Certified Medical Assistant, Internal Medicine

In accordance with Navajo Nation and federal law, TCRHCC has implemented an Affirmative Action Plan pursuant to the Navajo Preference in Employment Act. Preference in hiring and employment will be given to applicants who meet the necessary qualifications and are (1) enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, or San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, (2) legally married to enrolled members of these tribes and meet residency requirements, or (3) enrolled members of other federally-recognized American Indian Tribes.

About the role

This position will provide services in the Ambulatory Care Department as assigned. The incumbent will work under the supervision of a Licensed Independent Practitioner (e.g., physician, dentist, and nurse practitioner). Medical assistants perform a broad range of administrative and clinical duties to facilitate the work of the Licensed Independent Practitioner (LIP).

Responsibilities

• Assists with direct patient care procedures and related tasks; checks patients in, assists in obtaining patient histories, takes vital signs, prepares records, and assists with medical examinations.
• Responsible for obtaining and recording (into the electronic health record) patient information as assigned per policy (i.e., vital signs, height, weight, etc.).
• Provides care to assigned patients under the direction of a LIP in accordance with established policy.
• Provides basic care to patients with a variety of conditions, illnesses, and/or injuries (e.g., apply and remove dressings, slings, braces, apply heat and cold packs; assist patient in ambulation, transferring, positioning, etc.).
• Assists the LIP in examination of patients by explaining procedures, positioning, draping, and assembling instruments and supplies.
• Performs the following procedures after approved specific formal training and completion of required competencies:
  • Performs waived testing (e.g., glucometer testing, rapid strep testing, and colorimetric urinalysis) and records the results in compliance with regulations/standards.
  • Complies with laboratory requirements (i.e., CLIA, Joint Commission) for quality control of waived testing for accuracy and record keeping.
  • Obtains bacteriologic specimens such as clean-catch urine specimens and topical cultures.
  • Assists with incision and drainage procedures.
  • Performs less complex dressings and treatments without assistance; assists with cleaning, irrigating, and dressing complex wounds.
  • Prepares and administers medication as directed by the LIP, including injections – IM (intramuscular), SQ (subcutaneous), and ID (intradermal).
• Instructs patients in proper collection of urine samples; prepares samples for analysis (e.g., labels specimen tubes).
• Routes requisition forms to consultative services, dietary, laboratory, and radiology.
• Shares responsibility for reporting observations by monitoring patient conditions and reactions, keeping the provider informed of changes.
• Schedules and monitors patient appointments; coordinates routine office activities and administrative functions with supplemental clinic staff.
• Shares responsibility for maintenance of clinical records; utilizes established software for data entry (e.g., immunizations, follow-up on laboratory and radiological exams).
• Educates and advises patients on specified medical issues within established parameters.
• Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods; prepares patient-related documentation for the provider or patient.
• Maintains a courteous and professional manner in contact with patients, family, and other clients; assists in answering telephones and supplying routine information per policy.
• Performs general non-direct patient care duties at site-based clinics, including cleaning, arranging, and restocking supply cabinets; cleaning and sorting supplies, instruments, and equipment; maintaining temperature logs; and ensuring a clean and safe patient environment.
• Participates in performance improvement activities and data management responsibilities; fosters a collaborative environment using a team approach to promote safe, patient-centered care.
• May be required to work additional hours to maintain patient care; floats to other clinics to meet patient care needs during staffing shortages.
• Ensures proper PPE is worn at all times while on duty, including face masks, gloves, gowns, N95 respirators, and eye or face shields; completes all donning and doffing tasks safely.
• Completes all electronic health record entries accurately and timely pertinent to patient care role.
• Participates in departmental workflow and testing teams related to electronic health record or other project initiatives.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Certified Medical Assistant from one of the following accrediting bodies: American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), American Medical Technologists (AMT), National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), or National Health Center Association (NHA).
• Approved medical assistance training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), or a training program that meets or exceeds entry-level competencies of a medical assistant.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification by the American Heart Association (AHA).
• Demonstrated satisfactory performance during clinical experiences as part of an accredited program, evidenced by positive references from clinical instructors.
• A record of satisfactory performance in all prior and current employment, evidenced by positive employment references addressing:
  • Successful and positive working relationships; seen as a team player.
  • Possession of high ethical standards and no history of ethics complaints.
  • Reliability and dependability; reports to work as scheduled without excessive absences.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents and respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
  • Excellent customer service skills and telephone etiquette.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Suite applications and EMR systems.
• Knowledge of infection control procedures, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and safety precautions.
• Successful completion of job interviews, demonstrating the ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Successful completion of background and reference checks, including positive employment references demonstrating satisfactory performance.
• Successful completion of fingerprint clearance requirements, physical examinations, and other screenings.
• Submission of all required employment-related documents free of false, misleading, or incomplete information.

Skills

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and assist heavy and/or disabled patients for extended periods.
• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, sitting, bending, talking, or hearing, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Extended use of hands for finger handling, grasping, and feeling; intermittent pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Prolonged repetitive motion of both feet and hands; fine dexterity.
• Ability to prioritize and use good judgment; coordinate a variety of issues while frequently interrupted.
• Intermittent exposure to outdoor weather conditions and infectious diseases; moderate noise levels.