Medical Assistant

Applicants should have interest in mental health and basic knowledge of common psychiatric conditions and medications with two years of clinical experience as an MA.

• Observes, reports, and records pertinent patient information in accordance with the hospital standards in a timely manner in the EMR.
• Assists prescribers by obtaining prior authorizations for psychiatric medications, accomplished by extracting clinical information from the patient chart and coordinating with the care team.
• Performs outreach to outside entities (e.g., pharmacy, visiting nurse agency) to facilitate care.
• Aids intervisit EMR communications between clinicians and patients.
• Administers psychiatric assessment tools (e.g., Columbia suicide severity rating scale) as requested by practice clinicians
• Assists prescribers in queuing up prescription refills.
• Provides health education and shares resources with patients.
• Collects vital signs and weights for a subset of clinic patients as needed.
• Reviews medication list with patients to queue up for physician
• Follows up with patients who miss appointments, documents relevant information in EMR and communicates any pertinent safety or medical information with identified providers.
• Respects and supports patient and family's cultural beliefs and values, individual needs, health goals and treatment preferences.
• Helps to standardize procedures and effectively troubleshoots and resolves issues as they arise. Makes recommendations to supervisors, administrator and/or clinician director for improvements.
• Actively engages in creating a healthy, respectful work environment
• Precepts and mentors new members of the team as needed.
• Performs necessary quality assurance.
• Maintains and updates clinical knowledge and skills based on current nursing practice.
• Adheres to departmental requirements for required training.
• Identifies specific learning needs and goals and collaborates with leadership in developing a plan to meet them.
• Meets regularly with supervising provider concerning clinical care, issues, activities, and the status of projects.
• Performs all other duties or special projects that are practice specific, and that are appropriate to this level of position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential for success in this position.
- Ability to prioritize tasks in complex and busy environments.
- Accuracy and attention to detail.
- Comply with all local, state, and federal privacy and confidentiality rules and regulations.
- Comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology, procedures, and protocols and psychiatric medication.
- Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems and medical office software.
- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Experience

Required:
2 Years work experience in medical setting, ideally outpatient

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred:

Psychiatric or mental health experience although not required if strong outpatient experience

BLS Certification

Epic experience

Education

Minimum Required:

Some college or Associate's Degree

Preferred:

Bachelor's Degree

Licenses and or Certifications

Preferred:

• BLS Certification
• Graduate of Certified Medical Assistant Program

Working Conditions

Outpatient Mental Health Clinic in a large urban hospital. Option for hybrid work available.

Exciting new MA role in outpatient mental health practices at MGH Psychiatry. Opportunity to work closely with a large and welcoming team of psychiatrists, NPs, and psychologists caring for patients ranging from child to geriatric. Perfect for someone with a strong interest in mental health, desire to work somewhat independently, and have direct patient impact.