Medical Assistant

Statement of Purpose

The Medical Assistant (MA) performs routine medical assistant duties as a part of the treatment team to maintain the well-being of clients and integrity of the program.

Major Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities

• Report and record any changes observed in client condition or behavior, including unusual incidents. Identify, report, and assist with the management of emergencies.

• Take and record accurate vital signs and perform toxicology testing. Chart routine information (e.g., vital signs, client progress, daily activities, etc.). Support clients with health and hygiene needs as indicated per individual plan of care.

• For MAs assigned to residential programs, make rounds every 30 minutes for 72 hours on withdrawal management clients, document and record withdrawal symptoms.

• Monitor and document client self-administration of medications. Monitor and document client self-administration of PRN and other medications as ordered by physician.

• Administer anti-overdose medications as needed and support client access to, and education regarding anti-overdose medications, and document accordingly.

• Carries out appropriate interventions, including responding to emergencies and performing CPR and/or first aid, and document accordingly.

• Participate in and contribute to client plan of care, bringing client needs to the attention of the treatment team.

• Interact with clients to support their participation in the program. May provide educational sessions or other groups for clients within the scope of practice.

• Assist with screening, orientation, admission, transfer, and discharge of clients. Handle clients' personal belongings as directed.

• Provide clerical support as directed by nursing staff and/or supervisors. Keep charts in order with all forms properly identified, uploaded, input, etc.

• Follow directions of supervisors, treatment team, and other medical personnel. Work as a member of the treatment team, especially in carrying out the client's plan of care.

• Observe universal precautions, including correct handling of blood borne pathogens, storage of lab specimens, and disposal of infectious wastes.

• Maintain professional boundaries and standards. Treat clients with respect, care, and concern. Comply with confidentiality requirements at all times. Maintain health and safety standards of facility.

• Recognize personal biases working within diverse populations. Maintain cultural sensitivity at all times.

• Maintain familiarity with BHS policies and procedures and other applicable regulations; perform job duties accordingly. Represent BHS well in all contacts.

• Order inventory, and/or stock supplies in the unit as necessary.

• Courteously answer phones, appropriately directing calls and taking messages. Make phone calls for clients as approved by lead nurse and/or supervisor.

• Attend meetings and trainings and participate in committees as assigned. Support with educational training for programs as needed.

• Other duties as assigned.

Prerequisite Qualifications

Following are the qualifications required to perform the essential functions of this position. Qualifications may be subject to modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Bilingual abilities may be required with certain AICS positions.

High school diploma or equivalency.

Must have valid California driver's license and liability insurance if driving personal vehicle on BHS business. Vision, hearing, manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination must be adequate for performance of job duties. Able to sit at desk, use keyboard, write and physically perform other job duties. Able to move about the facility to observe clients and staff.

Specific qualifications may vary based on assignment. The supervisor will initial those items on the following list, which apply and write N/A to indicate those qualifications, which are not applicable:

_____ Class "B" California Driver's License.

_____ Class "C" California Driver's License

_____ Personal vehicle with liability insurance for reimbursable mileage, generally short distances.

_____ First Aid certification, obtain within 90 days of employment and maintain current thereafter.

_____ CPR certification, obtain within 90 days of employment and maintain current

thereafter.

_____ Medication training required within 30 days of employment.

_ Bi-lingual (specify: ___)

_____ Develop computer skills adequate to perform data entry/word processing duties within 90 days of employment.

The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements which may be inherent in the position.