Medical Assistant - Direct Observation Therapy

The Medical Assistant-Direct Observation Therapy position supports the organization's mission of providing infrastructure for the implementation of core public health functions in a high quality, effective, and responsive manner that will positively impact the health status of Pennsylvanians by providing assistance in patient­ centered care outreach activities to providers, and verification of appropriately related activities and documentation in the DCHD's Personal Health Division, for a culturally diverse group of clients. 

• Obtaining and recording patient medical histories, vitals, test results, and other information for medical records while maintaining strict confidentiality

• Preparing patients for medical examination; accompanying and assisting physician or other health care provider in examining and treating patients; administering first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation; speaking to parents and patients to provide them with information

• Coordinating daily administrative activities, including scheduling, patient check-in and check-out, and patient medical record maintenance

• Preparing treatment rooms for clinical examinations and assisting practitioners with medical procedures and other patient care

• Delivering compassionate support, attention, and assistance to patients and families

• Ensuring compliance with all health care regulations, including HIPAA

• Preparing and administering medications for patients as directed by physicians

• Obtaining blood samples for laboratory examination by venipuncture, finger prick technique; obtaining sputum, urine, and other specimens for laboratory examination; logging, labeling, preparing, centrifuging, and processing laboratory specimens for transport; performing and recording certain laboratory determinations (e.g., dipstick urine tests, urinalysis, urine pregnancy tests, blood glucose levels, and other tests performed in a health center laboratory); operating various laboratory instruments in interpreting test results

• Conducting and recording results of eye chart vision tests

• Operating electrocardiograph, centrifuge, and other basic diagnostic or screening equipment (such as electrocardiogram or defibrillator); recording results of tests on designated forms and in patient’s records

• Updating patient charts to include testing and care information, reports, x-rays, lab work, and other documents, as needed

• Preparing reports on Personal Health clinic-related activities, as needed

• Supporting Personal Health clinics as a patient/community liaison and clinic assistant to facilitate efficient and customer-oriented running and record keeping of clinics, mass screening, and outreach programs

• Working collaboratively with clinic nurses to develop plans to locate delinquent, immigrant, and refugee patients who require follow-up for possible multiple coinfections

• Providing Directly Observed Therapy (DOT/DOJ) to TB patients; reporting any deviation from routine in observing medication ingestion to clinic nurses and/or Communicable Disease Nurse Supervisor (CONS); reporting any complaints or concerns expressed by patients to clinic nurses and/or CDNS

• While providing DOT, assuring that HIV positive patients are currently engaged in HIV care

• Delivering supplies of various medications to clinics, residences, and institutions where patients are located and provided treatment

• Recording patient information and activities in PA-NEDSS and the patient chart, including patient interactions, in-home visits, side effects, and adverse events

• Minimum high school diploma or GED required

• Completion of didactic work and graduation from an accredited Medical Assistant Training program, with Medical Assistant certification preferred in one of the following:

  • Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from American Medical Technology

  • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from American Association of Medical Assistants

  • National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) from the National Center for Competency Testing

  • Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant (NAHP) from the National Association for Health Professionals

  • Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Health Career Association

  • Certification as a Medical Assistant from an association approved by the Office of Human Resources

• Minimum of one year of varied clinical experience in a comprehensive medical care program involving direct patient care, such as taking vital signs, performing venipuncture, obtaining specimens, conducting laboratory tests, and operating diagnostic equipment

• Computer, typing, and data entry skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office

• Current CPR / First Aid certification

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent organizational skills

• Customer service experience

• Ability to work as part of a team

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) ability a plus

• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass a background check

• Ability to interact appropriately and effectively with a wide range of individuals

• Ability to maintain and handle confidential information

• Ability to follow protocols, procedures, and established guidelines

• Flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances and needs

• Strong work ethic with the ability to manage a demanding and evolving workload

• Strong relationship-building skills

Computer Skills:
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, utilize a keyboard, sit, bend at the waist, and talk or hear. Occasionally, the employee will need to reach or work with arms above shoulder height, kneel, stoop, drive, crouch or squat, crawl, climb stairs, twist or rotate at the waist while working; push, lift, or carry items.

Salary : $42,003