Job Description: Medical Assistant

ASHwell seeks a values aligned and experienced Medical Assistant to serve our new mobile clinic program ASHwell on Wheels and our brick and mortar clinic located at 3100 Red River in Austin, TX.

About the Organization:

ASHwell is a nonprofit, holistic sexual health and wellness center established in Austin, TX in the late 1980s. We are passionately committed to diversity, equity, and belonging. We strive to provide a safe, discrimination-free space for all and predominantly serve LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities. Our approach to sexual health and wellness is rooted in being proudly sex and kink positive, pro-sex worker, pro-harm reduction and anti-stigma. We are a growing organization looking for values-aligned, pro-sexual health and wellness people to join our team! 

Position Overview:

The Medical Assistant (MA) performs various clinical and organizational duties to keep the clinic running efficiently. The Medical Assistant works directly with healthcare staff and patients to collect specimens, deliver treatments, maintain patient records, explain common medical procedures to patients and assist in basic examinations.

Core Responsibilities 

Patient Care 80% 

• Evaluate provider requests for accuracy and completeness, verifying labeling and identification, and following appropriate protocol in handling specimens.

• Monitor inventory levels and verify receipt of supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures.

• Conduct phlebotomy and lab specimen processing and submitting samples to external labs. 

• Educate patients on external lab processes. Follow up on outstanding lab orders as needed or as directed by the provider. 

• Communicate with external laboratories to address needs or issues that arise regarding lab samples, lab collection, supplies and any other lab-related communication needs that arise.

• Utilize and promote infection control measures and universal precautions to maintain high quality health and safety.

• Room patients acquire vital signs and prepare patients to see clinician by completing templates in the medical record. 

• Clean and disinfect exam rooms after use. 

• Maintain a system of confidentiality according to clinic’s policies and procedures and HIPAA guidelines.

• Perform medical supply and general supply inventories.

• Stock educational materials and provide appropriate materials to patients.

• Observe, document, and communicate lab-related issues and exercise well-informed decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

• Implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and systems for clinic improvement and/or quality analysis.

• Review and update forms used within the clinic.

• Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment in the on-site lab. 

• Monitor sharps disposal and arrange pickup as appropriate. 

Baseline 20%

• Maintain strict confidentiality of all patients related information as directed by ASHwell policy and HIPAA

• Support a healthy and constructive work environment – fostering teamwork, positivity, and productivity.

• Communicate effectively with patients and other clinic staff regarding problems, inquiries, and complaints.

• Other duties as assigned.

About You 

As a Medical Assistant at ASHwell, you will play a crucial role in supporting healthcare professionals and ensuring the smooth operation of medical facilities. Your responsibilities will encompass a variety of clinical and administrative tasks, contributing to the overall delivery of high-quality patient care. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program, Certificate of Registration as a Medical Assistant, or formal medical services training in the United States Armed Forces

• BLS and Texas Phlebotomy Certification within 90 days of hire (if not current at time of hire) with a minimum standard of phlebotomy skills training

• Ability to maintain effective and organized systems to track patient issues.

• Ability to organize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Knowledge of medical terminology.

• Strong communication and written skills, as well as a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse staff and populations. 

• Ability to read, analyze, and convey complex information to audiences at different levels of health literacy.

• Ability to respond to questions and concerns with cultural sensitivity and an appreciation of individual patient needs and experiences.

• Exemplary communication skills, interpersonal skills, team-building skills, and professional demeanor

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years of direct patient care experience

• Bi-lingual English and Spanish speaking, including medical interpretation.

• Familiarity with testing performed in a clinic that has a CLIA-waived laboratory.

• Experience working or volunteering in HIV/STI prevention or other community health programs.

• Experience working with underserved populations.

• Experience working with AthenaHealth EHR. 

Our Hiring Process 

We are aiming for a start date of March 11, 2024. Applications are due on a rolling basis but we recommend quick submission if you are interested. This timeline is an estimate. We commit to offering the support, time and resources necessary to on-board and orient to the role.

Estimated Timeline 

• Interview invitations out & round 1 interviews Jan 29-Feb 2 

• Round 2 interview invitations & Round 1 & 2 Interviews Feb 5-9

• Offer out Feb 12-16 

• Target Start Date March 11, 2024

Equal opportunity employer:

As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, ASHWell is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values the diversity of its employees and does not discriminate against any employee or candidate. Women, minorities, veterans, people from the LGBTQ2SAI communities and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply to join our teams. Reasonable accommodations to access job openings or to apply for a job are available.