Institute•Baltimore, MD

59d•$22 - $40•Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as a key staff member to the MedStar Mobile Health Center's operations serving in a dual capacity as a medical assistant and community health advocate. Reports to Multi-Site Program Manager Community Health Advocates with matrix Practice Manager MedStar Harbor Hospital Primary Care - MedStar Medical GroupMedical Assistant: Provides day-to-day operational support to the department which includes administrative and medical assistant support.Community Health Advocate: Works closely with community health case management care teams and social services agencies to provide short term care coordination and connection to resources and programs for patients to improve their health and general well-being through education and provision of coordination of care and services. Works in both clinical and community-based settings including patient's homes. Serves as a liaison/link/intermediary between health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. Builds individual and community capacity by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency through a range of activities such as outreach community education informal counseling social support navigation support and advocacy. Community outreach such as home visits assessments care coordination and health screenings required.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED or equivalent required and
Residency within the target population preferred
1-2 years 2 years secretarial experience required and
1-2 years Patient care experience in a medical practice preferred and
Participation with a community organization verified by personal or professional reference with personal knowledge of this fact preferred
One year of relevant professional-level work experience may be substituted for one year of required education.
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)-AAMA CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) through American Association of Medical Assistants required or
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)-American Medical Technologists RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) through American Medical Technologists or certification/registration from a nationally recognized agency required or
Procurement patient care and clinical abilities.
Working knowledge of word processing spreadsheet and database software applications.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Personal knowledge of the target population as shown by residency in that neighborhood.
Cultural competency. Knowledge of local resources and system navigation.
Advocacy and community capacity building skills.
Care coordination skills.
Teaching skills to promote healthy behavior change.
Outreach methods and strategies.
Ability to bridge needs and identify resources.
Understanding of ethics and confidentiality issues.
Ability to use and understand health information technology.

Responsibilities

Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies procedures quality standards and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.
Assists medical provider with patient examinations or evaluations.
Follows Infection Control Universal Precautions and OSHA guidelines/regulations.
Greets patients in a friendly courteous manner. Answers telephone inquiries and forwards messages according to a designated protocol.
Maintains organization and efficiency in running of the medical office including all functions related to scheduling documentation billing and filing. Processes patient chart as it relates to visit maintains chart in organized status according to policy.
May prepare laboratory materials if necessary.
Opens review and distributes interoffice/external mail. Brings priority items to supervisor's/manager's attention.
Participates in multidisciplinary quality and service improvement teams. Participates in meetings and on committees and represents the department and hospital in community outreach efforts. Performs other duties as assigned.
Performs and documents TPR and BP height and weight on patients. Assists patients with dressing or undressing completing paperwork providing directions or other services needed by the patient. Assists in providing instructions to patients for procedures or examinations.
Prepares examination rooms for patient and provider use. Maintains stock of required supplies maintains equipment/environment in good repair and order routinely cleans and stocks areas carts rooms etc.
Schedules appointments maintains appointment calendar for patients and providers. Assists with scheduling appointments for testing or evaluation at other offices when needed
Advocates for individual and community health equity and Assists patients in accessing health related services including but not limited to: obtaining a medical home providing instruction on appropriate use of the medical home overcoming barriers to obtaining needed medical care and /or social services.
Assists patients in their homes community or clinic setting. Communicates to patients the purposes of the program and the impact it may have on their wellbeing.
Helps patients identify socio-economic issues that affect their overall health and develop health/social management plans and goals.
Documents all patient encounters; completes and submits monthly reports; maintains comprehensive electronic client files which include client notes release of information assessments and other medical documents acquired on behalf of the patient. Documents activities service plans and outcomes achieved by patient in an effective manner.
Educates client on the proper use of the Emergency Room/Health system services and provides information for alternatives. Coaches patients in effective management of their chronic health conditions and self-care.
Assists patient in understanding care plans and instructions. Motivates patients/clients to be active and engaged participants in their health and overall wellbeing.
Serves as a liaison between communities individuals and coordinated health care organizations.
Staffs community events and activities as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.