Medical Assisitant Apprenticeship Program - Worcester, MA

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It is the expectation of the Executive Team of the organization that each employee support the mission, vision and goals of the organization. Each employee will be responsible for demonstrating core continuous improvement competencies to ensure the appropriate focus is placed on managing the necessary processes to support the strategies, with the ability to problem solve which should result in the identification of root causes and countermeasures to permanently eliminate the problem and supports the organization's culture of continuous improvement through the lens of providing quality patient care and a solid customer focus.

Each employee will be responsible for demonstrating core competencies by a solid willingness to work with others throughout the organization and be a role model for teamwork and cooperation that results in the highest quality of care and concern for our patients and employees. A core belief at organization, and one that must be demonstrated by all employees, is that each patient and employee is treated with respect and that decisions affecting either are made with integrity and professionalism and promote a high degree of trust. These characteristics along with personal initiative and a solid focus on results are critical to continued success in this role.

Position Summary:

• Performs a variety of duties involving clinical and administrative patient care while adhering to the standards of the practice
• Provides care to pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients. Assists in the examination and treatment of patients by taking and recording vital signs such as blood pressures, temperatures, height, weight, etc.
• Assists physician and others with simple clinical/diagnostic procedures such as urine cultures, pregnancy tests, throat cultures, etc.
• Prepares treatment rooms. Performs a variety of clerical functions to support office functions
• Performs related duties to facilitate the efficient utilization of computer-based information

Primary Responsibilities:

• Opens patient areas, prepares patient schedules and patient medical records following standard procedures
• Greets patients and escorts them to the exam room. Establishes reason for patient visit and prepares patient accordingly. Provides direct and indirect care following standard procedure while identifying and recording physical findings. Verifies patient medications, performs medication reconciliation and pends refills. Collects and documents a variety of forms. Documents patient information in chart following standard procedure. Monitor and maintain patient flow
• Performs a variety of clinical functions such as measuring temperature, pulse rates, blood pressure, orthostatic vitals, height, weight, pediatric lengths, head circumference, peak flows, pulse oximetry, etc. Performs a variety tests such as hearing, vision, etc. Documents information during patient visit in patient chart
• Performs a variety of point of care testing functions and quality control such as urinalysis, rapid strep, blood glucose, urine pregnancy, etc. Document testing in patient chart. Maintains laboratory logs following standard procedure
• Performs a variety of procedures such as applying hot/cold compress, applying/removing routine/simple wound dressings (as defined by site) under the direction of provider or licensed staff member, suture removal, staple removal, ear irrigation, DME splints/orthoglass, etc.
• Performs spirometry, EKG, etc., following standard procedures
• Provides instruction on gait training. Provides basic patient instruction under direction. Explains and gives instructions to patient for laboratory/x-ray and special procedures
• Monitors oxygen delivery / checks tank levels
• Sets up and assists with pelvic exams following standard procedures
• May performs phlebotomy and processes specimens following standard procedures. Collects and transports specimens to the laboratory following standard procedure
• Notifies patients of normal laboratory results as instructed by provider. May report abnormal laboratory results under the instruction of licensed staff member. Performs routine telephone call backs
• May complete prescription refills following standard procedures and signed off by licensed physician, advanced practitioner or licensed nurse with annual evidence of competency. Check appropriate notes, pertinent laboratory results and orders laboratory results that are required, selects appropriate pharmacy and pends correct medication, dosage, sig and number of refills before routing to appropriate provider for approval
• May performs pill count with licensed staff member
• Autoclaves instruments and performs autoclave biological spores testing following standard procedure
• Manages in basket messages following standard procedures
• Schedules a variety of appointments such as advance visits types, interpreter service, use of VRI, laboratory testing, etc. Communicates with other sites to arrange booking needs of patients. Cancels and reschedules appointments as required. Completes prior authorizations as required or directed
• Completes telephone encounters and normal laboratory letters
• Assists in the organization of the clinical unit including stocking of exam rooms and ordering supplies
• Monitors refrigerator/freezer temperatures following standard guidelines. Reports discrepancies to manager or others
• Completes exam room check-out following standard procedures
• Supports multiple office functions such as patient check in and out, answering phone, scheduling, etc., and provides cross-coverage to clerical roles as directed
• Maintains open communication with all members of the healthcare team. Works as a member of the clinical team to provide quality, timely service to patients. Works with the team, providers and manager/supervisor to continually improve patient flow within the department
• Participates in daily huddle
• Identifies and reports emergency situations to nursing and providers and assists in emergency as competency will allow. Identifies and corrects abnormal conditions within scope of responsibility under the supervision of nurse or provider
• Participates in staff meetings, gives input and feedback during meetings
• Utilizes patient care equipment appropriately and safely. Incorporates the proper requirements in operating department specific equipment to provide safe patient care
• Provides care to pediatrics, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients
• Ensures adequate inventory of office supplies and printed materials. Maintains general files and supplies
• Participates in orientation and staff development activities as requested
• Complies with health and safety requirements and with regulatory agencies such as DPH, etc.
• Complies with established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives
• Enhances professional growth and development through educational programs, seminars, etc.
• Attends a variety of meetings, conferences, and seminars as required or directed
• Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed
• Regular, reliable and predicable attendance is required

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Successful completion of Basic Life Support (BLS-CPR) or completed within 90 days of date of hire for positions in direct patient care areas
• 1+ years of relevant clinical experience as a PCA, Critical Care Technician, CNA or nursing student (1+ years of clinical rotation), EMT or Medical Office Assistant
• Knowledge of office and laboratory procedures
• Knowledge of a variety of software applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, etc.
• Proven excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills

Unless certification, licensure or registration is required, an equivalent combination of education and experience, which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed in this description, may be substituted for the above requirements.

Physical Requirement:

• Physical health sufficient to meet the ergonomic standards and demands of the position

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The hourly pay for this role will range from $16.00 to $24.23 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.