Medical Assistant -Floor Ma

Valley AIDS Council d/b/a Westbrook Clinic

Job Title: Medical Assistant – Floor MA - Harlingen, Tx

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Director of Clinical Operations

EMPLOYEE RISK FACTOR: Performs tasks that involve exposure or potential exposure to blood, body fluids or body tissue, or other potentially contaminated materials.

SUMMARY:

Seeking a compassionate, responsible and knowledgeable Medical Assistant to join our dedicated team at a sexual health & wellness, prevention, education and treatment clinic as a Medical Assistant – Floor MA. The Floor Medical Assistant (MA) in the Sexual Health & Wellness Clinic plays a vital role in provides direct clinical and administrative support to healthcare providers and patients in an HIV care setting. This position involves assisting in the delivery of comprehensive care for individuals living with HIV, ensuring a supportive and professional environment for patients, and collaborating with healthcare teams to manage treatment plans effectively. The Floor MA will be expected to maintain confidentiality, demonstrate sensitivity to diverse patient backgrounds, and assist in managing a variety of HIV-related care services.Commitment to the philosophy, purpose and goals of Valley AID Council/ Westbrook Clinic.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:

Works under the general direction of the Director of Clinical Operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Patient Care Assistance:

a. Conduct health screenings, including measuring vital signs, i.e. blood pressure, pulse, respirations, temperature, oxygen saturation, random blood glucose tests, hip and waist circumference, and performing diagnostic tests, i.e. HIV ½ Ab/Ag Alere tests, HIV ½ Ab INSTI tests, Hepatitis C Ab OraQuick tests, rapid strep and influenza tests, urine pregnancy tests, and urine dipstick testing.

b. Collect detailed chief complaints, reconciliation of current medications, past medical history, allergies, gynecological history, obstetric history, surgical history, hospitalizations, family history, social history, including tobacco use, detailed sexual history, drug and alcohol use, psychosocial history, family planning screening, and mental health screenings, i.e. PHQ2, PHQ9, GAD7, and MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment).

c. Follows universal precautions to maintain a safe and clean working environment to avoid cross contamination.

d. Ensure proper documentation of patient encounters in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, including test results, medication updates, and any changes in treatment protocols.

e. Assist providers during patient exams, procedures, and other clinical tasks.

f. Provide basic wound care, including dressing changes and monitoring healing.

g. Perform routine laboratory tests, including specimen collection for HIV-related screenings (e.g., CD4 count, viral load tests), urine, and blood tests.

h. Assist in educating patients about their HIV status, medications, and the importance of adherence to treatment plans.

2. HIV Clinic Support:

a. Monitor and track patients’ progress in managing HIV, including appointment scheduling, follow-up, and treatment adherence.

b. Provide support to patients by offering resources for mental health, substance use, and social services if needed.

c. Assist with HIV prevention education and promote wellness through the dissemination of relevant health information.

d. Coordinate with case managers, client support services, eligibility, Texas AIDS Drug Assistance Program Coordinator, and other healthcare team members to promote holistic patient care.

e. Provide guidance and education on specialty pharmacies/medications.

3. Administrative Duties:

a. Schedule and confirm patient appointments, including follow-up visits and lab tests.

b. Handle patient intake procedures, including obtaining demographic information and verifying insurance details.

c. Maintain patient records with accurate documentation and updates in compliance with HIPAA regulation and VAC policies and guidelines.

d. Manage inventory levels of medical supplies specific to HIV care and clinical procedures.

4. Clinical Procedure Assistance:

a. Assist in the administration of medications, including HIV-related therapies, immunizations, and other treatments.

b. Prepare and assist with procedures related to HIV care, such as biopsies, skin tests, and screenings.

c. Collaborates with team to ensure a clean and safe clinical environment, following infection control protocols and maintaining sterilization of equipment.

5. Team Collaboration:

a. Work closely with HIV specialists, nurses, case managers, and other healthcare providers to create and implement personalized care plans.

b. Participate in team meetings, contributing valuable insights on patient care and workflow improvements.

c. Maintain a compassionate and non-judgmental approach to all patients, demonstrating cultural competency when addressing issues related to HIV and its associated stigma.

d. Must comply with program training requirements according to VAC policies, program and funding requirements.

e. Participate in health promotion and education/awareness campaigns such as Patient Conference, Sombrero Fest, Back to School, etc. Participation at community events is mandatory.

6. May assist other medical staff to perform patient phone screener or scribe duties.

7. Must attend departmental and organizational meetings and attend mandatory trainings.

8. Must abide HIPAA regulations to safeguard protected health information and other sensitive information.

9. Must follow all agency rules and regulations including but not limited to Employee Handbook and safety policies, protocols and programmatic.

10. Other duties as required and assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS – EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

High School Graduate or equivalent. Graduate from a Medical Assistant Program from an accredited school. Must be certified or registered by an accreted program such as American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the American Medical Technologists (AMT) or similar entities. BLS certified.

One year of experience in a clinical setting, preferably in infectious disease or HIV care, treatment, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and associated conditions highly desired.

Experience working in an HIV clinic or with individuals living with HIV highly desired.

Experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems is a plus.

Reliable transportation, liability insurance and active Texas driver’s license.

Experience of working for non-profit organizations is preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS – KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Ability to speak fluent English; ability to handwrite legibly; ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to communicate fluently in Spanish is required.

Strong knowledge of HIV care, including treatment regimens, lab results, and monitoring parameters.

Compassionate and empathetic with ability to relate to target population from all walks of life.

Ability to communicate effectively and with tact highly sensitive information.

Ability to participate effectively as a team member and contribute to a positive work environment.

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written and strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy in documentation and data entry.

Proficient with EHR systems and basic medical office technology.

Ability to handle sensitive topics with empathy and cultural competence.

Ability to understand intersectionality: People from these groups often have complex identities that intersect with race, gender, socioeconomic status, and more.

Ability to respect individuality: Every person has a unique experience. Avoid making assumptions based on stereotypes about LGBT, homeless, substance-using, or transgender individuals.

Ability to be culturally sensitive: Understand the struggles and experiences that these groups face. For example, understanding the unique challenges that LGBT individuals encounter or the effects of homelessness on mental health can shape your approach.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, and Zoom Health. Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment and establish and maintain effective, courteous working relationships with patients, staff members, insurance entities and others and participate effectively as a team member and patient focused.

Presents self in a professional manner, dress and actions.

Must be able to work under conditions of constant interruption and be able to stay on task and follow through. Willingness to work a flexible schedule to meet job requirements.

Ability to multitask and work independently. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Flexibility to travel, if needed, overnight or from clinic site to site and to work events organized by VAC/Westbrook Clinic outside of normal business hours.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

State of Texas Class “C” Driver’s License. Tx liability motor vehicle insurance.

Maintain active Medical Assistant registration or certifications consistent with Westbrook Clinic policy and accrediting body.

EQUIPMENT USED:

Working knowledge of thermometers, EKG machine, Glucometer, Automated External Defibrillator, and blood pressure machine. Requires frequent use of personal computer, including word processing and spreadsheet applications, electronic health record; operate general office equipment and safely operate automobile to travel from site to site.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORKING CONDITIONS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and walk for extended periods of time as well as sit and talk and actively listen. Ability to lift or carry up to 30 lbs. with or without assistance. Work is predominantly performed in an office setting where the noise level is usually quiet.

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive or as an employment agreement between the employer and employee. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $13.00 - $13.50 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance
• Wellness program

Medical Specialty:

• Anesthesiology
• Infectious Disease
• Primary Care
• Urgent Care

Schedule:

• Evening shift
• Extended hours
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• EMR systems: 1 year (Required)
• Vital signs: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• BiIingual Spanish /English (Required)

License/Certification:

• BLS Certification (Required)
• NRCMA or NCMA (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Harlingen, TX 78550: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person