Medical Assistant - ORCA Center

DESC•Seattle, WA

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Assistant (MA) acts as a member of a multi-disciplinary team responsible for providing medical services to adults who have experienced an opioid overdose and/or those with a diagnosis of Opioid Use Disorder. DESC’s ORCA Center sites provide 24-hour, low-barrier, enhanced supportive services. Here, the MA will assist with in-the-moment, low-threshold medical access to clients who may otherwise not be present at more traditional clinics. Work is done under the supervision of the ORCA Nurse Supervisor, Senior Nurse Manager, Director of Nursing and Medical Director.

Requirements

Medical Assistant licensed in the State of Washington
Ability to meet Washington Department of Health requirements for registration as an Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) or any other superseding counseling credential.
Experience with phlebotomy.
Knowledge of psychiatric medications, side effects and methods of administration, or willingness to learn.
Interest or experience in working with people experiencing homelessness, mentally illness and/or substance use disorders.
Interest or experience in working with clients who are difficult to engage and maintain in traditional mental health programs.
Ability to work effectively with clients displaying a wide range of unpleasant and/or bizarre behavior.
Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff from diverse backgrounds.
Subscribe to the philosophy of cooperation and continuity across programs and of consideration and respect for clients.

Nice To Haves

1-year clinic experience in adult medicine, addiction medicine, wound care, internal medicine, and/or infectious disease.
Experience in community health, behavioral health, case management, and/or resource referral.
Experience in an acute care setting (e.g., emergency department or overdose prevention center).
Knowledge and skill in working with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders; with people experiencing homelessness or with a history of homelessness.
Crisis intervention and stabilization experience.
Familiarity with Recovery Principles, Crisis Intervention and Stabilization, Integrated Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders, Intensive Case Management, Illness Management, and relevant Evidenced based/Emerging best practices.
Bilingual in Spanish/English.
Strong applicants can demonstrate the ability to be positive in their empathetic responses to all people; understand the value of meaningful and deep client engagement; and value a non-judgmental response to sensitive issues. Candidates should be able to accept feedback and work in a highly collaborative and sometimes stressful environment.

Responsibilities

Perform initial history and physical of client; documenting any client identified concerns, vital signs, and mental health status exams/AIMs assessments.
Reconcile medication and medical records with hospitals, other outpatient mental health clinics, and primary care facilities, including collecting appropriate Release of Information requests (ROIs). Ensure that client spaces and clinical spaces are clean, stocked, and appropriate medical equipment is in working order.
Perform client assessments on a walk in and as needed basis utilizing clinic protocols and guidance of nursing supervisor.
Administer pre-dosed oral medication, injections (both anti-psychotic injections and insulin), and wound care within scope of practice and plan of care.
Coordinate communication between care team, outpatient case management, outpatient nursing care team, and providers regarding client medical needs and condition.
Assist with medication refills, medication organization, and medication follow up needs as directed by provider and/or registered nurse.
Complete plan of care documentation as appropriate.
Participate in verbal de-escalation and physical interventions in emergent situations and be willing and able to assist other staff as needed to maintain a safe and secure environment.
Build trusting relationships with clients who may be wary and difficult to engage by employing a warm and accepting approach that includes trauma informed care, harm reduction and motivational interviewing.
Teach clients about safer substance use, overdose prevention and overdose reversal.