Medical Assistant - Certified - PN96 - WSP

Certified Medical AssistantWA State Penitentiary Walla Walla, WASalary Range: $4,632 to $6,200- MonthlySchedule: Monday Friday 7:30am to 4pmThe Department of Corrections is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to fill a project position as Certified Medical Assistant.The mission of Department of Corrections (DOC) is to improve public safety.The mission of Health Services is to provide necessary comprehensive, quality health services and to promote wellness in preparation for return to the community.The medical assistant performs all duties under the supervision of the healthcare provider in a safe and effective manner and within the scope of their practice as defined by state law and administrative code, RCW 18.360.050 Authorized Duties of the Medical Assistant Certified, so that patient care provided is safe, effective, efficient and clinically appropriate. The medical assistant uses tools, techniques, physical and cognitive skills and abilities to perform tasks as delegated by a health care provider.Under the general supervision of the licensed practitioner and/or lead of the Registered Nurse, the Medical Assistant-Certified will assist in providing patient care, which may include performing routine medical records duties, some administrative support, and other clinical duties to assist in the smooth operation of the medical department of Washington State Penitentiary (WSP).Application assessment will be ongoing, and the hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time during the recruitment process. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible."This recruitment could be used to fill multiple permanent or non-permanent positions."DutiesProvide patient care within the scope of licensure and as delegated by the licensed practitioner or Registered Nurse and provide clinical support to the health services team to ensure continuity of patient care and efficient clinic operations.Attend briefing from off-going staff upon arrival on shift for pertinent clinical information, including patients' current health status, urgent diagnostic reports, observation rooms, staffing concerns, etc.; brief on-coming clinical staff as appropriate before departing from duty.Monitor patient flow in the outpatient clinic to assure timeliness of care and efficient clinical operations.Preparing patients for, and assisting with, routine and specialty examinations, procedures, treatments.Preparing and maintaining examination and treatment areas, including cleaning equipment, preparing instruments, supplies, medical records etc. to expedite patient flow and support clinician, as appropriate.Work collaboratively with Patient Services Representatives to ensure patient appointment scheduling, rescheduling, check-in, or no-show is documented appropriately.Assist with sick call and reception/intake process, based on the facility's established practice.Preparing and administering oral medication, and intradermal, subcutaneous, and intermuscular injections, as directed by a licensed practitioner within the scope of the Medical Assistant's authorized duties.Sterilization, equipment maintenance, and environmental safety duties including but not limited to: Preparing instruments for autoclaving, biohazard disposal, standard precautions, expiration checks, automatic external defibrillator checks, refrigerator temperature checks, needle and equipment counts, safety checks, as needed or required for compliance with agency policy and clinic protocols.Maintain immunization and medical records.Communicate with the care team through effective means, such as email and other written and verbal methods to ensure that patient care orders and other tasks are performed and completed in a timely manner.Provide assistance in all direct delivery of patient care by the clinician, whether on site or via telehealth encounter, which includes but is not limited to:Vital SignsVisual AcuityAudiometry examsFoot ExamsSplintingEar irrigationsInjections/VaccinationsBasic laboratory functions (venipuncture, CLIA waved laboratory in-house testing), collecting, processing and transporting specimensScreen and follow up on lab results as directed by the licensed practitionerElectrocardiographyRespiratory diagnostic tests (pulmonary function/peak flow/incentive spirometer)Observe, document in the medical record, and report observations to the clinician, which could include but is not limited to:Past medical history, family history, and relevant dataCurrent health status (physical and emotional)Allergies, prescription/OTC medications, and pharmacy informationSituation of patient, family, groups, and/or communities by interview, observation, and inspection.Facilitate telehealth encountersPrepare the telehealth patient room including equipment for clinical encounter, training, education, access, and establish the online video conferencing connection.Facilitate telehealth appointments in the clinic or other location to meet the needs of the patient and clinical team.Provide technical support for telehealth services.Confirm schedule and coordinate with patients, providers, and support staffProvide hands on assistance to the provider and patient as part of the encounter.Serve as a liaison and coordinate information between providers, facilities, patients and other key personnel.Initiate any indicated follow-up services based upon findings of providers and communicates need for follow-up to the patient.Document the patient encounter including all clinical observations/information/education.Recognize and report abnormal vital signs and labs:Escalate clinical concerns to the provider or appropriate clinician.Assist in carrying out the plan of care by performing common therapeutic interventions, to include but not limited to:Dressing changesMonitoring vital signsAssisting with minor medical procedures at the direction of the practitioner or Registered Nurse.Measure PPD skin test results and record findings in the patient's immunization record. Report any abnormal measurements to the Infection Prevention Nurse (IPN) or designee.Carry out licensed practitioners' written, verbal, and telephone orders in a timely manner. Assist in checking for allergies, medication dosages, intended effects of medications, side effects, and drug interactions of medications, and other signs and symptoms relevant to the patient's condition. Document findings and/or report as appropriate to the practitioner or Registered Nurse.Observe and report patient's signs or symptoms following procedures; recognize and report emergent/urgent problems or symptomology of common medical illness to the licensed practitioner or Registered Nurse.Respond to emergencies within a facility by providing emergency medical care, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and basic life support in a timely, competent manner.Other tasks directed by the Physician, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP), Physician's Assistant (PA), or Registered Nurse (RN), that fall under the legal scope of practice of a Medical Assistant Certified.Medical Records Documentation.Legibly document subjective and objective clinical findings and the actions taken to deliver health care in the health record, computerized database, and on other DOC approved forms. All documentation will be in accordance with the Health Records Policy and associated protocols.Maintain the confidentiality of protected health information (PHI) as mandated by law, professional standards, DOC Policy Directives, facility Operational Memoranda, and Health Care Unit procedures by securing records, computer access, and clinical reports at all times.Effectively communicate verbally, in writing, and via computer or other electronic media with other health care personnel, custody, and other institutional personnel.Provide Administrative Support.Pre-visit review and prep of patient charts.Answer phones and prioritize messages.Pull charts and files documentation as needed for the clinician.Enter information correctly in computer systems to assist in correct billing for services.May collect, review, respond to, and distribute medical kites.Collect mail including lab and consultation reports, attach to patient chart and present to the licensed practitioner for review.Assist in gathering data for Continuous Quality Improvement Plan (CQIP) as needed or requested.