Certified Medical Assistant - WCCW - HS

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to take on the dynamic role of Certified Medical Assistant (MA) within the Health Services Division. This position will double fill a similar position. This position is located at the Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW) located in Gig Harbor, WA.

The mission of Department of Corrections (DOC) is to improve public safety. 
The mission of Health Services is to provide necessary comprehensive, quality health services and to promote wellness in preparation for return to the community. 
The medical assistant performs all duties under the supervision of the healthcare provider in a safe and effective manner and within the scope of their practice as defined by state law and administrative code so that patient care provided is safe, effective, efficient and clinically appropriate. The medical assistant uses tools, techniques, physical and cognitive skills and abilities to perform tasks as delegated by a health care provider. Under the general supervision of the licensed practitioner and/or lead of the Registered Nurse, the Medical Assistant-Certified will assist in providing patient care, which may include performing routine medical records duties, some administrative support, and other clinical duties to assist in the smooth operation of the medical department of WCCW.
 
The WASHINGTON CORRECTIONS CENTER FOR WOMEN is a 62.6-acre facility located approximately two miles from Gig Harbor.  The site includes living units, administration buildings, a health clinic, education buildings, a gymnasium, a chapel, industries buildings, food service buildings, and support facilities.
 
Correctional Health Care is a rewarding career path at DOC, in which health care professionals treat a wide array of cases for patients residing within a state correctional facility. Health Services is responsible for basic primary care for incarcerated individuals. All disciplines within each of the 12 correctional facilities work closely together to reach a common goal, providing the best, most efficient, and cost-effective health care possible. Emphasis is placed on early identification of health concerns, care for acute and chronic health problems, and preventive care.
 
If you’ve read this far, it is clear you have a desire to make a difference in public service. A completed application packet will include and IS REQUIRED:

• A detailed resume.
• A cover letter regarding your interest and outlining your qualifications.
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Three professional references.

**This recruitment could be used to fill multiple permanent or non-permanent positions. **The medical assistant performs all duties under the supervision of the healthcare provider in a safe and effective manner and within the scope of their practice as defined by state law and administrative code so that patient care provided is safe, effective, efficient, and clinically appropriate. The medical assistant uses tools, techniques, physical and cognitive skills and abilities to perform tasks as delegated by a health care provider.
 
Under the general supervision of the licensed practitioner and/or lead of the Registered Nurse, the Medial Assistant will assist in providing patient care, which may include performing routine medical records duties, some administrative support, and other clinical duties to assist in the smooth operation of the medical department.
 
As the Certified Medical Assistant, key responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Aid in all direct delivery of patient care by the Provider, which includes but is not limited to:
  1. Vital Signs
  2. Visual Acuity
  3. Ear irrigations
  4. Injections/Vaccinations
  5. Basic laboratory functions (venipuncture, CLIA waved laboratory in-house testing) and transports labs.
  6. Electrocardiography
  7. Respiratory assessments (pulmonary function/peak flow)

 

• Observe, document in the medical record, and report to practitioner or Registered Nurse:
  1. Patient history and relevant data
  2. Current health status (physical and emotional)
  3. Situation of patient, family, groups, and/or communities by interview, observation, and inspection.
• Recognize and report abnormal vitals and labs.
  • Assist in carrying out the plan of care by performing common therapeutic interventions, such as dressing changes, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with minor medical procedures at the direction of the practitioner or Registered Nurse.
  • Document provision of patient services by completing electronic encounters, necessary forms, flow sheets or other documents included in the patient’s medical record as required by policy or at the request of the licensed practitioner or the Registered Nurse.
  • Carry out licensed practitioners' written, verbal, and telephone orders in a timely manner. Assist in checking for allergies, medication dosages, intended effects of medications, side effects, and drug interactions of medications, and other signs and symptoms relevant to the patient’s condition. Document findings and/or report as appropriate to the practitioner or Registered Nurse.
  • Monitor patient’s condition following procedures; recognize and report emergent/urgent problems or symptomology of common medical illness to the licensed practitioner or Registered Nurse.
  • Respond to emergencies within a facility by providing emergency medical care, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and basic life support in a timely, competent manner.
  • Other tasks directed by the Physician, ARNP, or Physician’s Assistant, that fall under the legal scope of practice of a Medical Assistant-Certified.
• Carry out licensed practitioners' written, verbal, and telephone orders in a timely manner.
  • Assist in checking for allergies, medication dosages, intended effects of medications, side effects, and drug interactions of medications, and other signs and symptoms relevant to the patient’s condition. Document findings and/or report as appropriate to the practitioner or Registered Nurse.
• Monitor patient’s condition following procedures; recognize and report emergent/urgent problems or symptomology of common medical illness to the licensed practitioner or Registered Nurse.  Respond to emergencies within a facility by providing emergency medical care, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Other tasks directed by the Physician, ARNP, or Physician’s Assistant, that fall under the legal scope of practice of a Medical Assistant-Certified.
• The primary work location of this position is in the laboratory. This position will collect laboratory specimens, order and maintain laboratory supplies, check expiration of all supplies in the lab including expiration medications, be the liaison between WCCW Health Services, Interpath and LabCorp. 
• Will ensure that the laboratory specimens are picked up daily from public access.
• Provide clinical support to the health services team to ensure continuity of patient care and efficient clinic operations.
  • Attend briefing from off-going staff upon arrival on shift for pertinent clinical information, including patients’ current health status, urgent diagnostic reports, observation rooms, staffing concerns etc.; brief on-coming clinical staff as appropriate before departing from duty.
  • Monitor patient flow in the outpatient clinic to assure timeliness of care and efficient clinical operations;
  • Ensure exam room is prepared for each patient, including medical records, instruments, etc. to expedite patient flow and support practitioner, as appropriate.
  • Work collaboratively with Patient Services Representatives to ensure patient scheduling, rescheduling, check-in, or no-show is documented appropriately.
• Medical Records Documentation
  • Legibly document subjective and objective clinical findings and the actions taken to deliver healthcare.
  • Maintain the confidentiality of protected health information (PHI).
  • Effectively communicate verbally, in writing, and via computer or other electronic media with other health care personnel, custody, and other institutional personnel.
• Other Duties
  • Perform other duties, as assigned.

What we need (Required Qualifications):

• Experience working as a Medical Assistant in an outpatient clinic setting.
• Certification by the American Heart Association in Basic Life Support and Basic First Aid.
• Ability to work competently in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to learn job specific DOC programs needed to perform work assignments.
• Initial and unblemished/unrestricted licensure in the State of Washington as a Certified Medical Assistant. 

Desired Qualifications:

• Completion of a Medical Assistant-Certified program accredited by the American Association of Medical Assistants or the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA).
• Familiarity with both front and back-office operations in an outpatient clinic setting. 
• Experience actively participating in the quality improvement process for any business, including brainstorming, proposing improvement plans, or measuring success. 
• IV Certification/Phlebotomy

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies.  If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.  

**Please note:  Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.

• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply. 
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration. 
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position. 
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire.  When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• This position may be represented by a bargaining unit.
• Requires respirator medical evaluation questionnaire, fit testing, training, and use of respiratory protection as required by the WA Industrial Safety & Act standards. Refer to WAC 296-842 to learn more.
• DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

What We Offer: 
As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority.  Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation.  Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Salary is based on experience and is determined at the time a final offer of employment is made. The salary range listed in the job posting includes Steps A-M. Step M is a longevity step and is typically gained six years after being assigned to Step L in your permanent salary range. 
• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year.
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

 
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email mgtrujillo@doc1.wa.gov For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

Salary : $52,488 - $70,260