Medical Assistant - Nisqually Generations Healing Center

About the role

The Nisqually Indian Tribe is developing a Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) facility on Pacific Ave in Olympia, Washington to address the opioid crisis within the Thurston County area. The Nisqually Indian Tribe is passionate about developing a whole person recovery model, keeping all services under one roof so the patient has the best possible chance of recovery. Our goal is to bring healing and wellness to the community, focusing on the entire family by serving tribal and non-tribal patients.

General Summary

This position will include a variety of technical, administrative, and patient care services under the supervision of the Nurse Care Manager. The Medical Assistant will interview and screen patients, assist in examination and treatment, and draw and collect blood samples. This position ensures confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, customer, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required and outstanding customer service to fellow employees, customers, vendors, etc. is expected. Regular attendance is required, later hours or weekend time may be required, and a neat well-groomed professional appearance is essential at all times.

Primary Responsibilities

• Verifies and corrects patient information by interviewing the patient and recording their medical records and converses with patients to allay fear of procedure.
• Takes vital signs, such as pulse rate, temperature, blood pressure, weight, and height, and records information in the patients' Electronic Health Record.
• Assists in examination and treatment of patients, performing miscellaneous delegated duties under the direction of the provider.
• Maintains and cleans examination rooms. Prepares rooms for provider's examination of patients. Cleans and sterilizes instruments.
• Inventories and orders medical supplies and equipment.
• Operates electrocardiograph (EKG), and other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests or coordinates referrals to schedule patients for additional testing as necessary.
• Gives injections or treatments and performs routine laboratory tests. Performs screening tests and reports results. Dresses wounds and incisions.
• Obtains authorizations for medications as needed.
• Routinely draws blood from patients and prepares specimens for screening, analysis, or other medical purposes. Monitors and tracks process of drug control testing while adhering to strict protocols. Adheres strictly to chain of custody in handling collection, samples, and information to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Maintains records electronically and in patient Electronic Health Record of blood, urine, and/or other test submissions. Updates client data as necessary to ensure accuracy.
• Completes and files all requisite paperwork and documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintains high standards of ethical and professional conduct and adheres to all Nisqually Wellness Center personnel policies.
• Cross-trained to assist staff with all other duties when necessary.
• Ensures security and confidentiality of all program data and operate in accordance with applicable regulations of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Must be a Licensed MA in good standing with the State of Washington.
• Three years' experience of professional work as an MA and strong phlebotomy experience is required.
• Previous substance abuse treatment and/or primary care experience strongly preferred.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
• The ability to work with vulnerable populations including adults and children.
• Must pass a state and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.

Supervision

This position does not supervise others.

Competencies

Knowledge Of

• Knowledge of the current medical practices in primary care, mental health and addiction medicine.
• Knowledge of substance use disorder and its effects on individuals, families, and communities is required.
• Knowledge of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and health-related computer software applications.
• Tribal, Federal, and state laws, codes, and regulations.
• HIPAA and PHI Knowledge and adherence to state (RCW, WAC) and federal confidentiality regulations (42 CFR part 2).
• Common office and administrative procedures.
• Trauma and its impact on wellness and recovery.

Skilled In

• Operating a personal computer and standard office programs and equipment.
• Organizational management practices.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills.
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Motivational interviewing (MI) skills or a desire to learn MI.

Ability To

• Work in a computer-based environment, especially Microsoft Windows.
• Work in a cross-cultural environment and understand the social and cultural contexts of patients.
• Prioritize multiple tasks amidst frequent interruptions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, staff, and external agencies.
• Maintain personal, professional, and ethical boundaries.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 30+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.

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