Medical Assistant (Credentialed/Certified)- MERIT

University of Illinois Chicago•Rockford, IL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Director of Administrative Operations of the MERIT program, the Medical Assistant provides services to children who may have experienced abuse or neglect and their families. The role combines patient care and examination support with case coordination, scheduling, intake, referrals, recordkeeping, and program reporting. The position is on-site in Rockford, Illinois, and follows a day schedule of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent.
Current and valid medical assistant certification from an approved certifying board, as defined by the employing institution.
Ability to maintain accurate case records and handle patient information and documentation with attention to detail.
Illinois residency is required within 180 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability is preferred but not required.
Current and valid American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support CPR certification.
Current and valid Certified Medical Assistant certification from AAMA, AMT, NCCT, and/or NHA.

Responsibilities

Coordinate cases among MERIT, patients, families or caregivers, and collateral contacts; advocate for patients and appropriate family members in abuse or neglect cases and monitor follow-up through documented contacts and tracking systems.
Assist the MERIT medical social worker with tracking grant information and assessments.
Independently manage patient scheduling and identify opportunities to improve scheduling efficiency.
Register patients and enter information into the electronic medical record and other tracking systems; assemble and file patient records.
Provide information to parents, DCFS, law enforcement, state’s attorney offices, and other medical providers; route phone calls to appropriate staff.
Prepare child and adolescent patients for medical examinations by explaining procedures and providing support; prepare caretakers and provide supportive crisis counseling during intake, evaluation, and follow-up.
Arrange additional evaluations and coordinate referrals to community agencies and programs.
Greet patients, verify appointment information, ensure records are available, take and record vital signs in the EMR, and make sure required paperwork is provided and completed.
Obtain relevant records from other providers or hospitals as needed.
Assist medical providers with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including draping patients and setting up examination or treatment trays.
Assist with specimen collection and labeling, and follow up on X-rays, blood exams, and urinalysis.
Collect and bag soiled linen; clean and sterilize equipment and supplies; stock rooms with supplies and forms.
Conduct preliminary intake and complete intake information; collect and organize documentation from referral sources to determine eligibility for MERIT services.
Evaluate screening complaints and schedule eligible patients with the appropriate medical provider.
Complete assigned work such as chart preparation, audits, labs, and referrals.
Notify patients or parents about appointments and missed appointments, and notify MDT members as appropriate.
Maintain accurate case records with exceptional attention to detail.
Assist the supervisor with data collection for monthly sponsored-project reports.
Develop and maintain an evidence-informed understanding of medical assessment and social services for abused and neglected children through scholarly sources.
Attend regional and national conferences and participate in staff, department, program, and interagency meetings as requested.