Medical Assistant/Psychiatric Clinical Coordinator

Position Summary:  

Under the supervision of the Director of Psychiatric Services, the Psychiatric Clinical Coordinator (Medical Assistant) coordinates psychiatric clinical services for specialty care patients, oversees management of psychiatric provider panels, provides both clinical and administrative support to those providers, and provides direct clinical services to patients by performing basic patient care tasks consistent with the role of a medical assistant. Responsibilities include panel management, scheduling, special projects management, and maintenance of supplies, as well as clinical tasks such as telephone and pre-visit triage, vital signs, pre-visit planning, room cleaning and stocking, record reviews, referrals, and EMR documentation. The position supports the patient centered medical home model of care (PCMH) and oversees specific population health interventions. The Psychiatric Clinical Coordinator will draw on specialized knowledge developed by working with particular populations under a provider in order to serve as a resource for other Psychiatric Clinical Coordinators. In addition, other duties may be assigned as required by behavioral health and broader FHCW management teams. 

Program Specific Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as a resource for the entire psychiatric services team, particularly in regards to any specialized patient populations served by their provider. 


• Assists with special projects being developed by the psychiatric services team.  


• Attends regular team meeting with psychiatric providers to discuss high-risk cases and develop strategies for delivering patient-centered and trauma-informed care. 


• Serves as primary point of contact and care for patients between visits via direct telephone line provided to all patients. 


• Ensures all scheduling needs are met for their assigned provider(s). 


• Completes and documents clinical tasks at the request of the provider, including completing and tracking prior authorizations, sharing lab results, and making medication-related calls to patients or relevant third parties.  


• Tracks follow up and health maintenance needs for all patients on the assigned providers’ panels to ensure proper care for at-risk populations. 


• Manages a database of patients requiring psychiatric consultation to ensure follow-up. 


• Engages patients in health coaching and motivational interviewing. 


• Provides patient advocacy and navigation for FHCW services and services in the community. 


• Sets up room with appropriate equipment supplies for visit such as psychotherapy, pelvic exam, suturing, incision and drainage.  


• Directs patients into the exam room in a timely fashion after registration to determine reason for visit.  


• Completes medication reconciliations.  


• Reviews information based on patient presentation and discusses appropriate medical concerns with nursing staff or the provider.  


• Maintains and prepares note templates based on the purpose of the encounter. 


• Maintains a repository of psychiatric clinical questionnaires, registration and intake forms, and consent documents in multiple languages and explains the purpose of all forms to the patient, emphasizing need for completion.   


• Demonstrates and documents quality control measures – glucometer- and procedures for point of care devices   


• Demonstrates and documents procedures for Infection Control for sterilization and cleaning.  


• Responds to patient complaints and escalates those requiring further action as appropriate. 


• Assists in a root cause analysis. Responsibilities may include - present the challenge - explain what occurred -suggest future recommendations 


• Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures, including, but not limited to, Patient Bill of Rights, smoking policy, confidentiality, dress code, attendance policy, and ID badges.   


• Maintains an environment conducive to the health and safety of patients, visitors and co-workers.    


• Accepts responsibility and accountability for own work as defined by role and responsibilities.   


• Makes decisions based on facts and good judgement.   


• Takes initiative to support patient-centered medical home transformation. 

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

One of the following combinations of education and employment experience must be met in order to be considered for the position: 

• High School Diploma or GED


• Certified Medical Assistant or Registered Medical Assistant from and accredited training program required or a specialty certification and/or minimum of three years of experience in a specialty


• Three years of experience in primary health care, psychiatry, or other health care setting required


• Phlebotomy training preferred


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook

 Reports to the Director of Psychiatric Services

EOE