LEAD MEDICAL ASSISTANT

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Lead Medical Assistant will serve as a Homer Medical Center medical assistant and also coordinate and train Homer Medical Clinic and Serene Waters department medical assistants. The Lead will work with other medical assistants to optimize patient care by designating which medical assistants support each provider and delegating support duties such as instrument management and stocking supplies. The Lead will oversee the closed loop communication within the clinic electronic health record, ensuring continuity and timeliness of care. The Lead will also work with the Clinic Manager and the Clinic Assistant Manager,  to help support medical assistant staffing in the Homer Medical Clinic and Serene Waters Clinic including cross training of these department staff to provide medical assistant support in that area. The Lead also performs the basic duties of a medical assistant as follows: Under general supervision in an outpatient clinical setting, provides initial patient triage, assists with direct patient care, and performs specialized medical procedures of a routine nature, as dictated by established clinical protocol.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The Lead Medical Assistant provides training and is a first point of contact for clinical issues. Responsible to the Clinic Manager and Clinic Assistant Manager.

LATITUDE:

The duties and accountabilities of the Lead Medical Assistant are outlined in core competencies below. The individual in this position has the authority to perform their job duties in a thorough and timely manner, while remaining within the scope of their position description. The individual in this position must remain aware of the activities of the other staff members and use discretion and individual judgment to coordinate activities. The incumbent is given the latitude to prioritize tasks to meet project time schedules consistent with the expressed goals of the manager. Any questions or concerns regarding the latitude of this position shall be directed to the Clinic Manager and Assistant Clinic Manager.

SUBORDINATE ACTIVITIES:

The Lead Medical Assistant is the first point of contact concerning training or clarification of processes or duties for Homer Medical Center and SereneWaters medical assistants. The individual may assist with duties related to the needs of the Clinic Manager and Assistant Clinic Manager.

CHALLENGE:

The major challenge of this position is to provide administrative and clinical support to the Medical Staff, nursing staff, Clinic Manager and Assistant Clinic Manager with primary reporting to the Assistant Clinic Manager. Multi-tasking, effective organizational skills, working with clients, physicians, staff and coordinating needs within hospital departments can be a challenge. The individual needs to work quickly, efficiently and maintain a work ethic that demonstrates diplomacy and team cohesiveness while understanding customer and staff expectations. Further challenges include understanding that certain times will be more stressful and work demands may escalate.

CONTACTS:

The Lead Medical Assistant is in constant contact with customers, physicians and staff. The Lead Medical Assistant will be courteous, professional and maintain confidentiality in person and via telephone. This individual will interact with all areas of the hospital per manager request.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

The qualified individual shall possess the core competencies to complete the tasks given. This individual must have a working knowledge and experience with computer applications, be detail orientated, and able to multi-task. Demonstrated use of clerical software programs, including but not limited to Microsoft Word and Excel are necessary qualifications for this position. The ability to type, edit, and proofread work are essential skills for this position.

EDUCATION / TRAINING / EXPERIENCE:

Must be at least 18 years of age and be a high school graduate or have a GED Equivalent. This position requires knowledge of clinical standards, practices and procedures. Medical Assistant certification is required. Five years of previous clinic experience desired. Possess a working knowledge and use of Medical Terminology. Have knowledge of Medical Records/Health Information Management requirements. Exceptional customer service skills, including the ability to deal courteously and tactfully with patients, their families, and facility personnel both in person and by phone. Must possess good communication skills, understand chart flow, record keeping, order entry and scheduling. Demonstrates ability to work independently and in a team environment.

ESSENTIAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Serve as a Clinic medical assistant.
2. Coordinate and train Clinic medical assistants.
3. Serve as primary Vaccine Coordinator including monitoring and ordering of vaccine stock.
4. Delegate clinical and administrative tasks to other medical assistants.
5. Oversee closed loop communication within the clinic electronic health record.
6. Assist with direct patient care procedures and related tasks; check in patients, assist in obtaining patient histories, take vital signs, prepare charts, and assist with medical examinations.
7. Perform routine specialized procedures, such as venipuncture and sterile dressing changes under established protocols.
8. Complete Preventatives and callbacks as necessary.
9. Educate and advise patients on specified medical issues within established parameters.
10. Set up rooms for physician use.
11. Maintain a patient treatment schedule consistent with the department needs, and at the direction of the clinic manager and providers to facilitate efficient patient flow. Receive, register, schedule, and direct patients and visitors as appropriate.
12. Maintain appropriate levels of office, kitchen and medical supplies and other materials.
13. May coordinate routine office activities and administrative functions in support of unit activities.
14. May supervise student employees in specified tasks.
15. Maintain clean patient care areas.
16. Perform miscellaneous duties as assigned.

ENVIRONMENT:

South Peninsula Hospital is a 22 bed critical access hospital (CAH) located on the southern end of the Kenai Peninsula.  There is a 28 bed long term care facility attached to the hospital.  Hospital clinics include Homer Medical Center, and Serene Waters.

We offer highly competitive wages and benefits including (for benefitted positions): health/dental/vision/life insurance, 403b retirement plan, health and wellness reimbursement, loan forgiveness, generous paid leave and relocation bonus (for applicable applicants). Apply today!

Homer, Alaska, is a seaside town nestled on the shores of beautiful Kachemak Bay, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains and wildlife. Homer is on the road system, and a four hour drive from Anchorage. If you are looking for community, adventure, culture, scenery or solitude, you'll find all of that and more here!