Medical Assistant

This position is a 32 hour a week position with a starting wage of $24.83/hr that is benefit eligible. Under general supervision, the Medical Assistant performs a variety of tasks to support Scott County Health Department programs and services to include collecting laboratory samples, maintaining records and files, administering medication and vaccination, and providing health related information to inmates, patients and the public.Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

General Duties

• Enters/retrieves client information into/from respective data programs and databases; scans and files charts; disposes of records in accordance with policies.
• Collects laboratory specimens, including venous and capillary blood draws, on various ages and in various settings; processes and packages specimens for shipping.
• Operates and maintains equipment safely
• Compiles information and data for statistical reports; prepares, assembles, and submits program specific reports.
• Participates in department efforts related to accreditation/reaccreditation, performance management, quality improvement, and workforce development.
• Inventories, orders and stocks office and medical/clinic supplies as needed.
• Provides information to patients regarding office policies and procedures; instructs patients with special needs; teaches patients methods of health promotion and disease prevention.
• Attends and participates in a variety of meetings and trainings.
• Demonstrates the ability to exemplify, by his/her actions, the County PRIDE philosophy.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Clinical Services Specific Duties

• Reviews immunization histories and determines appropriate vaccinations based on established immunization schedules; administers vaccines to infants, children, and adults.
• Provides point-of-care testing, risk-reduction counseling, and referrals to prevention and care resources for individuals at risk for or living with HIV or hepatitis C (HCV).
• Prepares, reviews, and analyzes gram stain and wet mount slides.
• Conducts point-of-care lead testing for children.
• Schedules routine maintenance for laboratory equipment; conducts microscope proficiency along with other lab team members; performs general laboratory cleaning and upkeep.
• Performs daily and weekly temperature monitoring of testing kits, controls, and vaccine refrigerators and freezers to ensure compliance with storage requirements.
• Schedules, assists with, and supports outreach testing and community events; maintains accurate and timely testing logs and documentation.
• Provides initial and annual training on how to conduct HIV and HCV tests for testing personnel.
• Collects, reviews, and calculates statistical data for HIV, HCV, and gonorrhea testing conducted by the Scott County Health Department (SCHD).
• Participates in the development and modification of service area procedures and laboratory manuals.
• Assists in the development and implementation of grant-funded activities.

Correctional Health Specific Duties

• Prepares and performs daily medication distribution.
• Schedules external provider visits and coordinates transportation with Sheriff’s Department.
• Administers medical care under the direction and supervision of Chief Medical Officer.
• Removes body piercings and/or taser barbs.
• Responds to requests for assistance from Corrections staff via phone, radio, etc.
• Coordinates pre-approval process for inmates housed in State or Federal custody.
• Gathers information for nurses and Chief Medical Officer to use during medical evaluations.

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines:
Associate’s degree, certificate or diploma as a Medical Assistant, and has earned certification through a nationally recognized certifying agency to be a Certified Medical Assistant; AND two (2) years of experience as a Medical Assistant preferred; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. 

Knowledge of:

• Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances. 
• Work safety policies, procedures, and practices. 
• Phlebotomy and other specimen collection practices and methods. 
• Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) regulations. 
• Laboratory procedures to include the proper handling and preparation of specimens. 
• Laboratory equipment and proper uses. 
• Laboratory testing procedures.
• Patient care techniques. 
• Records maintenance and retention policies and procedures. 

Skill in:

• Collecting specimen samples for lab testing, including drawing venous blood samples from children and adults.
• Administering infant, child, and adult immunizations.
• Operating general office equipment.
• Typing and entering data with speed and accuracy.
• Preparing clear and concise reports.
• Maintaining accurate records and documentation. 
• Counting and administering medication doses accurately and safely.
• Interacting tactfully and professionally with County staff, outside organizations, the public, and inmates.
• Analyzing and interpreting laboratory samples.
• Maintaining confidential and sensitive information.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Working efficiently both independently and as part of a team.

License and Certification Requirements
Must be certified as a Medical Assistant at the time of hire.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:
Work is performed throughout Scott County at clinics, health fairs, and correctional facilities. Work requires exposure to potential physical harm from irate clients, violent inmates, and needle sticks, hazardous chemicals, and infectious diseases.

May be required to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.