Medical Assistant I - (Bilingual - Spanish) Walnut Creek, CA

SUMMARY 

A Reproductive Health Specialist (RHS) is a member of the health care team, assisting with the provision of family planning health care, prenatal (if offered) and abortion services, and research activities (as assigned).  An RHS provides health information to patients, supports licensed providers in providing clinical services, and performs health center-based duties required for patient care.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include being trained in back-office responsibilities listed below. Other duties may be assigned. 

• Provide health information and instructions to patients and assist other staff in a patient-centered manner. 
• Process and document lab work. 
• Assist in the recovery room if surgical services are provided. 
• Perform medical assistant-related tasks including taking vital signs, venipuncture, injections, and document in the electronic medical record.
• Work as a team member to set-up and clean-up exam rooms and lab, handle lab specimens, stock supplies, and maintain lab equipment.
• Support patient care activities of licensed providers, including RN, Clinician, and/or Physician as directed.  
• Provide information and patient education about PPNorCal’s services, including pregnancy options, in a caring, non-judgmental, factual manner.
• Assist in all aspects of abortion procedure, including performing vital signs, lab work, and tissue processing as needed; assist abortion provider during procedure while being supportive of patient; and assist in recovery room.
• Participate in affiliate research studies conducted in the health center in accordance with study protocols, standard operating procedures, and departmental goals.
• Work with Community Health Workers (CHWs) to identify and assist patients who need community and referrals.
• Schedule appointments, provide information about medical services and appropriate referrals, and provide health information as appropriate. 
• Maintain complete patient confidentiality at all times.
• Function as a member of a health care team, demonstrating a positive attitude and willingness to assist team members at all times. Handle communication problems with other staff and managers directly, constructively, and with sensitivity.
• Ensure accurate completion and patient understanding of all necessary forms.
• Abstract or scan medical records into the electronic health record as needed.
• Adhere to affiliate goals and policies on professionalism, wait time in-health center, and the system for addressing patient complaints.
• Maintain professional image through appropriate dress and manner. Treat other staff and patients with courtesy and respect at all times, under all circumstances.
• Participate in health center efforts to achieve established goals for productivity.
• Remain flexible and available to extend/change scheduled hours as needed to meet needs of the health center and our patients. 
• Follow affiliate-wide protocols, policies, and procedures, and any center-specific policies and procedures. Understand and demonstrate, in all interactions, the importance of high-quality care, including accurate charting, filing, and follow-up.
• Utilize the principles of trauma-informed care and communication throughout all interactions with other staff and patients at all times.
• Participate in maintaining general upkeep of the facility; keep lobbies, reception area, and other rooms tidy.
• Float RHS staff are required to travel to multiple regional based health centers as requested.  May be short notice and travel will be greater than 50% of time.
• Other administrative responsibilities as assigned. 
• Active participation in the advancement of PPNorCal’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion commitment.

QUALIFICATIONS  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• Associate degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year College or technical school; or six months to one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Experience working in a health care setting preferred.
• Knowledge of medical assistant practices and reproductive health care preferred.
• Ability to work calmly, efficiently and represent the organization with a high degree of professionalism. 
• Excellent customer service, problem solving, judgment, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and to work independently and as a member of the team. 
• Flexible and able to work in other health center locations, as requested. 
• Must be able to travel to Administration Offices to attend trainings and meetings as needed. 
• Bilingual in English and Spanish highly desired.
• Ability to support the provision of reproductive health care services to socioeconomically diverse populations with cultural competency. 
• Ability to support the provision of reproductive health care services with a non-judgmental, patient-centered approach.
• Commitment to quality health care.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as medical protocols, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to document in medical chart concisely, accurately, and according to PPNorCal protocols. 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.   Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Ability to manage cash, make change, and balance the daily posts.

REASONING ABILITY 

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.  Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

COMPUTER SKILLS    

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of basic keyboarding, internet access and email systems. 

PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION (PHI) ACCESS REQUIREMENT

As required for patient treatment and health care operations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS  

• Medical Assistant certificate desired but not required.

OTHER SKILLS, ABILITIES, QUALIFICATIONS 

• Possess the ability to view services through the patients' eyes to serve patients promptly, competently, and in a friendly manner. Possess the ability to recognize complaints as opportunities to improve service.
• Be capable of working in a busy environment, handling multiple tasks simultaneously without compromising accuracy, attention to detail, and courtesy and respect to patients and staff.
• Through meetings and discussions, help develop ideas for improving services in ways that patients value.