Medical Assistant - Jail Correctional Medicine - Administration - 1

General Summary:

Medical Assistant (MA) role in a correctional facility, focusing on supportive clinical duties under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals (such as nurses (RN/LVN)/Advanced practice nurses/Physicians Assistants, and Physicians).

Essential Duties:

Key Responsibilities:

• Vital Signs & Clinical Support:

o Measure and record patients' vital signs including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration.

o Prepare individuals for medical examinations and assist healthcare providers during evaluations.

o Assist with medical procedures

o Assist with the physical transfer to patients (such as by wheelchair, stand by assistance with people walking with canes or walkers).

o Assist with showers, and basic hygiene if needed by a patient.

o Draw Blood and prepare specimen for lab designated pick-up.

• Patient Intake & Documentation:

o Obtain basic medical histories and information about current health concerns or symptoms and document the histories in the medical record.

o Document findings accurately in medical records in accordance with facility policies and HIPAA regulations.

o Assist with getting documentation from the patient's primary care physician, hospitals, pharmacies and other health care providers, and placing records on chart.

• Medication Administration Support:

o Assist in the distribution or "passing" of prescribed medications as directed and supervised by licensed nursing staff, adhering to correctional healthcare protocols.

o Ability to given an subcutaneous / intramuscular/ subcutaneous injection.

o Ability to administer narcan and epinephrine in an medical emergency situation.

o Monitor for and report any adverse reactions or patient concerns related to medications.

• Coordination & Communication:

o Assist with scheduling follow-up visits, offsite appointments, and coordination with other departments.

o Communicate effectively and professionally with inmates, correctional staff, and healthcare providers.

• Compliance & Safety:

o Follow all facility procedures related to safety, security, infection control, and patient confidentiality.

o Maintain awareness of surroundings and follow correctional protocols at all times.

Other Duties as assigned.

Supervision

Received: Nurse (Registered Nurse / Licensed Vocational Nurses); Advanced Practice Nurse / Physician Assistants

Given: None

Education

Required: High School or GED AND Nurse Assistant Certificate/ Medical Assistant/ EMT - Basic/ Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or equivalent

Preferred: EMT - Basic or Higher (Such as paramedic) or Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)

Experience

Required: 0-1 year

Preferred: >1 year

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Required: Valid Driver's License; and Certification in the area of study

Preferred: Valid Driver's License; and Certification in the area of study

Physical Demands

Typical: • Frequent standing and walking: Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8-10 hours per shift).

• Lifting and moving patients or equipment: Occasionally required to lift, move, or support patients or medical equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Repetitive motion: Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate medical instruments, computers, and other office equipment.
• Bending, stooping, and reaching: Required to assist with exams, clean rooms, stock supplies, and retrieve or store items.
• Visual acuity: Must have sufficient vision to read charts, labels, and computer screens.
• Hearing ability: Must be able to hear and understand spoken communication from patients and other healthcare professionals, including over the phone.
• Manual dexterity: Ability to handle medical instruments and perform tasks such as administering injections, drawing blood, and changing dressings.
• Mobility: Must be able to quickly respond to patient needs and emergencies throughout the facility.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Typical: Knowledge:

• Medical Terminology- Understanding terms used in medicine, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
• Clinical Procedures- Knowledge of vital signs, injections, EKGs, phlebotomy, specimen collection.
• Administrative Procedures- Familiarity with scheduling, medical billing, coding (ICD-10, CPT), and insurance processing.
• HIPAA & Patient Confidentiality- Laws and regulations regarding patient privacy and medical records.
• Basic Anatomy and Physiology- Understanding body systems and their functions.
• Infection Control and Safety Procedures- Knowledge of sterilization, disinfection, PPE use, and OSHA guidelines.
• Pharmacology Basics- Common medications, dosages, side effects, and administration routes.
• Electronic Health Records (EHR)- Using systems like Epic, Cerner, or other EMRs.
• Customer Service- Understanding patient interaction, front-desk etiquette, and conflict resolution.
• Ethics in Healthcare- Understanding patient rights, professional boundaries, and ethical standards.

Skills:

• Taking Vital Signs- Accurately measure blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration.
• Venipuncture and Injections- Perform blood draws, give injections, and handle specimens.
• Medical Charting- Document accurately and efficiently in patient records.
• Performing EKGs- Set up and run electrocardiograms.
• Assisting with Exams and Procedures- Set up instruments and assist physicians during procedures.
• Scheduling and Office Management- Manage patient appointments, referrals, and front desk duties.
• Handling Medical Billing and Coding- Enter and process insurance information and codes.
• Use of EHR/EMR Systems- Navigate and input data into digital record systems.
• Sterilizing Instruments- Clean and maintain clinical tools following protocols.
• Communicating Effectively- With patients, physicians, and coworkers, both verbally and in writing.

Work Environment

Typical: Correctional facility working with patients:

• Brazos County Juvenile Justice Center, ages 10-17 years old, male and female patients.
• Brazos County Detention Center, ages 18+, male and female patients.