"Medical Assistant"

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under direction from the appropriate level manager or administrator, perform specialized front office and back-office functions in support of the Health and Wellness Center (HWC) at Saddleback College/Student Health Center (SHC) at Irvine Valley College; screens callers and visitors; schedules appointments; maintains patient records; and assists medical staff with health-related programs, exams, back-office duties, and medical inventory; utilize computerized information systems to perform job duties. Perform phlebotomy and immunizations, along with other medical procedures that are typical for a Medical Assistant. May receive functional and technical direction from higher level staff, as well as Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Registered Nurses.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey level class within the Medical Assistant series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Senior Medical Assistant in that the latter assumes responsibility for coordinating and overseeing the front and back-office activities of the Health and Wellness Center, serving as the office lead, and serving as the primary contact person for problems and issues related to office activities and functions. Employees at the Medical Assistant level are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Provide medical assistance to registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants and medical doctors using universally accepted procedures; administer basic comfort measures to injured and ill persons, assist in performing medical observations and screening tests; reinforce RN/NP/PA/MD teaching and instructions; prepare and maintain examination rooms and other areas by cleaning and setting up equipment, keeping rooms stocked with supplies, and preparing examination tables; obtain patient vital signs such as temperature, weight, blood pressure, and pulse; assist with physicals; provide medications and injections as directed; sterilize instruments and other medical equipment; draw blood for completion of ordered tests; collect specimens; clean and dress wounds; assist medical personnel with emergency care and equipment, administer first aid, CPR and AED, when necessary; contact/print laboratory and/or diagnostic imaging services for patient test results; implement policies and procedures for disinfection and handling of contaminated waste or equipment; follow standardized precautions when handling hazardous waste.
• Communicate information where judgment, knowledge and interpretation of policies and procedures are required; acknowledge and greet students and other individuals visiting the HWC/SHC; determine nature of visit and initiate appropriate course of action; determine the status of patients and their eligibility for health services; assist in establishing and implementing procedures for the reception and flow of students, including screening and prioritizing student needs in both routine and urgent situations; explain appropriate office and clinic procedures; review Notice of Privacy Policy with all health center visitors; provide accurate health services information and ensure a positive frontline experience. Screen calls, visitors, students, staff, and patients for medical needs and requests; respond to difficult and sensitive needs and requests including those of individuals with disabilities; provide information and interpret and apply HW/SHC policies and procedures; schedule appointments with medical staff based on information provided by the patient; collect and account for fees and other monies received.
• Alert clinical staff of patient’s arrival or other patient needs as appropriate; address student crisis situations by following pre-established clinical procedures; assist in coordinating communication and activities with other departments and entities to exchange legally permissible health, safety and well-being information.
• Inspect documents, forms and records for accuracy and completeness; process a variety of forms and documents according to established procedures; ensure conformance to established guidelines and standards; assist patients in accurately completing appropriate medical forms and documents for the required information; accurately scan various medical records to patient charts; assist in completing documentation, filing, recording, and reporting of results; verify and update information in the electronic system and on patient forms; maintain, upload, add, and complete the current EMR system within the HWC/SHC for each patient.
• Monitor radio/phone transmission to maintain contact with safety personnel and medical staff.
• Operate a variety of office equipment and machines; learn to use new technology as necessary to perform duties; utilize electronic technology to correspond with others and to maintain assigned calendars, schedules, and appointments; coordinate and arrange meetings; utilize various computer applications and software packages.
• Maintain student accident insurance records; provide claim forms and other necessary incident report forms; assist with processing forms to the appropriate entities within established guidelines; assist students with inquiries regarding insurance billing concerns; coordinate with the appropriate offices to expedite claims and resolve problems; initiate and process student insurance claims, including the completion and filing of required forms, notifying medical providers of patient needs, and assisting with the referral of injuries; assist students with obtaining follow up care with private physicians, dentists, clinics, and other community resources.
• Abide by all confidentiality practices required by department, state, and federal policies, laws, rules, and regulations; adhere to all HIPAA guidelines/regulations.
• Assist with HWC/SHC education and promotion programs; assist with providing health education information to students and staff; maintain supplies of health information packets, pamphlets, health insurance information, and other materials; participate in health education programs including substance abuse program, health fairs, and other related projects.
• Assist with office and medical supplies inventory, maintenance, and ordering of supplies, equipment, and pharmaceuticals when needed, according to established procedures.
• Monitor, maintain, and ensure proper maintenance, cleanliness, and sanitation of front office, examination rooms, medication/lab rooms and other HWC/SHC areas; ensure an orderly work environment.
• Attend a variety of meetings and training sessions as required; maintain compliance with online coursework and other mandatory trainings and certifications (i.e., FERPA, HIPAA, CPR/First Aid, etc.) as directed by supervisor; attend and participate in diversity, equity and inclusion trainings and events.
• Routes and distributes incoming mail and other materials; prepares outgoing mail and packages; and assists with daily activities to assure efficient operations.
• May provide training and guidance to lower-level staff and student workers.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and faculty, as well as various outside groups associated with or servicing the program to ensure efficient, effective, and correct implementation of departmental objectives; serve as liaison, and assist with the coordination of services, functions, and activities with other College/District departments, including those at off-site locations and strategic partners; facilitate communications between assigned supervisor, other administrators, students, academic and classified staff, other offices, educational institutions, public agencies, and the general public; interact and relay information, questions, and decisions regarding area of assignment.
• Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Standard medical assistant principles, procedures, techniques, and practices, including procedures for injection administration and phlebotomy; First Aid, CPR, and AED procedures; emergency procedures and proper radio communication; Emergency Medical System (EMS) activation procedures.

Philosophy, operational characteristics, services, activities, goals, and objectives of the HWC/SHC; eligibility requirements; specialized functions, activities, operations, rules, regulations, requirements, and restrictions related to the health and wellness center; terminology, techniques, equipment, materials, principles, theories, practices, and procedures related to the health and wellness center.

Ability to:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Education/Training: Graduation from high school or equivalent and completion of an accredited Medical Assistant Training Program.

Experience: One year experience as a Medical Assistant, including both front and back-office duties in a medical office, clinic, or hospital setting. Must include performing phlebotomy and administering injections. Experience in a public health agency, school health, or equivalent preferred.

Licenses, Certificates, and/or Other Requirements:

Current, valid Medical Assistant Certification from a medical assistant certifying organization approved by the Medical Board of California or acceptable national board certification.

A valid First Aid Certificate or its equivalent issued by the American Heart Association.

A valid certificate in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/Automated External Defibrillators issued by the American Heart Association.

A valid Phlebotomy Technician Certificate is desirable.

A valid California driver’s license and proof of insurability is required to drive a District or personal vehicle to attend meetings or pick up/deliver documents or other materials.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Supplemental Information

Work Schedule: TBD – Schedule and shift vary and are subject to change in accordance with the department's needs.

Hours per Week: Up to 25

This is a short-term, temporary, hourly Non-Bargaining Unit (NBU) assignment, not to exceed 160 days and 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1st through June 30th).