Medical Assistant - Correctional Health

CORE VALUES

The core values of Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) are dignity and stewardship. Each staff member is expected to perform their job duties in a way that preserves dignity for our patients and maintains good stewardship of the Center’s resources.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This position is part of the Correctional Health team. This position is part of the clinical team. This position is responsible for the initial interactions with patients, such as, taking vital signs, setting up and breaking down exam rooms, injections, labs and other related duties. Communicates with inmates, corrections team members, employees, and other individuals to disseminate or explain information.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Interviews patients, measures vital signs, such as pulse rate, temperature, blood pressure, weight, and height, updates medication list, allergies at each visit and records information in EMR.
• Provides injections or treatments, and performs routine laboratory tests.
• Prepares treatment rooms for examination of patients; assures all rooms are clean and dispose of trash in rooms.
• Cleans and sterilizes instruments. Inventories medical supplies and materials.
• In collaboration with counselor and medical providers, supports patients in identifying inmates for Addition Treatment Services. 
• Maintains consistent patient flow by monitoring scheduling system.
• Transports specimens, equipment or supplies utilizing appropriate and safe techniques.
• Supports all Providers in their care for patients to include specialty specific procedures/tests.
• Collaborates with providers and other multidisciplinary team members to provide complete patient care.
• Responsible for coordination of care with outside sources and collaborate with corrections staff regarding introduction into treatment program, progression in treatment, and aftercare. 
•  Maintain inmate’s medications while following facility policies on medication administration.
• Performs all duties, services and documentation in full compliance with CHC/SEK policies and procedures.
• Communicate/Consult with jail administration, as appropriate, concerning inmate’s individual health needs.
• Assist in providing emergency care for accidents and sudden illness of inmates until EMS assume responsibility.
• Submit accurate and timely reports as required by various health/state agencies.
• Participate in facilities emergency preparedness plan as required.
• Comply with state and federal privacy/confidentiality requirements, HIPAA & FERPA.
• Performs other related duties as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Graduation from a certified CMA/CNA program is preferred.
• Experience in clinic or healthcare setting.
• Knowledge of Vaccine recommendations and guidelines
• Valid Driver’s License required. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Social and cultural sensitivity appropriate to ethnically and economically diverse patient-and employee-base.
• Communicates through appropriate channels. Use proper chain of command for patient complaints.
• Ability to handle emergency situations calmly and effectively.
• Must be computer literate and able to navigate through the Electronic Health Record.
• Must be able to maintain good inter-personal relationship with co-workers and other members of the health care team and the organization.
• Provide customer service in accordance to the organization’s mission.
• Be courteous and respectful when interacting with patients and family members.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance to organization’s policy and procedure and HIPAA requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee is occasionally required to walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Computer work is frequent. Good lighting and comfortable temperature of ventilation at all times.