Medical Assistant

Job Summary

To aid nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, or other health care professionals in the Scott County Jail by performing designated activities and duties relating to treatment and general health status which require specialized knowledge and skills including to take and process diagnostic tests.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assist physician and/or nursing staff with medical examinations, minor surgery, bandaging and irrigations.

• Prepares carts to administer and/or distribute medications as directed by a physician or other qualified health care staff.

• Instruct patients on proper use of medications and other related information.

• Provide information concerning health care education, services, and resources.

• Collect, prepare, and perform designated laboratory tests, such as, but not limited to, blood tests, urinalysis, and pregnancy tests as ordered.

• Perform routine health screening tasks, including but not limited to blood pressure, height, weight, vision, and hearing tests.

• Perform Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST), venipuncture, electrocardiograms, administer injections and assist with hematological functions.

• Assist in mass screening, immunization programs, and community prevention efforts.

• Interview patients to obtain health histories and information on general health status.

• Assist in the maintenance and preparation of examination rooms and medical equipment.

• Prepare patients for examination(s) and/or laboratory test(s).

• Assist with clerical duties such as, but not limited to:

• a. filing

• b. data entry

• c. appointment scheduling

• d. recording in patient's charts

• e. handling phone calls

• f. providing basic clinic information over the phone

• g. completing medical records and insurance forms and releases of information (ROI’s).
• Verifying prescription medications.

• Performs inventory of the over-the-counter medications, medcarts, and supplies.

• Works the hours and/or shifts assigned and begins and ends work on time.

• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school graduation or equivalent; plus, graduate of an accredited Medical Assistant program OR Trained Medication Aide (TMA) OR Paramedic.  The incumbent shall provide a valid driver's license and a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Certification (CMA) or registration (RMA) status preferred - information must be listed under Certificates and Licenses area of application.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The employee is under general supervision from the Jail Captain and receives work assignments and direction in the form of verbal or written instructions from the Jail Nursing staff. Work is typically performed according to established procedures. Employee uses judgment in setting priorities, work sequences, and choice of procedures to follow. Work is reviewed by another step in the clerical process or by an immediate supervisor.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES
Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge –

Knowledge of medical ethics.

Knowledge of principles of disease prevention, disease control, principles of health promotion and lifestyle enhancement.

Knowledge of blood borne pathogen safety and procedures.

Knowledge of sterile techniques, handling of medical supplies, instruments, and equipment.

Knowledge of infection control practices.

Knowledge of medical records and routine medical office procedures and administration.

Knowledge of specific clinic procedures relating to scheduling, laboratory referrals and other procedures.

Knowledge of clinic techniques for maintaining patient charts.

Knowledge of clinic appointment procedures.

Knowledge of community resources available to assist patients and their families in the recovery process.

Knowledge of a variety of health care providers and restrictions by third party payers.

Abilities –

Ability to complete and maintain clear, accurate, and concise assessment data and medical charting paperwork.

Skill in working comfortably and effectively with diverse cultural or ethnic populations.

Skill in making judgments with minimal or no consultations.

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with patients, patients‘ family members, co-workers, physicians, outside agencies and vendors that are from a diverse population.

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Ability to explain the purpose, nature, and results of various medical tests to enable patients to make an informed judgment.

Ability to recognize disabilities and limitations of patients.

Ability to effectively use the following equipment: blood pressure cuff, thermometer, stethoscope, syringe, oxygen equipment, nebulizer, glucometer, dressings, and machines used in specialty areas, as assigned.

Ability to use discretion in dealing with confidential information.

Ability to perform CPR and render first aid in an emergency.

Ability to perform wound care for patients under the direction of a Registered Nurse.

Ability to identify potential problematic conditions which could place a patient "at risk".

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed in a jail setting. Duties involve exposure to persons with communicable diseases, exposure to other health hazards associated with the handling of laboratory specimens, exposure to chemicals used in cleaning medical instruments and examination rooms, and possible injury associated with the handling of sharp objects such as needles, glass, and surgical blades. Work involves standing and walking for most of the workday, periodic bending, stooping, and lifting up to 50 pounds to assist adults onto the examination table. Work also involves use of a computer keyboard and viewing a computer screen for up to 4 – 6 hours per day.

Physical activities include sedentary to light work:  Reaching, sitting, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, pulling, fingering, grasping, feeling, stooping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.  Lifts and/or navigates up to 35 pounds on a routine basis in handling files and equipment necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.  

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.