Description

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to take on the dynamic role of Telehealth Certified Medical Assistant (MA) within the Health Services Division. This position is located at the Washington Corrections center (WCC) located in Shelton, WA. The WCC is a state prison for men, with an operating capacity of 1,268 incarcerated individuals. WCC includes the Reception Center in which all individuals entering the Washington State Prison System must pass through to be permanently assigned to their long-term care facility.

Correctional Health Care is a rewarding career path at DOC, in which health care professionals treat a wide array of cases for patients residing within a state correctional facility. Health Services is responsible for basic primary care for incarcerated individuals. All disciplines within each of the 12 correctional facilities work closely together to reach a common goal, providing the best, most efficient, and cost-effective health care possible. Emphasis is placed on early identification of health concerns, care for acute and chronic health problems, and preventive care.

If you’ve read this far, it is clear you have a desire to make a difference in public service. A completed application packet will include:

• A detailed resume.
• A cover letter regarding your interest and outlining your qualifications.
• Three professional references.

Duties

The medical assistant performs all duties under the supervision of the healthcare provider in a safe and effective manner and within the scope of their practice as defined by state law and administrative code so that patient care provided is safe, effective, efficient, and clinically appropriate. The medical assistant uses tools, techniques, physical and cognitive skills and abilities to perform tasks as delegated by a health care provider.
Under the general supervision of the licensed practitioner and/or lead of the Registered Nurse, the Medial Assistant will assist in providing patient care, which may include performing routine medical records duties, some administrative support, and other clinical duties to assist in the smooth operation of the medical department.

As the Certified Medical Assistant for telehealth, key responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Provide assistance for telehealth visits with a clinician/provider which is essential to the assessment, promotion, maintenance and restoration of patient's health and wellness:
  • Provides patient education related to telehealth care processes and behavioral health care.
  • Utilizes OMNI to document patient encounter and the patient record to document all clinical observations/information/patient education.
  • Confirms schedules and coordinates with patients and providers.
  • Provides technical support for telehealth services.
  • Reviews planned telehealth encounters to ensure appropriate resources are available (i.e. video conferencing) and appropriate mode and circumstance for telehealth modalities have been ordered based on patient’s needs.
  • Prepares the telehealth patient room including equipment for clinical encounter, training, education, access, and establishing the online, video conferencing or other connections.
  • Provides hands on assistance to the provider and patient as part of the encounter, training or interaction as needed.
  • Serves as a liaison and coordinates information between providers and facilities, patients and other key personnel. Initiates any indicated follow-up services based upon findings of providers and communicates need for follow-up to the patient.
  • Maintains, inventories and trains staff on all video conferencing technologies.
  • Participates in performance improvement activities to improve patient care and telehealth care processes.
  • Conducts quality control procedures on equipment/products and maintains quality control reports and workload reports
  • Interacts and communicates appropriately with patients and staff.
  • Possesses knowledge of and complies with proper handling and cleaning of reusable medical equipment regulations and requirements.
  • Provide patient diagnostic information to provider as needed (Vitals).
  • Escalate any clinical or triage questions to the provider as appropriate.
  • Document appropriate information including but not limited to: past medical history, family history, current medications, allergies, and pharmacy information.
  • Assist in scheduling patient appointments with their primary care clinician (internal referral).
  • Communicate with custody when necessary to coordinate patient movement if needed.
  • Attend any necessary training/meetings to be up to date on protocol changes and available training.
  • Other duties may include, but not limited to, outbound calls, copying, faxing, etc.
• Assist in providing patient care services within the scope of licensure and as delegated by the licensed practitioner or Registered Nurse.
• Provide assistance in all direct delivery of patient care by the Provider, which includes but is not limited to:
  • Vital Signs
  • Visual Acuity
  • Ear irrigations
  • Injections/Vaccinations
  • Basic laboratory functions (venipuncture, CLIA waved laboratory in-house testing) and transports labs
  • Electrocardiography
  • Respiratory assessments (pulmonary function/peak flow)

Qualifications

What we need (Required Qualifications):

• 
  Completion of a Medical Assistant-Certified program accredited by the American Association of Medical Assistants or the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA).
• Experience working as a Medical Assistant in an outpatient clinic setting.
• Certification by the American Heart Association in Basic Life Support and Basic First Aid.
• Ability to work competently in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to learn job specific DOC programs needed to perform work assignments.
• Initial and unblemished/unrestricted licensure in the State of Washington as a Certified Medical Assistant.

Desired Qualifications:

• IV Certification/Phlebotomy
• Familiarity with both front and back-office operations in an outpatient clinic setting.
• Experience actively participating in the quality improvement process for any business, including brainstorming, proposing improvement plans, or measuring success.

COVID 19 Vaccination Requirement – Employees of the WA State Department of Corrections (DOC) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Any offer of employment is contingent upon verification of your vaccine status. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. You may request an accommodation if you are unable to meet this requirement due to a medical or religious necessity.

Supplemental Information

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• 
  Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.

**Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.

• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
• This position may be represented by a bargaining unit.

What We Offer:
As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
• Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
• 12 paid holidays a year.
• Generous retirement plan
• Flex Spending Accounts
• Dependent Care Assistance
• Deferred Compensation and so much more!

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email samantha.chacon@doc1.wa.gov. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.