Medical Assistant - Jail Correctional Medicine - Administration - 6

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.

Brazos County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. The population as of the 2020 US Census was 233,849. The county seat is Bryan. Along with Brazoria County, the county is named for the Brazos River, which forms its western border.