Lead Medical Assistant

Job Summary:

The primary responsibility of Lead Medical Assistant (MA) working under the Clinic Manager to maintain patient flow and quality during clinic hours. The position works with all physicians, physician's assistant, nurse practitioners, and medical assistant to provide comprehensive care in non-judgmental manner. This position assists also with training new and existing staff. The Lead MA behaves in a professional manner, and consistently demonstrates and promotes the core values of Behavioral Health Services, Inc. The Lead MA, while assisting in the delivery of health care and patient care management, works under the direct, on-site supervision of licensed providers (in accordance with state laws and regulations pertaining to scope of practice) when carrying out patient care activities.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assist in supervision of work and performance and of clinical medical assistants and other support staff as instructed.
• Oversee and train new and existing staff along with the clinic manager.
• Assist with clinic scheduling problem solving, patient wait times, and other areas of concern to increase efficient and quality services.
• Works as part of a care team to coordinate and prioritize care for Population Management.
• Enforces clinic policies and procedures to ensure that the principles of BHS are implemented.
• Keeps supplies ready by doing a regular inventory of stock, placing orders, verifying receipt.
• Responsible for supporting projects/programs such as but not limited to, Vaccine for Children's (VFC) Program, Vaccines for Adult Program, CHDP, Family Pact, Medi-Cal site visits, patient portal.
• Works collaboratively with clinic staff on programs to improve patient outcomes. Assists in organizing and participating in quality improvement activities using the PDSA model to improve systems/services.
• Assists with daily and monthly quality assurance reviews including emergency kit check off.
• Refer issues that require additional assistance to IT Help Desk, Site Specialist, and Health Care Project Manager as needed.
• Partner with other members of the care team to conduct pre-visit planning and carry out orders prior to visit (i.e., pre-visit laboratory testing).
• Gather and document patient vitals, conducts initial patient agenda/goal setting and relevant screenings, and begin the care plan for clinician and patient to continue and review during visit.
• Accompany clinician in the room during the patient visits to document the visit in the medical record, as directed by the clinician.
• Follow up with patient to communicate goals and use teach-back to ensure the patients understands the care plan and steps to implement it.
• Conduct visit summary review with patient, engaging him or her in discussions and steps to improve their health, including information about self-management care to maintain or improve health.
• Coordinate appropriate care with hospital, emergency room, consulting clinicians, and community resources. Ensure discharge follow up visit with the health center is scheduled and completed.
• Provide follow-up contact with patients to ensure compliance with care recommendations (i.e., medications, lab, X-ray, community resources, specialist, future primary care visits, etc.)
• Administer medications and assist in medication refills, as ordered by the provider.
• Prepare, clean, and maintain examination/treatment rooms, supplies, and equipment.
• Develop a workflow to ensure transition of care for patients.
• Maintain strict confidentiality.
• Participate in professional development activities.
• Treat staff, clinicians, visitors, and patients with dignity and respect.
• Provide safe patient-centered, compassionate, and competent care under the direct, on-site supervision of a provider.
• Incident reports preparation and forward to manager for review and approval.
• Support BHS, Inc. mission, vision, and goals.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly with clients, staff, peers, supervisors and non-BHS resources.
• Ability to demonstrate/convey respect for cultural and lifestyle diversities of clients and staff.
• Ability to present to diverse communities/populations, at all levels of internal/external organizations.
• Ability to recognize personal biases working within diverse populations.
• Proven track record of, and ability to demonstrate ethical and professional standards of behavior.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Completion of an accredited medical assistance certification program.
• Minimum 5 years' experience as a Medical Assistant or Certified Medical Assistant with 2 years of experience.
• Experience in primary care with Medi-Cal and/or FQHC population is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in medical terminology.
• Experience using EHR platforms, such as eClinicalWorks.
• Basic knowledge of referrals.
• Proven track record of, and ability to demonstrate ethical and professional standards of behavior.

Physical Requirements: (this information is also necessary when evaluating Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation requests.)

• Stand for extended periods of time with ability to push, pull, and reach.
• Occasionally bend, sit, stoop, and stretch.
• Have full range of motion, including ability to assist patients in sitting and standing.
• Have hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity needed to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, fax, and medical equipment.
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 20 pounds.