CLINICAL ASSISTANT III - Urgent Care

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

The Clinical Assistant-III (CAIII) performs all the job duties of the Clinical Assistant II, in addition the Clinical Assistant-III applies a more extensive knowledge of medical practice and terminology and judgment based on greater clinical experience. The more technical duties of the Clinical Assistant III require a higher level of training, competency, or specific certification. CA III must process provider orders pertaining to diagnostic tests, referrals and other patient data that involves non-routine problems, timely and accurately.

The Clinical Assistant III provides care to infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, adults, and elderly in an urgent care clinic.  This position is essential in maintaining efficient clinic operations and patient flow in order to maximize the provider’s time and to insure access to care. Clinical Assistants perform administrative duties, data management and handle basic clinical tasks. This information is recorded in patients’ chart along with patient’s medical history. Must be able to make independent decisions within scope of practice based on experience and good judgment. Must take initiative, be self-starting and require little guidance to keep busy. 

CA III applies a more extensive knowledge of medical practice and terminology and judgment based on substantial experience. There is a risk of constant exposure to illness, injury, and disease. There are sometimes large volumes of patients within a short period of time. The Clinical Assistant must be able to multitask and prioritize duties, as the pace is often rapid with pressure to efficiently complete assignments and keep clinic flow moving well. The Clinical Assistant must be able to recognize signs and symptoms that may require immediate attention. The duties of the Clinical Assistant III require more critical judgment in complex and variable situations. Requires attention to detail in order to accurately collect patient data, complete patient documentation, maintain logs, and comply with regulatory requirements. Required to work with staff and patients of different backgrounds and educational levels and the CA must be able to communicate clearly. The person in this position must be able to provide compassionate care to individuals in various states of health.

Pay range $26.06 to $28.43 per hour, DOE.

• Accurately collect and document information in patient chart. Keep patient records in order with all forms properly identified; copy and compile other medical data as needed. Assure patient medication, health history and immunization records are current. Recognize signs or symptoms requiring prompt intervention and act appropriately. Demonstrate ability to smoothly manage patient care duties while maintaining clinic flow. Report, and when appropriate, record any changes observed in condition or behavior of patients, unusual incidents, or breeches in safety. Observe and aid all patients including vulnerable patients who require someone in attendance. Set up equipment and supplies for routine exams and minor procedures. Clean patient rooms according to infection control standards and regulations.

• Assist clinic Nurse and Provider as directed and trained by Provider as well as within their licensed Scope of Practice. Documentation of initial and ongoing training will be on file and updated annually. Provide immunizations and other injections as ordered by Provider. Prepare patient for and assist with treatment and procedures. Provide specimen collection for Point of Care Testing (POCT) and lab as ordered. Follow protocol for collecting, labeling, and transporting of specimens.

• Completion of approved complex duties may include airway management techniques using BLS certification, non-invasive, non-sterile dressing changes, operating equipment such as AED machine, EKG machine, applying external heart monitor, and monitoring cardiac activity as allowed within scope of practice.
  
  
• This position works closely with providers giving support such as rooming patients, performing Point of Care Testing (POCT), appropriately obtaining and processing labs as needed, providing immunizations and other injections within the scope of practice certification. Other non-clinical skills include answering phones, processing provider orders data entry and participation in training processes and other duties as assigned. 

• Assist provider in identifying patients overdue for immunizations and preventative health maintenance including routine, urgent and emergent appointments with appropriate provider and clinic. Process referrals appropriately as ordered.

• Provide inventory assistance including but not limited to ordering, stocking, organizing and ensuring all items are stored appropriately and used before expiration date. 

• Perform basic health coaching and patient education as directed by the provider and according to evidence-based guidelines using patient education materials.

*Independent performance of all clinical duties will be based on satisfactory completion of SEARHC competency assessments

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Satisfactorily complete demonstrated competencies within 3 months of hire and annually thereafter. 

License/Certifications

• EMT III Current Alaska Certification or
• Community Health Aide Practitioner or
• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or
• Current Alaska Paramedic Certification
• Current Basic Life Safety certification (BLS)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Clinic protocol for following through on patient visits, treatments, and procedures
• Age-appropriate vital signs and behaviors
• Life-saving procedures
• Medical terminology
• Clinic flow
  

Skills:

• Customer service and recovery
• Independent & team oriented
• Competent charting and use of other necessary computer applications
• Ability to operate medical equipment including blood pressure cuff, pulse oximeter, EKG machine, cardiac monitor, manual defibrillator, etc.,
• Interpersonal communication
• Organized & mindful

Ability to:

• Train to use various EMR systems and accurately record patient data
• Provide excellent patient care to all patients from various backgrounds, ages, etc., in the urgent care setting
• Communicate and interact professionally with all members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team
• Remain calm, professional, and focused during stressful/urgent/emergent situations