Medical Assistant

Overview: This position is responsible for assisting and augmenting the Primary and Secondary Nursing Positions with all basic clinic nursing procedures and tasks.

WORK LOCATION:    Lower Elwha Tribal Health Clinic

SUPERVISED BY:    Medical Assistant Manager

SALARY:           Registered MA    $24-$27 Hourly, Certified MA    $24-$28 Hourly

POSITION STATUS:    Full-Time

WORK SCHEDULE:    40 hours per week, with ability to flex schedule to coordinate with other staff and clinic demands.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB:

•    Work in coordination with and under the supervision of the PRIMARY CLINIC NURSE

•    Assists the PRIMARY NURSE and SECONDARY NURSE with any task needed and appropriate for training and experience

•    Complete Referrals and Prior Authorizations in an efficient and timely manner

•    Performance of initial check-in procedures of patients including recording of accurate vital signs and other pertinent information

•    Preparation, stocking and maintenance of exam/clinical areas

•    Filing and maintenance of medical records in coordination with other staff

•    Assist providers as clinical standby or with procedures using appropriate sterile technique and blood borne pathogen precautions

•    Set up clean exam rooms for pap smears and minor surgical procedures

•    Perform cleaning and sterilization of medical equipment

•    Perform basic lab procedures including venipuncture, finger puncture, urine dip stick testing, hematocrits, pregnancy tests, rapid strep tests, and other basic lab tests

•    Perform EKG testing and oximetry testing as necessary

•    Transmit clinical information in timely and accurate manner between medical providers and patients regarding medication refills and other issues as appropriate

•    Document accurately all care or advice provided

•    Participate in Quality Improvement activities as directed by Medical Director/ Nurse supervisor

•    Support clinic as necessary to achieve Scope of Work goals as developed by Medical Director

•    Perform backup support in assuming roles of the PRIMARY CLINIC NURSING POSITION and other staff roles as necessary in case of illness or absence

•    Perform basic telephone triage within scope of training with appropriate referral to PRIMARY POSITION or providers

•    Perform basic life support & first aid 

•    Perform all clinical activities within CLIA/OSHA standards and clinic policy/protocol

•    Administer standard medications, injections and immunizations as appropriate for training and certification

•    Perform ear lavage

•    Assume other duties as assigned by PRIMARY NURSING POSITION or Medical Director

•    Assist PRIMARY NURSING POSITION in maintenance of inventory and record keeping regarding clinic supplies, medications and immunizations

OTHER DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

•    Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies ordering, stock rotation including procedure trays and room cabinets

•    Patient prep, pre and post minor surgical procedures

•    Patient prep & positioning and assisting M.D. for intra-joint injections

•    Tympanometry and audiometry. 

•    Wound care and dressing changes

•    Surgical assistant to providers for the following procedures:

1.    Biopsy

2.    Skin lesion excision

3.    Laceration repairs

4.    Toenail excision

•    Concluding patient visits on behalf of provider, including review of patient instructions for completeness

QUALIFICATIONS:

•    Current Washington State certification as a Medical Assistant 

•    Primary care outpatient office experience

•    Basic computer skills

•    OSHA/CLIA knowledge/training

•    BLS/CPR certification

•    Basic knowledge of medical office procedures, billing and terminology

•    Ability to perform ALL of the responsibilities listed in section above

•    Ability to work as team member with other office personnel

•    Ability to maintain and respect strict confidentiality

•    Ability to maintain friendly and courteous manner in all patient and staff encounters

•    Ability to read, understand and follow oral and written communication

•    Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing

•    Ability to operate computers, fax machines, telephones and photocopy machines, scanners

•    Ability to be versatile and assume varied roles depending on needs of the moment

•    Appropriate professional appearance and behavior at all times

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

•    Experience working within a Native American or Tribal health care system

•    Working knowledge of current sensitivity issues involved in tribal health care

•    Familiarity with RPMS data systems

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

•    Requires standing with occasional sitting, stooping and bending

•    May require lifting up to 50 lbs.

•    Use of basic office equipment such as computers, telephones, fax machines, or photocopiers

WORKING CONDITIONS:

•    Work is performed in primary care outpatient clinic environment

•    Interpersonal contact with staff and patients is essential

•    Hours are full-time and may flex at supervisory discretion

As with all positions of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, this position is Indian Preference in hiring, in accordance with P.L. 93-638

Salary : $24 - $28