Behavioral Health Medical Assistant- Hybrid, Eureka, CA

Ascend Healthcare is committed to providing fully integrated, quality psychiatric and behavioral health services in a compassionate, convenient, and affordable manner.  We work with external partners to provide services to patients across the country through integrated psychiatric medication management, substance use disorder treatment, counseling services, peer support and care coordination for seamless patient care. We believe in a “no wrong door” treatment model which finds ways to say “yes” to any patient referral rather than a multitude of exclusionary criteria found elsewhere. This approach reflects our values of improved patient and clinician experience, better outcomes, and lower costs.

About us 

Ascend Healthcare fosters a professional, collaborative, and rewarding workplace culture, dedicated to making a profound impact on diverse communities through exceptional patient care. 

Our work environment includes: 

• Patient-First Mindset 
• Business Casual 
• Emphasis on Career Growth, Collaboration and Teamwork 

What we do: 

Our team of Psychiatry Providers and Mental Health Therapists treat all mental health and substance use disorders to a patient population of age 6 and up. Our philosophy is to incorporate all areas of care into a patient's well-being. We believe in a “no wrong door” treatment model that finds ways to say “yes” to any patient referral rather than a multitude of exclusionary criteria found elsewhere. 

Position Overview: 

The Behavioral Health Medical Assistant (MA) is an empathetic individual with strong communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills. This position provides administrative and clinical support to Behavioral Health Medical Provider (BHMP) staff and patients and works collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to meet the needs of our Community Health Center patients. This is a full-time, hybrid position reporting to the BHMP Site Manager.  

Key Areas of Ownership:  

• Assists in coordinating patient care with medical staff by reviewing and maintaining provider schedules and managing contact operations (inbound/outbound phone calls, emails, chats)
• Ensures patient-specific needs are met by arranging interpretation services as needed and coordinating referrals to other medical professionals or team members, agencies, and community services when appropriate
• Prepares patients for virtual appointments by ensuring the patient has what is needed for their appointment. This may include verification of text/email links, basic technology support, and check-in
• Verifies, records, and updates patient information in EHR including chief complaint, medical history, allergies, current and discontinued medications, and lab results
• Performs preliminary mental health screenings including but not limited to GAD-7, PHQ-9, SBIRT
• Provides support to BHMP staff through the timely coordination of medication refill requests, pharmacy management, records requests, and completion of prior authorizations
• Performs all other duties as deemed necessary and appropriate by direct supervisor

Qualifications:  

• High School Diploma or equivalent (required)
• At least 1 year of Behavioral Health MA experience
• Active MA certification from an accredited Medical Assistant program (preferred)
• Active CPR Certificate or ability to obtain prior to start date
• Bilingual/Spanish preferred
• Associate's Degree preferred

Physical Requirements: This is a fully hybrid position and will require in-person attendance. Please be aware that the physical requirements below should be considered before applying to the position: 

• Prolonged Sitting: Ability to sit for extended periods during working hours. 
• Manual Dexterity: Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity for using a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment. 
• Visual Requirements: Adequate vision for reading computer screens and documents.