Medical Assistant

Tule River Indian Health Center Inc•Porterville, CA

1d•$22 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Licensed Vocational Nurse, the Medical Assistant assists licensed medical staff with paraprofessional nursing care in a clinical setting, provides medical-records assistance in accordance with policies and procedures, delivers routine direct patient care, and performs reception duties as assigned. The role requires effective communication and rapport with patients and families, sensitivity to the cultures, traditions, and values of the Native American community, and familiarity with the Health Center’s goals and programs. The Medical Assistant is expected to support TRIHCI’s health programs and community relations. The position combines clinical and administrative duties. Clinical work includes supporting patient flow, collecting and documenting vital signs and specimens, administering medications and injections as ordered, performing screenings and tests, assisting with examinations and wound care, preparing patients for specified physicals and preventive care, and maintaining exam rooms and instruments. Administrative work includes maintaining accurate patient records and charts, managing calls and appointments, processing provider-approved prescription refills, and assisting with supplies and general office tasks. The Medical Assistant works in a standard office environment within the health center and moves throughout the facility while maintaining direct patient contact. The clinical setting presents potential exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious waste, chemicals, biologicals, toxicants, and irradiants. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Medical Assistant certification.
Valid California Driver’s License and ability to remain insurable through the Tule River Indian Health Center, Inc. insurance agency throughout employment.
First Aid/CPR at BCLS level.
Current certification to administer injections.
Knowledge of medical terminology, processes, and procedures sufficient to perform routine patient care.
Good communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations and convey responsibilities to patients.
Ability to work independently while remaining reliable and dependable.
Professional competence in office and healthcare duties, including maintaining client confidentiality.
Basic computer literacy, functional understanding of Microsoft Windows in an office setting, and working knowledge of routine office equipment such as printers, copiers, and fax machines.
Familiarity with entering data into a healthcare database program (EHR).
Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare clear, accurate reports for informational, auditing, and operational purposes, with attention to detail and data verification.
Ability to organize and manage one’s work schedule, set priorities, be available during work hours, and meet critical deadlines.
Ability to work in group problem-solving situations and use reason when addressing highly emotional topics.
Ability to become knowledgeable about health needs and services provided to the Indian community on and near the reservation.
Ability and integrity to maintain the confidentiality of organizational, employee, and client records.
Ability to deliver effective training and presentations on technical subjects to groups with varied educational and cultural backgrounds.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local public-health laws and regulations; principles of mental health; and laws and regulations relating to the practice of medicine and nursing.
Knowledge of communicable-disease causes, transmission, and control; diagnosis and treatment of common medical problems; and child growth and development.
Ability to walk, stand, or sit for extended periods; use standard office equipment; lift and carry supplies weighing up to 15 pounds repeatedly and up to 45 pounds intermittently; read printed materials and computer screens; communicate in person and by telephone; and push, bend, or lift to help patients and move equipment and supplies.
Successful completion of a criminal background check, post-offer drug test, physical and TB test, and verification of the right to work in the United States as conditions of employment.

Nice To Haves

PALS certification.
One or more years of paid work experience as a Medical Assistant.

Responsibilities

Assist clinical staff with daily patient flow.
Obtain and document patient height, weight, temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and chief complaint before the provider visit; obtain head circumference for children age three and under and plot information on the appropriate growth or patient chart.
Administer intramuscular, intradermal, and subcutaneous injections as ordered by a provider.
Administer medications by the listed routes or provide a single dose for immediate self-administration, as applicable.
Perform skin tests.
Collect, prepare, and label urine specimens.
Perform skin punctures to collect blood samples.
Perform electrocardiogram tests.
Perform ear lavage to remove impacted cerumen.
Apply and remove bandages and dressings.
Assist providers or the Licensed Vocational Nurse with removing casts, splints, and other external devices.
Assist with selecting and adjusting crutches and instruct patients in their proper use.
Ensure pertinent laboratory, X-ray, consultation, and hospital reports are in the medical record or EHR before provider visits.
Assist providers with patient examinations as needed.
Clean exam rooms between patients and stock them as appropriate.
Assist with sterilizing and autoclaving medical instruments and perform biological spore testing.
Answer phones, greet patients, and schedule appointments.
Phone in prescription refills approved by providers.
Call patients to notify them that medications are ready for pickup.
Check and record medical refrigerator and freezer temperatures daily.
Follow Universal Precaution Protocols and appropriately use Personal Protective Equipment when assisting patients.
Report unsafe equipment or findings to a supervisor or appropriate person.
Assist with ordering supplies.
Attend required staff meetings and trainings, including annual EZIZ training related to Vaccines for Children.
Perform general office duties and other assigned responsibilities.
Perform daily patient chart scrubbing and complete tasks sent by providers.
Assist with wound care and perform hearing and vision screenings.
Prepare patients for Department of Transportation physicals, Well Women’s Physicals, Well Child Preventative care, and diabetic guideline patient care.