OTP - Medical Assistant/Front Desk

## Description

POSITION TITLE: Medical Assistant/Front Desk

• DEPARTMENT: Health and Human Services (HHS) – Opioid Treatment Program (OTP)
• LOCATION: Vancouver, WA (onsite)

REPORTS TO: Clinic Director

STATUS: Hourly, fulltime

WAGE RANGE: $27.16 - 31.25 per hour

Close Date: Open until filled

\*\*\*If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.\*\*\*

**Position Summary:**

Serves as a compassionate and supportive presence for patients undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder. Combines front-line administrative support with patient care responsibilities, helping patients access essential services while contributing to a respectful, team-based clinical environment focused on empathy, respect, and patient-centered values. Adheres to HIPAA and confidentiality requirements. Honors and represents the mission, vision, values of CIT and of the HHS department.

*This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.*

**Essential Duties & Responsibilities:**

• Serves as the face of the clinic to all patients and visitors, in the role of receptionist.
• Answer calls politely and professionally; refers calls to appropriate staff or takes messages; sets or clears call forwarding when necessary; checks for messages with "on call" person or answering machine each morning.
• Performs clerical, receptionist, and communication functions for the clinic as required.
• Conducts patient registration functions, including entering referral data, income verification and insurance data, and ensuring data remains up to date over time.
• Schedules new and returning patients with appropriate staff; maintains schedule book accurately; and records patient attendance, "no shows," and cancellations.
• Participates in staff meetings and collaborates with other administrative staff as required.
• Maintains a professional and congenial attitude toward coworkers, patients, agencies, and members in the community.
• Uses appropriate technology to accomplish job functions; understands and utilizes available technology such as customer service, communications, and data-gathering tools.
• Manages inventory of office supplies; alerts Clinic Director to supply needs and orders supplies with authorization.
• Assists patients enrolling in Medi-Cal.
• Develops and works with agencies and service providers to facilitate coordination and information sharing; provides support services as applicable.
• Provides transportation support, housing referrals and PCP and specialty care coordination.
• Serves as Emergency Room liaison.
• Coordinates with jail and probation officials.
• Participates in health fairs, community events, and other events where the target population gathers.
• Maintains a calendar of outreach activities, including community events, workshops, appearances, and other communication opportunities.
• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with current and potential referral sources.
• Maintains comprehensive working knowledge of community resources and assists patients in accessing community resources.
• Develops, creates, and maintains a resource file of available social service agencies and assistance providers in the target area for use in referring customers for needed services.
• Collects body fluid samples for patients being admitted to treatment.
• Administers TB, pregnancy, and breath alcohol tests to appropriate patients.
• Labels urine test bottles and prepare specimens for mailing or courier pick-up; re-orders supplies when shipment is depleted.
• Upholds commitment to respectful patient- and family-centered care.
• Upholds patient confidentiality and safety.
• Serves as an advocate for patients and families.
• Communicates and collaborates effectively with physicians/team members, patients, and families.
• Works effectively with multidisciplinary team members.
• Promotes mutual respect and trust working within a team model.
• Follows ethical principles regarding patient confidentiality.
• Maintains and practices confidentiality as required by HIPAA regulations regarding client confidentiality and request/release of information.
• Adapts to changes in safety protocols and procedures.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

**Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:**

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology preferred.
• Knowledge of patient registration and healthcare front office preferred.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures related to HIPPA, Medicare, Medicaid and insurance programs.
• Knowledge of office functions, procedures, and policies.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheet and database software programs in a Windows environment including electronic health care systems.
• Skill in data entry with a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to react to frequent changes in duties and volume of work.
• Ability to demonstrate a customer–first attitude and philosophy.
• Ability to listen empathetically.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to conduct activity in an ethical manner.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate situations and adopt effective courses of action.
• Ability to follow Cowlitz OTP personnel policies.
• Ability to maintain passion for assisting patients under all circumstances.
• Ability to receive constructive feedback, to share opinions, and uphold beliefs.
• Ability to maintain calm, focused, professional, and kind in highly stressful situations.
• Ability to be reliable, flexible, and versatile.
• Ability to maintain humility.

## Qualifications
**Minimum Qualifications:**

• High school diploma or equivalent.