Sobering Medical Assistant (Full-Time) (Irvine, CA)

Phoenix Houses of California•Irvine, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sobering Medical Assistant provides direct, non-clinical support to individuals using Phoenix House Sobering Center services. The role promotes a safe, respectful, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented environment for people experiencing the effects of alcohol or other substance use. The assistant engages clients nonjudgmentally, supports their basic needs, safety, and comfort, shares recovery-oriented information, and helps connect them with substance use treatment, behavioral health services, medical care, housing, and community resources. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the Sobering Medical Assistant collaborates with clinical and medical personnel, recovery staff, case managers, outreach teams, emergency personnel, law enforcement, community organizations, and other service providers to facilitate referrals and warm handoffs. The role includes recognizing changes in clients’ conditions and promptly communicating concerns to supervisors or qualified clinical or medical personnel. Client observations must be completed and documented at least every 15 minutes, or more frequently when required. The position reports to the Facility Manager and has no supervisory responsibilities. Weekend coverage is required; open shifts include AM, PM, and overnight. The facility is in Irvine, California.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of a Medical Assistant training program.
Documentation of required Medical Assistant training and competency, as applicable to assigned duties.
Maintain a valid credential during employment.
Obtain TB test clearance and update it annually.
Proficiency with MS Office systems and ability to use an electronic healthcare record.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, changing environment.
Ability to establish and consistently enforce appropriate boundaries with patients.
Ability to model positive behavior and demeanor.
Understanding of addiction, co-occurring models, and treatment modalities.
Understanding of patient development and family systems.
Strong time-management and organizational skills.
Flexibility, problem-solving ability, self-direction, customer-service orientation, and collaboration skills.
Ability to engage and develop rapport with patients and families from various backgrounds.
Weekend coverage is required; open shifts include AM, PM, and overnight.

Nice To Haves

Six months of prior experience in a healthcare, behavioral health, substance use treatment, or related field.
Bilingual in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Welcome clients and orient them to the Sobering Center respectfully and professionally.
Build supportive relationships with clients while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Provide non-clinical emotional and practical support during clients’ stays.
Help clients identify appropriate next steps after their Sobering Center stay.
Conduct and document client observations at least every 15 minutes, or more often as required by client condition, program protocol, or qualified clinical or medical personnel.
Observe and record clients’ general presentation, responsiveness, behavior, location, and notable changes in condition.
Complete observations within required timeframes and accurately record them in the designated documentation system.
Immediately report significant physical, emotional, behavioral, or consciousness changes to the appropriate supervisor, nurse, medical provider, or other qualified personnel.
Follow procedures for identifying and responding to medical and behavioral emergencies.
Assist clients with showers, laundry, and other available program amenities.
Assist with transportation or other discharge arrangements in accordance with program policy.
Use approved de-escalation techniques to respond to challenging behaviors.
Complete incident documentation following significant behavioral or safety events and ensure documentation complies with Phoenix House policies and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Communicate relevant information during shift handoffs.
Attend required staff training and complete it on time in accordance with Phoenix House and state licensing requirements.
Attend and participate in program and all-staff meetings.
Promote and model the Phoenix House Mission, Vision, and Values.
Assume shift lead duties when assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.