Medical Office Assistant I, (A266110-1), 204, Family Planning-Open Enrollment

This position is grant funded and dependent on the availability of grant funds.

About the Role

Provides front and back office support services for the Health Department clinic in family care services. Coordinates and prepares for clinic circumstances such as inpatient care assistance, lab, and phlebotomy support. Collaborates with multiple agencies, including city employee wellness programs, private physicians, mid-level providers, and allied health services. Assists in nursing and allied health care.

Responsibilities

• Provides medical, allied nursing, and patient front- and back-office assistance and support, including taking vital signs, performing CLIA-waived lab work/phlebotomy, immunizations, and screening services.
• Organizes and maintains record-keeping and data collection systems, including patient registration cards, clinic data, encounter forms, transfer address changes, medical referrals, and financial status coding on patient records.
• Assists in patient care activities during appointments, including weighing and measuring patients, preparing exam rooms, handling charge and request slips, performing lab procedures, and providing allied nursing care.
• Assists in clinic clean-up activities, including returning supplies, washing equipment, and transporting laboratory specimens and supplies.
• Orders and restocks clinic supplies.
• Reports pertinent patient observations to the nurse.
• Contributes to program planning and evaluation.
• Works cooperatively with sponsoring agencies regarding financial identification and follow-up of patients.
• Participates in patient care conferences and assists in evaluating patient care and program operations effectiveness.
• Performs errands as requested by clinical personnel.
• Maintains good communication between staff, visitors, and other business contacts.
• Follows all rules of telephone courtesy in communications.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of front- and back-office clinic support in family planning, including registration, billing, cash handling, medical and nursing assistance, vital signs, CLIA-waived lab work, immunizations, and phlebotomy.
• Knowledge of customer service practices, public relations, and medical field education (patient care, medical assistance, patient follow-up, insurance).
• Knowledge of health prevention and wellness strategies, as well as family clinical services outreach.
• Proficiency in English grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of modern office procedures, including computers, electronic health records, and applicable software.
• Understanding of client confidentiality and client rights under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Skill in performing varied duties, often shifting between tasks of different natures.
• Ability to use computer hardware, software programs, and technologies, including word processing and spreadsheets.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to function effectively as a team member.
• Ability to meet schedules and deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Ability to understand departmental policies, procedures, and services.
• Ability to follow and give directions.
• Ability to perform strenuous and routine work.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image.
• Effective oral and written communication in English; oral communication in Spanish.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo policies and procedures.
• Good health and physical condition sufficient to perform the duties of the position.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Primarily works in an office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant conditions or hazards.
• Sedentary work involving sitting most of the time, with occasional walking and standing.
• Exerts up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and may need to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects, including the human body.
• Frequent exposure to an office or similar indoor environment; occasional outdoor environment.
• Seldom exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate, or individuals with known violent backgrounds, fumes, or airborne particles.
• Frequent exposure to communicable diseases.
• Local travel required occasionally; no national or international travel.
• No exposure to extreme cold, extreme heat, moving mechanical parts, toxic chemicals, or loud noises.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• Six months of educational training.
• At least one year of experience in medical office assistance, phlebotomy, or a health-related field.
• Proof of TB test/screening required prior to employment.
• Medical Office Assistant or Medical Assistant Certification (copy must be attached to application).
• Valid Texas Identification card or government-issued ID required at the time of job offer.
• Reliable transportation to and from the work site; expected to arrive on time.