Certified Medical Assistant- WCCW

Description

Under the general supervision of the licensed practitioner and/or lead of the Registered Nurse, the Medical Assistant-Certified will assist in providing patient care, which may include performing routine medical records duties, some administrative support, and other clinical duties to assist in the smooth operation of the medical department of Washington Corrections Center for Women.

This position supports the health services and DOC mission by ensuring that facility records are secure, complete and available on demand for the myriads of service areas within Health Services.

Correctional Health is a rewarding career path at DOC, in which health care professionals treat a wide array of cases for patients residing in a state correctional facility. Health Services is responsible for basic primary care for incarcerated individuals. All disciplines within all of the 12 correctional facilities work closely together to reach a common goal, providing the best, most efficient, and cost-effective health care possible. Emphasis is placed on early identification of health concerns, care for acute and chronic health problems, and preventive care.

If you’ve read this far, it is clear you have a desire to make a difference in public service. A completed application packet will include and IS REQUIRED:

• A detailed resume.
• A cover letter regarding your interest and outlining your qualifications.
• Three professional references.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time during the recruitment process. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible.

***This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacant positions

Duties

Duties may include: 

Assist in providing patient care services within the scope of licensure and as delegated by the licensed practitioner or Registered Nurse.

• Attend briefing from off-going staff upon arrival on shift for pertinent clinical information, including patients’ current health status, urgent diagnostic reports, observation rooms, staffing concerns, etc.; brief on-coming clinical staff as appropriate before departing from duty.
• Monitor patient flow in the outpatient clinic to assure timeliness of care and efficient clinical operations.
• Prepare patients for, and assist with routine and specialty examinations, procedures, and treatments. 
• Prepare and maintain examination and treatments areas, including cleaning equipment, preparing instruments, supplies, medical records, etc. to expedite patient flow and support clinician as appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with Patient Services Representatives to ensure patient scheduling, rescheduling, check-in, or no-show is documented appropriately.
• Maintain immunization and medical records.
• Provide assistance in all direct delivery of patient care by the Provider, which includes but is not limited to:
  1. Vital Signs
  2. Visual Acuity
  3. Audiometry exams
  4. Foot exams
  5. Splinting
  6. Ear irrigations
  7. Injections/Vaccinations
  8. Basic laboratory functions (venipuncture, CLIA waved laboratory in-house testing) and transports labs
  9. Screen and follow up on lab results as directed by the licensed practitioner.
  10. Electrocardiography
  11. Respiratory assessments (pulmonary function/peak flow)
• Observe, document in the medical record, and report to practitioner or Registered Nurse:
  1. Patient history and relevant data
  2. Current health status (physical and emotional) 
  3. Situation of patient, family, groups, and/or communities by interview, observation, and inspection. 
• Facilitate telehealth encounters
  1. Prepare telehealth patient room including equipment for clinical encounter, training, education, access, and establish the online video conference connection.
  2. Facilitate telehealth appointments int he clinic or other location to meet the needs of the patient and clinical team.
  3. Provide technical support for telehealth services.
  4. Confirm schedule and coordinate with patients, providers, and support staff.
  5. Provide hands on assistance to the provider and patient as part of the encounter. 
  6. Serve as a liaison and coordinate information between providers, facilities, patients and other key personnel.
  7. Initiate any indicated follow-up services based upon findings of providers and communicates need for follow-up to the patient
  8. Document the patient encounter including all clinical observations/information/education.
• Recognize and report abnormal vitals and labs.
  1. Escalate clinical concerns to the provider or appropriate clinician.
• Carry out licensed practitioners’ written, verbal, and telephone orders in a timely manner. 
• Observe and report patient's signs or symptoms following procedures: recognize and report emergent/urgent problems or symptomology of common medical illness to the licensed practitioner or registered nurse.
• Respond to emergencies within a facility by providing emergency medical care, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Medical Records Documentation

• Legibly document subjective and objective clinical findings and the actions taken to deliver health care.
• Maintain the confidentiality of protected health information (PHI).
• Effectively communicate verbally, in writing, and via computer or other electronic media with other health care personnel, custody, and other institutional personnel.

Provide administrative support.

Other duties as assigned.

• Be in attendance, capable, and competent to practice as assigned.  Report for and perform work as scheduled so that staff safety and patient care is not compromised.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:
Completion of a Medical Assistant-Certified program accredited by the American Association of Medical Assistants or the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA).
Experience working as a Medical Assistant in an outpatient clinic setting.
Certification by the American Heart Association in Basic Life Support and Basic First Aid. 
Ability to work competently in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Ability to learn job specific DOC programs needed to perform work assignments.
Initial and unblemished/unrestricted licensure in the State of Washington as a Certified Medical Assistant.

In addition to the above, this position also requires:
Ability to work a minimum of 40 hours per week.
Ability to adjust work schedule to meet organizational needs.
Maintain professional work relationships with staff, the public, and other stakeholders. Ability to work with diverse staff.
Prioritize and complete tasks in accordance with timelines and expectations.
Ability to research, accumulate, organize, and communicate technical information both orally, in writing, in person, and using technologies such as telephone, electronic mail, and computer equipment.
Ability to multi-task in a fast paced, deadline-oriented environment.
Ability to deescalate and listen to emotional/upset patients.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Read, understand, and apply policies and procedures.
Walk, sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
IV Certification/Phlebotomy
Familiarity with both front and back office operations in an outpatient clinic setting.
Experience actively participating in the quality improvement process for any business, including brainstorming, proposing improvement plans, or measuring success.

Supplemental Information

• Mission: The mission of DOC is to improve public safety by positively changing lives.
• Our Vision: Working together for safer communities.
• Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.
• Our Core Values:
  1. Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.
  2. Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.
  3. People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
  4. Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
  5. Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community – understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
 

• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies.  If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.   

**Please note:  Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.
 

• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply. 
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration. 
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position. 
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire.   When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• This position may be represented by a bargaining unit.
• This position requires respirator medical evaluation questionnaire, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the WA Industrial Safety & Act standards. Refer to WAC 296-842 to learn more.
• The DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov. 

We are committed to hiring individuals who possess core diversity competencies:  
 

• Foster a positive attitude and openness toward the ever changing social and cultural makeup of the workplace.
• Work effectively with people of different perspectives, abilities, disabilities, races, religions, ages, lifestyle preferences and social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Respectfully acknowledge people's differences and recognize these differences as important and valuable.
• Promote inclusiveness.
• Be culturally sensitive and appropriate.
• Respect and value diverse backgrounds and traditions.

What We Offer: 

 As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority.  Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation.  Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:
 

• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year 
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

Many DOC jobs are covered by the Public Safety Employees' Retirement System (PSERS). If someone moves from a Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) eligible position to a PSERS eligible position, they actually retire under two different systems/plans.  For more information, please contact the Department of Retirement System at: 1-800-547-6657.

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
 
  For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email Angela Berrier at  amberrier@doc1.wa.gov or call at 509. 540.7078.  For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.