Medical Assistant-Full Time (FT)

The Medical Assistant provides clinical and administrative support to the nursing and medical teams in caring for individuals receiving treatment for substance use disorders. Working under the direction of licensed nursing staff and providers, the Medical Assistant assists with resident admissions, vital signs, medication support within the scope of practice, specimen collection, documentation, appointment coordination, and monitoring of residents throughout their treatment. The Medical Assistant plays an important role in promoting a safe, therapeutic environment while supporting quality care, continuity of services, and compliance with facility policies and regulatory standards.

Essential Duties:

• Assist licensed nurses and medical providers with resident admissions, medical intakes, and ongoing clinical care.
• Obtain and accurately document vital signs, height, weight, and other clinical information.
• Observe residents for changes in condition and promptly report concerns to the licensed nurse or provider.
• Assist with medication administration and medication observation as permitted by state regulations and facility policies.
• Prepare examination rooms and treatment areas, ensuring equipment and supplies are stocked and readily available.
• Collect and process laboratory specimens and perform point-of-care testing as directed.
• Schedule medical appointments, coordinate outside referrals, and assist with continuity of care.
• Accurately document resident interactions, treatments, and clinical information in the electronic medical record.
• Assist with obtaining and maintaining required medical documentation, including immunization records, TB testing, laboratory results, and other health records.
• Provide residents with education and reinforcement of treatment plans, wellness practices, medication instructions, and harm reduction strategies as directed by licensed staff.
• Support infection prevention and control practices by maintaining clean and organized clinical areas.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and all applicable federal and state regulations.
• Collaborate effectively with nurses, providers, counselors, case managers, and other members of the interdisciplinary treatment team.
• Participate in emergency response procedures and resident safety initiatives within the Medical Assistant scope of practice.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support resident care and facility operations.

Requirements

Education and/or Licensure – Must be a Registered Medical Assistant licensed in Texas.

Experience – At least one year of professional medical assistant experience, preferably in a detox unit and/or inpatient, partial hospitalization and/or outpatient setting preferred.

Additional Requirements – Must obtain and maintain approved CPR certification, de-escalation training, and ASAM training.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

·         Detoxification proficiency: identify signs of withdrawal; understand observation and monitoring procedures; understand pregnancy related complications; execute the transfer process including understanding potential complications; execute appropriate interventions; and understand frequently used medications, including their purpose, precautions, and side effects.

·         Have the training, knowledge, and/or experience demonstrating competence in the treatment of the disease of addiction, including the management of withdrawal, client evaluation, motivational counseling techniques, and the taking and recording of vital signs.

·         Can work independently while being a team player.

·         Possess the skills to network with all resources to provide the best customer service with clients or family members seeking help.

·         The ability to ensure a safe and clean working environment complying with OSHA and Plum Creek Recovery Ranch standards.

·         Excellent customer service skills to handle continuous customer contact with the public, including citizens who may be ill or injured, upset, and/or distraught, requiring the utmost patience, tact, and discretion.   

·         Ability to exercise sound judgment and good problem-solving skills in pressure situations.   

·         Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with co-workers and the public.

·         Administers medications and monitoring. Takes verbal orders from the Nurse Manager, documents them in the patient record and carries them out accurately and professionally. 

·         Good vision to read documents and view information output from medical equipment.

·         Must have basic PC skills that include a combination of working in a Windows Operat