Medical Assistant

The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a highly motivated and qualified Certified Medical Assistant to join the Health Services team located at the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton, WA.

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 WCC.

• A detailed resume
• A cover letter
• Three professional references

Assist in providing patient care services within the scope of licensure and as delegated by the licensed practitioner or Registered Nurse

• Provide assistance in all direct delivery of patient care by the Provider, which includes but is not limited to:
  • Vital Signs
  • Visual Acuity 
  • Ear irrigations 
  • Injections/Vaccinations 
  • Basic laboratory functions (venipuncture, CLIA waved laboratory in-house testing) and transports labs 
  • Electrocardiography 
  • Respiratory assessments (pulmonary function/peak flow)
• Observe, document in the medical record, and report to practitioner or Registered Nurse:
  • Patient history and relevant data 
  • Current health status (physical and emotional) 
  • Situation of patient, family, groups, and/or communities by interview, observation, and inspection.
• Recognize and report abnormal vitals and labs.
• Carry out licensed practitioners' written, verbal, and telephone orders in a timely manner. 
• 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.

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 health care.
• 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.

Required 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). 
• 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.
  

In addition to the above, this position also requires: 

• Ability to work a minimum of 40 hours per week. 
• Ability to adjust work schedule to meet organizational needs. 
• Maintain professional work relationships with staff, the public, and other stakeholders. 
• Ability to work with diverse staff. 
• Prioritize and complete tasks in accordance with timelines and expectations. 
• Ability to research, accumulate, organize, and communicate technical information both orally, in writing, in person, and using technologies such as telephone, electronic mail, and computer equipment. 
• Ability to multi-task in a fast paced, deadline oriented environment. 
• Ability to deescalate and listen to emotional/upset patients. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality. 
• Read, understand, and apply policies and procedures. 
• Walk, sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.
  

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• IV Certification/Phlebotomy 
• 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.
  

• Mission: The mission of DOC is to improve public safety by positively changing lives.
• Our Vision: Working together for safer communities.
• Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.
• Our Core Values:
  1. Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.
  2. Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.
  3. People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.
  4. Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.
  5. Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community – understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities.

 
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.  
• Must be able to work in spaces, climb stairs, walk long distances, and frequently lift up to 30 pounds. Under rare circumstances this position may be required to lift or carry up to 50 pounds and push up to 100 pounds. 
• Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process.
• Candidates who are offered a job with the Department of Corrections must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
• The 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 on the first day of employment.
• Must be able to work in spaces, climb stairs, walk long distances, and frequently lift up to 30 pounds. Under rare circumstances this position may be required to lift or carry up to 50 pounds and push up to 100 pounds.

We are committed to hiring individuals who possess core diversity competencies:  
 
Foster a positive attitude and openness toward the ever changing social and cultural makeup of the workplace.

• Work effectively with people of different perspectives, abilities, disabilities, races, religions, ages, lifestyle preferences and social, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Respectfully acknowledge people's differences and recognize these differences as important and valuable.
• Promote inclusiveness.
• Be culturally sensitive and appropriate.
• Respect and value diverse backgrounds and traditions.

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.  

• 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!

DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
 
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email nicholas.epps@doc1.wa.gov. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

Salary : $4,374 - $5,855