Medical Assistant I - HMHI Downtown Behavioral Health Clinic - Full-Time

University of Utah Health•Salt Lake City, UT

About The Position

University of Utah Health is a patient-focused organization dedicated to enhancing health and well-being through patient care, research, and education. The Medical Assistant I provides assistive care to patients, facilitates efficient care delivery, supports licensed staff, and performs basic healthcare tasks within the role’s scope of practice and applicable state law. The position also handles clerical functions as a multi-skilled auxiliary worker and may access and administer medications within its authorized scope. The role is with the HMHI Downtown Behavioral Health Clinic. Duties include preparing patients for examinations and diagnostic procedures, communicating patient concerns to licensed staff, performing designated laboratory tests and clinical skills, assisting with examinations, maintaining rooms and equipment, and providing clerical and scheduling support. Additional duties may include phlebotomy, diagnostic monitoring, patient and family education, transportation, and IV access, as directed and when appropriately trained. The position may require rotating schedules, variable hours, weekends, nights, and holidays to meet staffing and patient-care needs in a 24/7 health system. Reliable and punctual attendance is essential. The work takes place in a healthcare setting and may involve exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous bodily fluids, blood, used needles, and other contaminants.

Requirements

Verifiable completion of one of the following: a state-approved EMT course; one year of Medical Assistant experience in an ambulatory care clinic or other healthcare setting; a Medical Assisting education program; or the University Hospital Medical Assistant certification program.
Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system, to be obtained within 30 days of hire.
Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills.
Demonstrated availability to work variable and rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, in a 24/7 patient-care environment.
Ability to demonstrate proficiency in the specific clinic’s specialty skills within six weeks of hire; specialty skills may not be performed until basic competency testing is completed.
Ability to withstand extended periods on one’s feet and to move and lift patients and reach for and handle equipment.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands with or without an accommodation.

Responsibilities

Prepare patients for examinations and diagnostic procedures, including recording vital signs and responses to standardized medical history questions.
Report observed patient concerns and changes in condition to licensed staff.
Perform department-designated CLIA-waived laboratory tests and report results to appropriate personnel.
Perform additional clinical skills such as suture removal, straight catheterization, and intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intradermal injections.
Chaperone healthcare providers during examinations when requested and assist with procedures.
Monitor and clean assigned examination rooms, unit areas, and equipment; report outdated supplies, stock levels, and repair needs; and restock items and equipment.
Answer telephones, forward messages, and schedule appointments, procedures, and diagnostic tests under licensed staff direction.
Perform clerical tasks, including filing patient medical information, locating and compiling charts, obtaining records from other providers, and entering billing charges.
Attend and complete mandatory education in infection prevention and control, safety, CPR, equipment use, and procedures.
Perform patient phlebotomy when trained and in accordance with clinic procedures and physician orders.
Apply leads and monitors for diagnostic procedures such as EKG and ultrasound under direct supervision of licensed personnel.
Assist with patient and family education by providing educational materials and general health information.
Assist with transporting patients to ancillary departments or inpatient units as directed by licensed staff.
Instruct in Basic Life Support requirements when assigned.
Perform IV access when assigned.
Perform other duties based on department assignment.
Work assigned rotating schedules, which may include variable hours, weekends, nights, and holidays, and maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.