Medical Assistant

Sea Mar Community Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) founded in 1978, is a community-based organization committed to providing quality, comprehensive health, human, housing, educational and cultural services to diverse communities, specializing in service to Latinos in Washington State. Sea Mar proudly serves all persons without regard to race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender, or sexual orientation, and regardless of ability to pay for services. Sea Mar's network of services includes more than 90 medical, dental, and behavioral health clinics and a wide variety of nutritional, social, and educational services. We are recruiting for the following position:

Sea Mar is a mandatory COVID-19 and flu vaccine organization

As a mission-driven organization, the core values of, and the services offered at Sea Mar are based on the belief that everyone deserves to be respectfully treated in a way that preserves dignity and enhances self-worth. Sea Mar is an advocate for its clients and aims to achieve industry-leading, client-centered, culturally-aware services. 

Sea Mar employees serve as an extension of this mission and demonstrate their commitment to an excellent client experience by:

• Understanding and empathizing with client needs
• Surpassing client expectations
• Demonstrating a high level of integrity
• Exhibiting compassion and commitment
• Advocating for social justice
• Taking pride in individual work as well as that of the team
• Continually learning to stay current with industry standards, best practices and     technology

As a Sea Mar employee, the individual in this position commits to adherence to these values to their utmost ability and endeavors to strengthen and embody this mission daily.

Position Summary

The Medical Assistant is a key member of the patient care team, working with the medical provider and other members of the care team to ensure the patient receives patient-centered primary care services. These services are provided in a timely, courteous and professional manner at all times.  The MA is the initial point of contact for addressing the patients’ primary care needs.  One of the primary responsibilities of the MA is to ensure that all identified patient-relevant clinical quality measures are being addressed with each patient as a matter of routine during the delivery of quality care and services.  As the patient’s medical home, it is the care team’s responsibility, with the MA as the central and key member functioning as the hub of the team, to ensure that all clinical quality measures and patient health needs are addressed in the course of the provision of care. The MA will seek clinical guidance from the provider, who functions as the clinical champion, when needed and according to protocol.    

The MA will work collaboratively, efficiently and effectively with other members of the care team, such as the provider, Care Coordinators, On-Site Integration Specialists, Health Educators, Dieticians, and Behavioral Health Specialists. The goal of this interdisciplinary approach is to ensure improved health outcomes, smooth patient flow throughout the care process, and ultimately a good experience for the patient. The MA will also collaborate with members of the Care Management team to ensure that patients who are high risk receive any additional support they may need up to and including transition of care. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: tracking and documentation of all clinical measures and outcomes (Clinical Quality Measures, Meaningful Use, etc.); using established protocols and practice, MA will complete all provider referrals for each patient, administer injections and distribute oral medications under physicians’ order, assist the medical provider with charting office visits, ensuring communication and documentation for comprehensive patient care coordination, performing venipuncture, following protocol in rooming and exiting patients and other duties as assigned by the supervisor. The MA may have other duties assigned such as performing QI audits; participation in organizational committees, and providing shadowing opportunities for new staff; etc. 

*Competency evaluations and responsibilities will be tested annually in conjunction with the performance evaluation.

Other duties may be assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• The MA is the person who is responsible for ensuring that ALL patient clinical measures are being addressed and will do so by doing thorough EHR reviews, tracking and documenting all clinical measures/outcomes for patients in EHR.   This includes seeing 18/21 patients per day with an assigned provider as well as reaching out to patients who have care gaps.
• Will coordinate and process all patient referrals, for both internal and external services.  In managing patient referrals, the MA will work closely with Referral Coordinators when/if any patient referrals are being handled by them as per established protocols and processes.
• Must be team oriented and work collaboratively with all care team members to provide the best outcomes for the patients and the organization based on the Patient-Centered Medical Home model of care.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span.
• Must be able to assist providers in serving and average of 18/21 patients per day (based on provider type). 
• Is able to identify and categorize each patient’s age-specific grouping of needs and clinical measures such as those for infant, adolescent, adult or geriatric patients.
• Is able to identify the patient’s clinical needs according to diagnosis and follow clinical guideline according to protocol.
• Is responsible for the Pre-Huddle preparation and participation in the Care Team Huddle to ensure the collection of all relative clinic forms, quality measures, lab and x-ray reports and review of the Patient Manager and Medication confirmation process and any additional information necessary to be prepared for the patient’s visit.
• Prepares the patient for their visit with the Care Team. The MA will be responsible for obtaining patient subjective information and vital signs.
• Will ensure documentation of all relevant information, care provided and processes engaged in, in accordance with Sea Mar protocol.
• Prepares exam and procedure rooms by stocking with the appropriate supplies and disinfecting as per established protocol.
• Maintains professional standards and follows the treatment policies and procedures of the organization. This will require the MA to administer IM, SubQ and intradermal injections. He/she will also administer oral, rectal, inhaled medication as ordered by the provider.
• Ensures that medication administration is documented according to protocol.
• Responsible for maintaining and reconciling medication and immunization data/list.
• Maintains professional standards and follows the treatment policies and procedures of the organization
• Respects the cultural diversity of Sea Mar patients and staff.
• Attends regular staff meetings and in service training.
• Ensures medication storage, maintenance, dispensing and waste logs are maintained in accordance with Sea Mar policies and procedures.  Any area of non-compliance should be reported immediately to the supervisor manager.
• Ensures quality controls are performed and documented as required. Any area of non-compliance should be reported immediately to the supervisor / manager.
• Assists providers with GYN exams, I & D’s, and other minor procedures.
• Demonstrates clear and concise written and verbal communication skills.
• Reports any abnormal vital signs to the provider immediately.
• Utilizes aseptic (sterile) technique.
• Assists with ordering of department supplies.
• Assists Nursing/MA Supervisors with streamlining and implementing pod/flow systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensures that all medical, nursing, health & safety and personnel policies and procedures are being followed and implemented.
• Completes all point of care referrals for patients including specialty care, care coordination and other services. Informs patients regarding specialty referral, providing required information to specialist’s offices for point of care referral processing, including but not limited to, labs, EHR notes, etc.
• Assists with obtaining laboratory tests and results.
• Assist with obtaining patient notes and records from hospitals and other provider offices.
• Maintains positive collaborative working relationships with co-workers, specialists and community organizations.
• Utilizes AIDET to ensure excellent customer service at each patient visit including escorting each patient to and from the treatment rooms.
• Incoming clinical phone calls will be sent to the MA Supervisor, Nurse Supervisor or Nurse Manager.  Any calls referred to you will be resolved in one business day.
• Will appropriately and professionally communicate provider delays and delays in patient flow to the front desk staff, direct supervisor and the patient.
• Ensure proper management of bio-hazardous waste.
• Assists with pharmacy requests.
• Ensures infection control and standard precautions are followed according to Sea Mar policy.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the nursing parameters of the Electronic Health Record and Practice Management Application programs.
• Demonstrates knowledge, proficiency and compliance with regulatory requirements including, but not limited to: Joint Commission, NPSG, Department of Health, Clinical Quality Measures, PCMH, QI and other contractual obligations.
• If works as a Scribe, the MA will demonstrate proficiency as a scribe.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and privacy at all times.
• Will ensure compliance with all HIPAA regulations at all times.
• Will perform other duties as assigned.   

Personnel and Performance Metrics

• Adhere to schedule and be prepared to provide services by 8am each day
• Provider services using AIDET skills at all times
• Complete quality care gaps for 100% of patients treated
• Provider services to a minimum of ten patients a day
• Strongly support Follow My Health enrollment
• Close chart notes within 24 hours of service
• Must be able to support an average of 21 patient visits a day for a full days schedule per provider (MD) and an average of 18 patient visits per day per provider (ARNP/PA).

Desired Qualities and Qualifications

• Must have graduated from an approved MA-C program and have a current Medical Assistant Certified license issued from Washington State Department of Health. Being Bilingual English/Spanish is strongly desired.

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.

• Must demonstrate a strong work ethic, honesty and dependability.
• Must demonstrate and consistently practice strong customer service skills.
• Must have the physical health, emotional stability and personality suited to meet the physical, mental, emotional and social needs of the population served.
• Must be able to interact sensitively and effectively with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Must possess excellent problem-solving abilities.
• Must be able to perform each essential duty of the position diligently, accurately and timely.
• Ambulatory care experience preferred.
• Ability to read and write proficiently in English.
• Ability to speak and interpret in Spanish preferred.
• Must demonstrate clear and concise written and verbal communication.
• Must be able to calculate medical dosages (i.e. mg to ml).
• Must be able to anticipate the needs of patients and providers.
• Must be able to analyze and present data for reports.
• Must be able to problem solve creatively in a variety of situations and circumstances.
• Must be computer literate and proficient in software including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Will be expected to learn and be proficient in SharePoint, Arcadia, OneHealth Portal, HealthPlanFinder, electronic health records, EKG monitors, retinal cameras and other technical resources as needed.
• Must be fully proficient with Sea Mar’s patient management and electronic health records systems before end of probationary period.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations, and Medical Screening

• Must have a Certificate of Completion from a Medical Assistant program.
• Previous experience in Family Medicine preferred.
• Must be an MA-Certified or possess an MA-Interim License and pass the exam within the 90 day probationary period.
• Must adhere to the Sea Mar Employee Health Screening Policy.
• This position must obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR within 90 days of hire date and is required to maintain current BLS CPR throughout employment.

Additional Requirements

• Pre-hire and annual employee health screening required
• Annual influenza vaccine required.  Only exception is for employees with a medical or religious exemption approved by Administration.  Employees with an approved medical or religious exemption must wear a mask at all time during the flu season.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  The Medical Assistant may be required to share workspace with other staff members.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. There is potential for exposure to communicable diseases and blood-borne pathogens.

Conditions of Employment

The person in this position must be honest, exhibit a strong work ethic and able to maintain the understanding, physical health, emotional stability and personality suited to meet the physical, mental, emotional and social needs of the population served.

Ensure that all medical policies and procedures are being followed and implemented. An MA-Certified maybe asked to travel to another Sea Mar sites due to staffing and patient needs.

The employee must sign a confidentiality policy each year which covers all patient related information.

The Medical Assistant-Certified must follow the AIDET model of customer service to ensure that patients, peers and visitors have an exceptional experience during their encounter with him/her.

Hourly - Hourly Plan, 24.09 USD Hourly

What We Offer:

Sea Mar offers talented and motivated people the opportunity to work in a dynamic and growing community health organization. Working at Sea Mar Community Health Centers is more than just a job, it’s a fulfilling career with opportunity for advancement. The fringe benefits surpass most companies. For example, Full-time employees working 30 hours or more, receive an excellent benefit package of:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Prescription coverage
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• Paid-time-off starting at 24 days per year + 10 paid Holidays.
• We also offer 401(k)/Retirement options and an exciting opportunity to work in a culturally diverse environment. 

Sea Mar is an equal opportunity employer.

Please visit our website to learn more about us at www.seamar.org. You may also apply thru our Career page at this link.