Medical Assistant (MA) | Behavioral Health | Per Diem
About The Position
The Behavioral Wellness Center is seeking an experienced, dependable, and motivated Medical Assistant to join its Behavioral Intake Unit in Philadelphia. The unit serves individuals seeking admission into behavioral health, mental health, psychiatric, and substance use treatment programs. The Medical Assistant provides direct patient support, assists with medical and behavioral health intake assessments, obtains vital signs, monitors patient conditions, and maintains accurate clinical documentation while working with nursing and behavioral health professionals. This is a per diem/flex position, onsite in the Behavioral Intake Unit, with a day shift of 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Shifts are based on department staffing needs, and candidates must be available to pick up shifts weekly. Weekly hours are not guaranteed. New hires must attend a mandatory five-day orientation, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, before beginning their regular schedule; attendance on all five days is required. Employment is contingent on completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, including a physical examination, background check, employment verification, and drug screening. The Behavioral Wellness Center is a Drug Free Workplace. Employees must comply with organizational policies, professional standards, confidentiality requirements, and applicable healthcare regulations.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- At least two years of direct clinical experience in a behavioral health or psychiatric setting.
- Current Medical Assistant (MA) certification, or an associate's degree or higher in Nursing, Mental Health, Human Services, Social Services, or a related field may be considered in place of MA certification.
- Current CPR/BLS certification.
- Knowledge of patient intake procedures, vital signs, and clinical documentation.
- Familiarity with Electronic Health Records (EHR/EMR) and healthcare computer systems.
- Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to maintain professionalism and respond appropriately to challenging patient situations.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate with a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient confidentiality.
- Availability to work 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM and pick up shifts weekly based on staffing needs.
- Ability to attend all five days of mandatory orientation, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, including a physical examination, background check, employment verification, and drug screening.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in behavioral health, mental health, psychiatric care, patient intake, or clinical support.
- Knowledge of Pennsylvania WITS.
- Bilingual English and Spanish skills.
Responsibilities
- Greet and assist patients throughout the behavioral health intake and admission process.
- Conduct patient intake interviews and collect, verify, and document medical and personal information.
- Assist with initial behavioral health assessments and mental health screenings.
- Measure and record vital signs, including blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration.
- Monitor patients awaiting admission and report changes in behavior or medical condition.
- Provide direct patient observation and line-of-sight monitoring when required.
- Assist with patient belongings inventory and admission preparation.
- Maintain accurate patient records and documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
- Provide supportive communication and assistance to patients during the intake process.
- Assist with patient education and orientation to treatment programs.
- Coordinate patient care and admissions with nurses, physicians, clinical staff, and behavioral health professionals.
- Complete patient follow-up and outreach activities as assigned.
- Support administrative duties, including phone calls, emails, faxing, and medical record management.
- Maintain medical supplies, equipment, and cleanliness of assigned work areas.
- Follow infection control, patient safety, HIPAA, and organizational policies.
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What This Job Offers
Education Level
High school or GED
