Medical Assistant

Description:

Join McAlister Institute, a 48-year beacon in San Diego's Recovery Community.

We are seeking a Medical Assistant certified by CCBMA, AAMA, or AMT who will provide critical support and client care to individuals, accessing detoxification and substance use treatment services in a welcoming residential treatment environment. The MA is responsible for monitoring participant safety, taking vital signs, assisting with self-administration of medication, administering basic care, and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to support participant stabilization, treatment, and recovery services.

Benefits for YOU:

• 13 paid annual holidays, including your birthday; 12 paid vacation days, paid sick leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• 403(b) Retirement Plan + up to 6% Employer Match
• Health Insurance available the first of the month following 30 days of employment (Sharp)
• EAP

Key Responsibilities:

• Support and implement the overall purpose, philosophy, values, and direction of McAlister Institute.
• Conduct an initial visual intake of participants to ensure appropriateness for a non-medical residential withdrawal management environment.
• Perform health screenings, including alcohol withdrawal (CIWA), opioid withdrawal (COWS) assessments within the scope of practice.
• Maintain competency to implement HCP-approved protocols for client observation and supervision of health monitoring
• Be knowledgeable about the physical signs of withdrawal, perform blood draws, administer/read TB skin tests, the taking of vital signs, the implications of those vital signs, and emergency procedures. Complete and chart vitals, blood pressure, O2, respiration and temperature and document accordingly
• Perform a physical check every 30 minutes in a face-to-face observation while the client is under withdrawal management observation or elevated observation protocol. Document observations and physical checks on the Client Intensive Observation Log.
• Monitor clients' self-administration of medications and document accordingly.
• Monitor participants’ withdrawal symptoms according to established protocols, their physical and emotional well-being, medication compliance and any side effects, and identify potential risks or concerns.
• Accept and act on verbal or telephonic/telehealth orders (in emergencies).
• Document all care activities and patient responses timely and accurately in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Adhere to facility policies, state, and federal regulations, including those related to confidentiality, HIPPA, CFR42, infection control, and medication management.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for clients and staff, reporting hazards or incidents promptly.
• Build and maintain connections with other service providers to streamline referral processes.

Shifts Needed:

Monday - Friday: 11:30PM - 8AM

Wednesday - Sunday: 11:30PM - 8AM

Requirements:

• Must be a high school graduate or GED and completion of an approved medical assisting program or equivalent training.
• Must be currently certified by CCBMA, AAMA, or AMT and provide certificate upon hire.
• Prior experience working with vulnerable populations, including individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), mental health conditions, and other complex needs. Preferred: experience in community-based clinics and/or SUD treatment setting.
• Proficiency in health assessments, including withdrawal screenings (CIWA, COWS) and ASAM evaluations.
• Strong up-to-date documentation and computer skills, particularly in Welligent.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage crisis situations in a calm and effective manner.
• Must have ability to work effectively in a team, excellent time management skills and organizational abilities.
• Shift work, including weekends and holidays, will be required.
• Must comply with all agency and contract requirements related to training, public health, certifications, reporting, etc.
• Maintains knowledge of legal guidelines pertaining to EMTALA/COBRA and abuse/neglect reporting.
• Knowledgeable about harm reduction, trauma-informed care, patient-centered care, and motivational interviewing.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population, including the impoverished, unhoused, and those suffering from chronic substance use and/or mental health challenges.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, written and verbal communication, adaptability, and professionalism.
• Exudes a calm and competent manner, able to converse with medical professionals, lay persons, as well as persons or families and defuse crisis or high intensity situations.
• Proficiency with software and/or equipment (Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Proficient with EHR Systems (e.g., Electronic Health Records such as Welligent or Smartcare).
• Maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; effectively regulates emotions, especially under stress; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English strongly preferred.
• Must possess a valid and unrestricted California Driver's License, with a good driving record, free of any major infractions.
• On-site position.
• Ability to pass all pre-employment screening, including references, education verification, a criminal background check with at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

McAlister Institute is committed to creating a diverse environment and we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition (cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, or denial of medical and family care leave, any other non-job-related factors, and other characteristics protected by local, state, or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment.

Reasonable Accommodations:

McAlister Institute is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the jobs@mcalisterinc.org., for more information. Please include your name and position you are applying for.

Work Authorization Requirement:
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. McAlister Institute does not participate in visa sponsorship programs, including H1-B visas, and will not provide sponsorship for any employment-based visas.

Pre-Employment:
All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment requirements including a criminal background investigation, which involves fingerprinting. (A felony or misdemeanor conviction may disqualify the applicant from McAlister Institute employment as we are subject to County of San Diego contractual hiring requirements). A pre-employment physical examination, and post-offer background check is required. Candidates must have at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test.

General Information & Considerations:

Placement on the pay range is based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, relevant years of experience and qualifications.

Current McAlister Institute employees may receive priority consideration for positions when they meet essential qualifications.

To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: We do not solicit staffing or agency contacts for our recruitment needs. Our careers site is only for individuals seeking a job at McAlister. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes. Any such submissions will be considered unsolicited and will be ignored to prioritize our own process. We are sure you do amazing work and can give us data to support your sell. We, however, are a non-profit, and are mindful agents of our resources. We do not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to us, or email us individually. McAlister Institute is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.