Mobile OTP Unit - Medical Assistant

COWLITZ INDIAN TRIBE • Vancouver, WA

33d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Medical Assistant (MA) – Methadone Mobile Unit supports the clinical and administrative operations of the Mobile Medication Unit (MMU), a component of a SAMHSA-certified Opioid Treatment Program (OTP). Working under the direct supervision of the Nursing Supervisor and/or Medical Director, the MA assists nursing and medical staff with patient intake, clinical support tasks, specimen collection, unit maintenance, and administrative documentation. This role is a critical support position that helps ensure safe, efficient, and compassionate care for patients receiving medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD). The MA will work closely with a small, tight-knit team in a compact space, requiring strong communication, adaptability, and a collaborative spirit. The environment can be fast-paced and ever-changing with exposure to varying weather conditions, traffic patterns, and diverse community settings. The MA must maintain a non-judgmental, trauma-informed approach and adhere to all federal and state regulations governing OTP operations, including 42 CFR Part 2 patient confidentiality requirements and HIPAA. The MA may also be required to float to the main OTP clinic location to support staffing needs. This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive. Important Noe: Medical Assistants in an OTP setting work strictly within their scope of practice as defined by state law. MAs do not independently dispense, administer, or prepare methadone or other Schedule II controlled substances. All medication-related tasks are performed only under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse or physician and only as permitted by state law.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program (certificate, diploma, or associate degree) required.
• Certification as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through AAMA
• Current BLS/CPR certification required.
• Minimum 1 year of clinical medical assistant experience preferred.
• Experience in a behavioral health, substance use disorder, community health, or outpatient clinic setting strongly preferred.
• Phlebotomy experience and urine drug screen collection experience preferred.
• Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) and basic computer skills.
• Strong attention to detail with accurate documentation and data entry skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in a fast-paced, early-morning clinical environment.
• Non-judgmental, compassionate approach to patients with substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of HIPAA and basic understanding of 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality requirements.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Basic math skills for documentation and clinical support tasks.
• Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks with competing priorities.
• Must successfully complete background check and drug screening as required by law and organizational policy.
• Must comply with all HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, SAMHSA, and applicable accreditation body standards.
• Must maintain current BLS/CPR certification throughout employment.
• Required to complete all mandatory organizational training, including OTP regulatory education and infection control updates
• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.
• Has not been found guilty of, charged with, received a deferred sentence, received a conditional discharge of, or entered a plea of not contest to, or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; walk; sit; stop, kneel, bend, or crouch; use hands to manipulate, touch, or grasp objects and materials and type on a keyboard; reach with hands and arms; and perform repetitive tasks.
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively in person and via telephone.
• The employee occasionally is required to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in an OTP, methadone clinic, or MAT setting.
• Phlebotomy certification.
• Bilingual or multilingual language skills aligned with the patient population served.
• Valid state driver's license with a clean driving record — Required if assigned to operate the mobile unit; motor vehicle record (MVR) check will be conducted prior to employment.
• Flexibility and willingness to float between mobile unit and fixed clinic settings as operationally needed.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients upon arrival; verify patient identity using two approved identifiers per OTP protocol.
• Room patients and prepare them for clinical encounters; document arrival times and flow in the EHR.
• Obtain and record vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, temperature, weight) accurately and report abnormal findings to the supervising nurse immediately.
• Assist with new patient intake process including check-in and admission, screenings and registration, including collecting demographic and insurance information.
• Prepare exam areas and ensure all necessary supplies and equipment are stocked and ready prior to patient encounters.
• Collect urine specimens for drug screening; process, label, and document specimens per chain-of-custody and OTP protocols.
• Perform breathalyzer testing as directed and document results accurately in the patient record.
• Assist licensed nursing staff with TB skin test administration and reading per clinic protocol.
• Draw blood specimens for laboratory testing as permitted by state scope of practice and organizational policy; label and package specimens for transport.
• Assist the Medical Director or physician with physical examinations and patient intake assessments as directed.
• Administer injections (e.g., Vivitrol/naltrexone) only as specifically authorized by state law and under direct supervision of a licensed provider.
• Observe patients for signs of intoxication, distress, or adverse reactions and report observations immediately to supervising nursing staff.
• Support nursing staff during patient crises or medical emergencies; initiate emergency response procedures (call 911) as needed.
• Accurately document clinical activities, vital signs, specimen collection, and patient interactions in the electronic health record (EHR) in a timely manner.
• Maintain patient appointment schedules; manage daily patient flow on the mobile unit and coordinate with the Nursing Supervisor.
• Assist with preparation and organization of patient charts, ensuring all required forms are complete and up to date.
• Process phone calls, relay messages between patients and clinical staff, and assist with patient communications as directed.
• Maintain confidentiality of all patient information in strict accordance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations.
• Assist with pre-operation and post-operation checks of the mobile unit; report equipment or vehicle issues to the Nursing Supervisor.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and infection control standards within the mobile unit at all times.
• Restock clinical supplies, forms, and equipment; track inventory and submit supply requests as needed.
• Ensure sharps containers, biohazard waste, and specimen materials are managed and disposed of per OSHA and organizational standards.
• May be required to operate the mobile unit vehicle to transport the unit between deployment sites; must possess a valid state driver's license with a clean driving record and meet organizational vehicle insurance eligibility requirements if assigned this duty.
• As operationally needed, may float to the main OTP clinic or satellite clinic locations to provide clinical and administrative support, ensuring continuity of operations across all service sites.
• Perform all applicable MA duties in the fixed clinic setting consistent with clinic protocols and OTP standards.
• Collaborate with clinic nursing and administrative staff to maintain smooth patient flow and documentation accuracy during float assignments.
• Adhere to all SAMHSA, DEA, HIPAA, and state OTP regulatory requirements at all times.
• Follow all infection control, universal precautions, and OSHA guidelines.
• Participate in required organizational training, competency assessments, and continuing education.
• Report safety concerns, incidents, or patient complaints promptly to the Nursing Supervisor.
• Support accreditation survey readiness and regulatory inspections as directed.

Benefits

• Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions.
• All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED