Medical Assistant - Correctional Health Services

State of Utah Office of the Governor • Salt Lake City, UT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Correctional Health Services Division at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services in Salt Lake City is hiring a Medical Assistant to support nursing and provider staff and provide quality medical care in a secure correctional health setting. The role involves working effectively with medical staff, officers, and offenders. Administrative responsibilities may include maintaining medical records and facilitating medical appointments. Clinical responsibilities may include preparing treatment and examination rooms, recording patient medical histories, and assisting the Registered Nurse on duty as needed.

Employment is contingent on successfully passing a DHHS background check, pre-employment drug testing, and a Utah Department of Corrections background screening. The position is in-office/on-site at 1480 N 8000 W, Salt Lake City, Utah. The role is not public safety certified and does not require peace officer status or certification. Work involves risks requiring special safety precautions and/or equipment, including potential exposure to contagious diseases or hazardous chemicals. Physical exertion may include standing, walking over rough surfaces, bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, and repeatedly or for extended periods lifting items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

• Experience working in a hospital, nursing, health care clinic, or secure patient environment.
• Skill using computers and electronic health records.
• Ability to take and record vital signs.
• Ability to perform venipunctures for laboratory samples and point-of-care laboratory testing.
• Ability to transfer and transport patients safely using proper body mechanics.
• Ability to recognize signs and symptoms indicating distress and perform CPR if needed.
• Good patient assessment and documentation skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work well with medical staff, officers, and offenders.
• Ability to assist with medical equipment and patient care; check and record vital signs; perform routine laboratory tests; handle medication-related tasks as directed; support examinations and treatments; collect and process specimens; maintain records and treatment rooms; and manage supplies and required logs.
• Ability to pass a criminal history/background check and pre-employment drug testing.

Nice To Haves

• State of Utah Medical Assistant Certification is desirable but not required.
• Knowledge of patient care, personal care techniques, and infection control measures.
• Knowledge of medications to assist medical personnel.
• Ability to perform venipunctures, point-of-care laboratory testing, and sample analyses.
• Demonstrated ability to take and record vital signs and safely transfer and transport patients using proper body mechanics.
• Ability to appropriately intervene in crisis or problem situations.
• Basic life support certification.
• Ability to work in a secure or locked environment.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, take initiative, organize duties, and manage time.

Responsibilities

• Assist nurses or physicians with medical equipment and patient care.
• Check and record vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, blood sugars, and weight, as directed by nursing staff.
• Perform routine laboratory tests and sample analyses.
• Authorize drug refills and provide prescription information to pharmacies.
• Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician or medical staff.
• Assist medical staff in examining and treating patients, including handing them instruments or materials, giving injections, removing sutures, and changing wound dressings.
• Collect, log, and prepare blood, tissue, or other laboratory specimens for testing or delivery to a laboratory.
• Ensure related reports, laboratory results, and other information are completed and available in patient medical records.
• Prepare treatment rooms for examinations and disinfect and clean them after examinations.
• Stock medical supplies, maintain instruments, prepare sterilization as required, and properly dispose of contaminated supplies.
• Maintain logs and perform required checks, including checks of refrigerator temperatures, emergency medications, expired medications, and oxygen.
• Maintain medical records and facilitate medical appointments.
• Prepare treatment and examination rooms and record patient medical histories.
• Assist the Registered Nurse on duty as needed.

Benefits

• Full benefits package eligibility.
• Job stability through employment within a well-established organization.
• Career growth, skill development, and opportunities for leadership.
• Meaningful work contributing to community services and organizational goals.
• Supportive work environment emphasizing cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.
• Work/life balance is valued.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed