Medical Assistant- Street Medicine

Position Description:

The Medical Assistant works directly under the supervision of the Clinic Administrator and Program Director to serve a vital role as part of a street medicine team. This position involves working on a mobile medical unit and a multi-disciplinary team to provide transitional primary care to the unsheltered homeless individuals living within Los Angeles County. The ideal candidate must have a commitment to providing high-quality care for complex patients, be dedicated to working and developing a collaborative team model of care, and have experience working with both physical and behavioral health diagnoses.

Principal Responsibilities:

1. Performs routine (noninvasive) patient care functions as prescribed by licensed health care professional following established clinic policies and procedures within defined scope of education, training and responsibilities.
2. Collects and records patient data including height, weight, BMI, temperature, pulse, respiration rate and blood pressure, pulse oximeter, and peak flow measurement according to established policies and procedures.
3. Collects urine, sputum and stool specimens by noninvasive techniques.
4. Performs lab tests, including finger sticks, after appropriate training and verification of competency.
5. Administers immunizations and all medications per provider's order after a licensed health care professional verifies the correct medication and dosage.
6. Performs venipuncture and PPD skin placement. Documents measurement of PPD skin test and reports information directly to the provider or to the Registered Nurse.
7. Consistently uses and reinforces proper body mechanics and appropriate personal protection equipment.
8. Conducts follow-ups with patients via phone calls, encampment visits, and visits to other settings where patients can be found.
9. Uses multiple electronic platforms to gather patient information; documents appropriately and maintains medical records.
10. Provides client care in a manner that is both non-discriminatory and non-judgmental.
11. Works cooperatively with other clinical personnel and exhibits excellent working relations with patients, visitors, and staff, effectively communicating Street Medicine's mission.
12. Act as a patient advocate and liaison between the patient and community agencies (i.e., Housing for Health, Department of Human Services, hospitals, etc.) and ensures that patient needs are met with rights maintained; consults and collaborates with community providers to ensure continuity of care.
13. Works closely with Street Medicine Registered Nurse, Nursing Supervisor and Clinical Coordinator, Physician/ Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner, and several team members of the multi-disciplinary team.
14. Assists in medical services, office procedures, and a variety of hands-on patient care tasks and relays all appropriate health information to necessary personnel.
15. Assist homeless individuals in accessing appropriate medical services, mental health services, substance abuse treatment programs, and other support resources available at JWCH’s Center for Community Health.
16. Advocate for the rights and healthcare needs of homeless individuals, working towards reducing barriers to accessing medical services.
17. Fills out designated information on Certification Information Form and registers clients electronically using e-healthcare system.
18. Accurately files all patients’ labs, X-ray, EKG results and other documents after the provider has seen and signed off the information.
19. Assists medical personnel with procedures and/or diagnostic exams including assembling appropriate equipment and keeping patient work areas clean and stocked.
20. Maintains standards of cleanliness, organization and an adequate level of supplies for the exam rooms or assigned work area.
21. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

1. Graduation from an accredited Medical Assistant school with a current MA certificate.
2. High School Diploma or GED.
3. Current BLS certificate from the American Heart Association.
4. Two years’ experience in an ambulatory clinic/setting.
5. Verification of appropriate hours in approved Medical Assistant course to perform venipuncture.
6. Knowledge of general office procedures.
7. Experience in working with clients and staff from diverse socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
8. Ability to travel from site to site.
9. Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

*All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Employee Benefits

JWCH Institute, Inc., offers competitive salaries for all positions. Employees working 30 hours per week or more are provided a monthly allowance which can be used towards medical, dental, and vision premiums. The agency offers sick leave, vacation time, 13 paid holidays, 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan, mileage reimbursement, short term and long tern disability plans, life insurance policies, employee parking and more !

Wesley Health Centers, JWCH Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer