HH MEDICAL ASSISTANT

EXPECTED STANDARDS FOR ALL HELPING HANDS STAFF

All Helping Hands employees must be fluent in Spanish and English and be prepared to meet the diverse needs, level of care, supervision, safety, and well-being of youth. All Helping Hands employees share in the responsibility of upholding ORR and Bethany program expectations, including:

•    Adhering to all policies and procedures.

• safely performing all work.

•    Treating all children, families, and staff with respect and courtesy.

•    Completing and maintaining all mandated and required training within required agency timeframes.

•    Maintaining timely compliance with all established agency standards and employment documentation.

• Act in compliance with Department of Human Services regulations and ORR guidelines to the highest degree of ethical standards.

•    Maintaining a clean and tidy working environment.

•    Providing services in a manner that are sensitive to the age, culture, religion, dietary needs, sexual orientation, gender identity and other important individual needs of clients.

•    Ensuring proper physical care is provided.

•    Ensuring new clothing and personal grooming items are provided.

•    Implementing strategies to discourage runaways and unauthorized absences.

•    Informing the youth of his/her rights and ensuring that those rights are met.

•    Carrying out the program’s rules and discipline standards with a positive, strength-based behavior management approach.

•    Providing transportation to and from campus.

•    Carrying out additional duties as assigned by supervisor or administrator per operational needs.

ELEMENTS OF PERFORMANCE

The Helping Hands program supports an at-risk population. There is a high rate of trafficking among this population and some of the participants have been exposed to addictive substances. Staff as a collective whole are expected to have working knowledge of how to either address such individuals directly and assist them through treatment, or refer them to someone who can. Staff are expected to have the knowledge and skills to do the following:

•    Systematically gather data, determine the readiness of an individual for treatment and change, and apply accepted criteria for the diagnosis of substance use disorder or other detrimental addictions or behaviors. 

•    Recognize when a youth is under the influence of a psychoactive substance, intoxicated, and/or experiencing withdrawal symptoms. 

•    Monitor for danger to self or others. 

•    Take note of any mental health concerns. 

•    Analyze and interpret date to determine treatment recommendations and priorities. 

•    Form mutually agreed-upon, measurable goals and objectives with the individual served. 

•    Demonstrate and adhere to the accepted ethical and behavioral standard of conduct. 

•    Participate in continuing professional development. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR ALL HELPING HANDS STAFF

•    Be at least 21 years old.

•    Be fluent in Spanish and English languages, both written and spoken.

•    Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.

•    Have excellent organizational and computer skills.

•    Possess a strong commitment to helping youth succeed by helping them reorient their lives, nurture their reunification efforts and enable them to make a successful transition to their next placement.

•    Possess ability to establish rapport and relate sensitively and with consistency to multiracial and multicultural groups of young adults.

•    Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

•    Demonstrate the ability to organize and prioritize duties and responsibilities efficiently.

•    Have valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License.

•    Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

•    Secure a health assessment certified by a physician no more than 30 days prior to commencing employment and renewed every two years.

•    Provide current PA Child Abuse, PA Criminal History and FBI Fingerprinting clearances within 30 days of commencing employment.

SAFETY HAZARDS OF THE JOB

•    Potential for possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens - universal precautions are to be utilized in all potential exposure situations.

•    Potential for emotional stress and vicarious trauma as it relates to working with children and youth.

•    Potential for personal injury to include, but not limited to, bites, kicks, punches and scratches.

HIPAA /CONFIDENTIALITY 

As an employee, I agree to follow the standards set forth by the Health Information Portability and Accounting Act (HIPAA) as well as the stricter state standards as they apply. Due to the nature of the work environment, employees will have direct and/or indirect access to confidential information regarding clients and/or personnel.  All confidential information cannot be discussed with, or disclosed to, unauthorized persons.

EMPLOYER'S RIGHTS

The program summary and position description do not list every aspect of program requirements or all duties of the job.  Employees may be asked by Bethany to perform other duties in times of emergency, crisis or busier times based on operational needs in order to safely care for youth.  Performance evaluations, in part, will be based upon performance of the tasks and essential functions listed in the position description. 

Bethany has the right to revise the program summary and position description at any time. The position description is not an employment contract.  That is, employment with Bethany can be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice at any time, at the option of the employee or that of Bethany.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title:        Medical Assistant

Classification:    Regular, Full-Time, Hourly Non-Exempt

Reports To:        Program Director

Department:        Helping Hands – 805 Case Aides

Supervises:    N/A

Essential Staff?    No

POSITION SUMMARY

The Medical Assistant arranges for all medical, dental and mental health services and maintains all medical records within the scope of program guidelines.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

•    Arranges, schedules and confirms medical, dental and mental health appointments.

•    Performs administrative duties relative to client’s medical records.

•    Administers medications.

•    Receives and reroutes messages or documents, such as laboratory results, to appropriate staff.

•    Adheres to all established infection control protocols.

•    Maintains health clinic sick area for youth when home sick from school or in need of medical quarantine from others.

•    Demonstrates an understanding of the developmental milestones of youth. 

•    Other duties as assigned. 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

•    An Associate’s Degree in Medical Assisting.

•    Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the position:

o    Must be able to stand more than 50% of the time.

o    Frequently perform light work by lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling up to 20 pounds without assistance.

o    Move about on foot to complete tasks and frequently move from one location to another.

o    Stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, climb stairs, and stand regularly.

o    Have visual acuity to read medical paperwork, to view a computer monitor and operate household appliances and office equipment.

o    Be subjected to occasional noise that would cause one to shout in order to be heard above ambient noise level.

•    Demonstrates a commitment to achieving a standard of excellence with procedures and outcomes.

•    Communicates effectively by balancing listening and talking, speaking and writing clearly and influencing others.

•    Demonstrates excellent teamwork skills by being helpful, team-oriented, respectful and approachable.

•    Attends additional training programs and sessions as needed.