MEDICAL ASSISTANT - Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics

Under the supervision of the Clinic Manager, the Medical Assistant supports the licensed medical staff in a clinic setting by performing medical back office duties such as performing vitals, obtaining chief complaint, etc. while maintaining high customer service standards. This position is an integral part of the patient-centered medical home care team and works collaboratively with others to support optimal patient outcomes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. As part of the care team the Medical Assistant coordinates patient care and flow.
2. Escorts patient to exam room, obtains brief history and vital signs and enters data into Electronic Health Record system (EHR). Updates records in EHR for provider’s review.
3. Assists providers with procedures including preparing patients for exam, as appropriate.
4. Performs requested patient specific tasks for providers after the patient has been seen.
5. Works with diabetic patients and patients with other chronic conditions to improve self-management skills.
6. Provides education to patients on diabetes, asthma and other chronic conditions, as directed by provider.
7. Verifies that all standing orders are completed.
8. Completes all appropriate consent forms, and provides patient education/patient plans and referral materials as appropriate, to all patients during clinic visits.
9. Cleans and stocks exam rooms before clinic, after each patient and at the end of each clinic session.
10. Assists the Patient Access Navigator staff with check in and check out duties, answering incoming calls by third ring and with appointment scheduling following SBNC’s provider preferences.
11. Supports the Call Center staff in appropriately scheduling same day appointments taking into consideration clinic flow and patient urgency for access to care.
12. Assists with reviewing the next week’s schedule to ensure necessary supplies are in stock for procedures.
13. Ensures that e-prescribing tasks and all assigned tasks in EHR are completed in a timely and accurate manner.
14. Reviews EHR tasks at end of visit, assisting providers with any pending tasks in EHR.
15. Maintains EHR records accurately following SBNC policies and procedures.
16. Assists in laboratory staff as necessary.
17. Enrolls patients in Patient Assistance Programs when they are self-pay or their insurance does not cover specific medications.
18. Assists in obtaining prior authorizations for medications and durable medical supplies for patients with Medi-Cal, Medicare and other insurances.
19. Receives and completes medical records requests according to the SBNC Policies and Procedures.
20. Scans medical reports from outside providers into EHR for review and approval of SBNC referring provider.
21. Keeps work area clean and orderly.
22. Checks email upon arrival every morning and throughout the day to keep himself/herself informed of day to day functions and important communications with administration and clinic staff.
23. May need to cover at other sites if needed.

Other duties and responsibilities

1. Demonstrates understanding of and observes all SBNC policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
2. Demonstrates successful work-related behaviors.
3. Attends all required SBNC meetings and trainings.
4. Interacts with patients, physicians, staff, vendors, and visitors in a positive manner that reflects the SBNC mission and philosophy.
5. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by most people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or it is a logical assignment to the position. The employee is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience: Prior experience in a medical care setting, or equivalent combination of education and experience is desirable.

Knowledge of: Use of standard software such as Windows, Word and Excel

Ability to: Learn medical terminology and medical assisting practices and procedures in a fast-paced environment; speak fluent Spanish as well as English; follow verbal and written instructions; communicate effectively interact diplomatically with staff and patients; work with a diverse group of patients in a non-judgmental manner; learn quickly in a fast-paced environment; use basic office equipment including computer, copy machine, fax machine, and postage meter.

Preferred qualifications: Minimum keyboard speed of 45 WPM.

Physical Demands: May be required to lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds. Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time. Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard. Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters. Ability to hear within normal range. Ability to move about.

Certification/ License: Valid Medical Assistant Certificate from an accredited medical assistant program preferred. Successful completion of SBNC’s staff skills checklist within three months of the date of hire.

Salary Range: $24.00 - $26.00 per hour