Co-op Medical Assistant

Job Description Summary

Under the direction of the department Nurse Manager, the Co-op Medical Assistant (Co-op MA) will perform assigned medical assisting duties both within and in support of the assigned clinical department at South Shore Medical Center (SSMC). Co-op MA will perform clinical tasks commensurate with their educational preparation, experience and/or on the job training following delegation by the Nurse Manager or Clinical Professional Development Specialist. Clinical duties include but are not limited to: maintaining universal precautions; rooming patients, taking necessary vital signs and measurements, assisting a provider with treatments and procedures. Co-op MA is not permitted to draw blood, administer or dispense medication. Non clinical duties may include, but are not limited to: communicating information to patients through direct and indirect interactions, maintaining exam and office supply inventory, documenting appropriately in the EMR, and having knowledge of and adhering to the South Shore Health (SSH) Mission Statement and all SSH/SSMC policies and procedures.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1.    Prepare for office visit by reviewing patient’s reason for visit.  Prepare any data, forms or equipment needed for the office visit.

2.    Abstract clinical information into the medical record.

3.    Ensures all pre-visit work required for exam is completed and that the lab and other test results are available in the EMR.

4.    Provides direct clinical support, as assigned by Nurse Manager or Clinical Professional Development Specialist, to one or more assigned clinicians.

5.    Assist provider with treatments or therapies to patients.

6.    Assists in procedures and acts as a chaperone when needed.

7.    Provide patient instructions regarding follow-up care; i.e., routing slip.

8.    Provide notification of test results by sending letter to patients.

9.    Provide patient outreach through telephone calls and create appointments.

10.    Maintain and monitor the patient exam rooms daily and between patients for cleanliness and supplies.

11.    Documents appropriately in the EMR.

12.    At the discretion of assigned Nurse Manager, may administer vaccines with oversight and co-signature by licensed nurse or certified medical assistant.  

13.    Participate in daily huddles, attend 75% of scheduled staff meetings and attend workflow/other meetings as needed.

14.    Works in collaboration with Nursing Manager in the preparation of yearly evaluations by providing individual feedback and assisting with chart reviews and reviewing yearly competencies and ensure compliance with all personnel policies.

15.    Function as a team member; appropriately seek help when needed.  Communicate critical patient information to the nurse and/or provider.

16.    Maintains universal precautions.

17.    Have knowledge of and adhere to the SSH Mission Statement and all SSMC policies and procedures.

18.    Abide by and promote all SSMC Service Standards.  

19.    Act in a professional manner at all times.

20.    Maintain a positive attitude at all times creating a collaborative and team oriented environment.

21.    Other duties, within the Co-op MA’s scope of practice, may be assigned based on department needs. 

22.    Once trained, may pick up weekend and holiday hours as long as not in interference with class and co-op guidelines.  

23.    Will have the opportunity to observe and learn in other clinics, outside of assigned clinic, with the Medical Center.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Education - Preferred
Enrolled in an approved/contracted Medical Assistant high school program, preparing for CCMA and eligible for co-op placement.  

Minimum Work Experience
Previous work or volunteer experience in a healthcare environment preferred.

License/Certifications
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification preferred. 

Required additional Knowledge and Abilities
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills. 
Developing clinical and judgment skills.
Good organizational and prioritization skills 
Ability to work successfully as a team player.
Demonstrated knowledge of medical procedures learned through Medical Assistant training.
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology and English grammar.
Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
Ability to read, understand and respond to detailed oral and written instructions; communicate clearly.  
Able to both lead and take direction from Nursing Manager.
Employee must demonstrate computer proficiency through efficient use of the electronic medical record, telephone communications, e-mail and other computer software as required.