Medical Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Description : SUMMARY :

The Medical Associate, reporting to the Registered Nurse and Nurse Supervisor, is responsible for working in our medically managed detoxification and residential treatment settings along with a team of experienced RN's, LPN’s, Counselors, Case Managers, Behavioral Health Associates, Peer Support Workers, Nurse Practitioners and Physicians. The Medical Associate position assists the RN / LPN as they collect objective and subjective data from observations, examinations, interviews and written records in an accurate and timely manner. The Medical Associate assists clients through withdrawal management and throughout their treatment experience, documents care provided in the electronic health record, collaborates with the team to carry out the plan of care, engages with patients / clients with empathy, kindness and respect, follows orders delegated by the nurse and carries out tasks as assigned by RN / LPN.

REPORTING :

Registered Nurse on shift for medical supervision / direction

Nurse Supervisor for Administrative supervision

POSITIONS SUPERVISED : None

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• ? Take vital signs and report findings along with patient-reported symptoms to RN / LPN
• ? Monitor patients during medication administration to ensure compliance and proper ingestion, in accordance with medical orders and treatment plans, and document administration accurately and maintain medication records
• ? Maintaining a quiet, safe, and serene environment for patients
• ? Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records within their scope as a Medical Associate
• ? Document any medication incidents or incidents as defined by SFRC’s policies and procedures on incident reporting
• ? Assist in emergency situations, following established protocols and procedures, including administering basic first aid and / or performing CPR if necessary
• ? May assist with the intake process, which may include taking vital signs, reviewing patient demographic information, reviewing patient home medications and new prescriptions
• ? perform point-of-care testing (ex : urine drug testing)
• ? Use motivational interviewing and active listening to support patients
• ? Assist with activities of daily living
• ? Assure quality of care by adhering to therapeutic standards; following SFRC’s detox, treatment, recovery and nursing philosophies and standards of care set by the state board of nursing, state nurse practice act, and SFRC outcomes and standards for detox, treatment, and recovery programs
• ? Maintain confidentiality in accordance with State and Federal Law, and perform duties in accordance with SFRC Code of Ethics and Policies and Procedures
• ? Understand and maintain HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality standards relative to SRFC
• ? Communicate effectively with members of multi-disciplinary care environment, including but not limited to providers, nurses, therapists, case managers, peer support workers, and other team members to ensure quality treatment
• ? Actively participate in the shift change protocol to ensure pertinent patient information is shared with the team
• ? Assist with referrals to outside agencies
• ? Care for patients in a manner that provides emotional support and encouragement and fosters a compassionate atmosphere to promote safety and trust
• ? Medical Associates may assist clients with children within the parameters of the Guidelines for Mothers in residential treatment policy
• ? Other duties as assigned

Requirements :

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities :

1. Ability to conduct self in accordance with SFRC code of conduct and professionalism expectations

2. Strong observation skills

3. Cultural awareness and sensitivity

4. Ability to remain calm under stress

5. Ability to maintain focus on the client’s well-being

6. Ethical awareness and behavior toward clients and staff

7. Strong written and verbal reporting skills

8. Skill in preparing, maintaining, and overseeing client records

9. Ability to maintain health and safety, and infection control standards

10. Computer experience, knowledge of, or demonstrated ability to learn MS Office and electronic health record

11. Ability to respond effectively to unexpected problems, crisis, or other such events that may arise while considering liability, precedence, programmatic implications, and other possible future impacts on the program, services, or organization

12. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with all levels within the organization and with external stakeholders

13. Ability to exercise tact, patience, and discretion when dealing with residents, families, staff, and the public

14. Valid and insurable Driver’s License based on the SFRC insurance standards

Education and Experience :

1. High School Diploma or GED equivalent

2. (2) years of experience in customer service or patient / client care facing

3. Must be able to pass internal Medical Associate Certification administered by SFRC

4. CPR Certified