Medical Assistant (MA)

Job Summary

The role of the Medical Assistant is responsible for monitoring clients and documenting medical notes, vitals, or other personal information in electronic medical records (EMR). This position acts as a support to clients in all areas of their treatment, working closely with the clinical, admissions, provider, and nursing teams.

Role and Responsibilities

• Performs medical assistant duties in all levels of care in the facility, including our substance use disorder, eating disorder, and mental health primary units.
• Floats between several units within the same day, depending on where the need is.
• Assists nurses with client’s needs (i.e., monitoring vitals, blood draws, assisting clients with meals and breaks, etc.) and other duties delegated from a nursing staff member.
• Administers client medications as ordered by the provider and overseen by the on-duty nurse.
• Administers testing, collecting, and preparing of laboratory specimens.
• Provides compassionate support, care, and supervision to the clients on the unit by sitting with clients during “downtime,” supervising during smoke breaks, and monitoring client activity and location on unit.
• Provides unit coverage to allow co-workers their allotted breaks.
• Documents medical notes, vitals, lab results, discharge information from outside facilities, and other pertinent information in the EMR and communicates any abnormalities or medical concerns to the nurses.
• Performs routine client checks at least once an hour and/or as ordered by provider and directed by nursing.
• Communicates client concerns to the provider daily. This includes but is not limited to medication effectiveness, change in symptoms, side effects, and/or abnormal vital signs.
• Communicates with the pharmacy regarding orders, delivery, and prior authorizations for medications.
• Facilitates delivery and storage of specialty pharmacy medications ordered by the provider.
• Answers outpatient phones and submits medication refill requests.
• Outpatient medical appointment scheduling.
• Educates clients and staff on safe medication administration and management.
• Provides training to new hires.
• Adheres to established Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, Patient Centered Philosophy and employee handbook.
• Actively engages with the milieu during periods of downtime.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Substance Use Disorder

• May assist resident support staff with transportation for residents’ needs, as necessary, including 12 step meetings, recreational activities, hospital transport, and other care during residential shift hours.

Eating Disorder

• Provides meal portioning for eating disorder clients in the residential and IOP eating disorder programs.
• Provides transportation for residents’ needs, as necessary, including recreational activities initiated by the recreational therapist.
• Assists with set up/clean up and client supervision during mealtime.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Registered or Certified Medical Assistant (RMA/CMA), required.
• Minimum 2 years of behavioral health and/or substance use disorder experience, preferred.
• Current certification in CPR/AED and First Aid, preferred.
• Unrestricted Driver’s License with a suitable driving record as defined in the Company Vehicle Policy.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of substance use disorders, mental health illnesses and associated treatments.
• Communication skills, self-motivation, organizational skills, critical thinking, and good decision-making abilities.
• Experience in the field of chemical dependency and mental health.
• Attention to detail and efficient time-management skills.
• Experience with conflict resolution.
• Medication administration experience and proficiency.
• Effective communication skills, self-motivation, and good decision-making ability.
• Ability to adhere to and knowledge of all HIPAA guidelines.
• Knowledge of electronic medical records (EMR).
• Ability to identify own strengths and areas of improvement and communicate needs to supervisor.
• Ability to utilize an electronic medical record (EMR) for all documentation.
• Ability to proficiently use various computer programs on a daily basis (i.e., email, SharePoint, etc.)
• Competency in completing clinical tasks including medication administration, venipuncture and specimen processing preferred.
• Knowledge of safety hazards and precautions to maintain a safe work environment.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and medications used in the treatment of substance use disorders.
• Ability to take accurate vitals.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Demonstrates professional behavior reflective of Sanford’s Mission Statement, Philosophy, and Values.
• Must be able to relate well to all kinds of people both inside and outside the organization; builds appropriate rapport; builds constructive and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact; can diffuse even high-tension situations comfortably.
• Must possess positive attitude to enhance a cooperative and energetic work environment.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking (8+ hours).
• Must be able to sit at a desk for various durations while working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift and carry medical supplies, medications, etc. weighing up to 45 pounds, as required.
• Must be able to adapt to the physical demands of lifting clients, bending, stooping, and stretching with or without assistance.
• May occasionally carry or lift items more than 35 pounds, with or without assistance.
• Must be able to perform repetitive tasks such as typing for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to clearly express and exchange ideas by means of spoken words to impart oral information to employees or others accurately or quickly, engaging in sometimes lengthy conversations or presentations.
• Must be able to ascend and descend stairs daily.
• Must be able to seize, hold, grasp, turn or otherwise work with your hand or hands.
• Must be able to perceive sound by ear to interpret oral information from employees or others accurately or quickly.
• Work will be performed in an office environment with fluctuating temperatures.

ADA Disclaimer

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position adequately. If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. All requests must be made to the Human Resource Department in writing.