Medical Assistant I

Exciting new MA role in very active general outpatient mental health clinic at MGH Psychiatry. Opportunity to work closely with a large and welcoming team of psychiatrists, NPs, and psychologists caring for patients ranging from young adult to geriatric. Perfect for someone with a strong interest in mental health, desire to work somewhat independently, and have direct patient impact.

Drawing on a broad understanding of Hospital practices and policies and displaying a high degree of initiative and independent judgment, the Outpatient Psychiatry MA will help to care for psychiatric patients in a busy adult outpatient mental health clinic by assisting clinicians with daily clinical tasks such as providing patient education, responding to patient requests, helping with prescriptions, and facilitating communications between patients, providers, and outside agencies. The incumbent will work in tandem with a team of psychiatrists, nurse practioners and psychologists, receive general direction from the Medical Director and Practice Manager.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Applicants should have interest in mental health and basic knowledge of common psychiatric conditions and medications with two years of clinical experience as an MA.

§ Observes, reports, and records pertinent patient information in accordance with the hospital standards in a timely manner in the EMR.

§ Assists prescribers by obtaining prior authorizations for psychiatric medications, accomplished by extracting clinical information from the patient chart and coordinating with the care team.

§ Performs outreach to outside entities (e.g., pharmacy, visiting nurse agency) to facilitate care.

§ Aids intervisit EMR communications between clinicians and patients.

§ Administers psychiatric assessment tools (e.g., Columbia suicide severity rating scale) as requested by practice clinicians

§ Assists prescribers in queuing up prescription refills

§ Provides health education and shares resources with patients.

§ Collects vital signs and weights for a subset of clinic patients as needed.

§ Reviews medication list with patients to queue up for physician

§ Follows up with patients who miss appointments, documents relevant information in EMR and communicates any pertinent safety or medical information with identified providers.

§ Respects and supports patient and family's cultural beliefs and values, individual needs, health goals and treatment preferences.

§ Helps to standardize procedures and effectively troubleshoots and resolves issues as they arise. Makes recommendations to supervisors, administrator and/or clinician director for improvements.

§ Actively engages in creating a healthy, respectful work environment

§ Precepts and mentors new members of the team as needed.

§ Performs necessary quality assurance.

§ Maintains and updates clinical knowledge and skills based on current nursing practice.

§ Adheres to departmental requirements for required training.

§ Identifies specific learning needs and goals and collaborates with leadership in developing a plan to meet them.

§ Meets regularly with supervising provider concerning clinical care, issues, activities, and the status of projects.

§ Performs all other duties or special projects that are practice specific, and that are appropriate to this level of position.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

Psychiatric experience - preferred

BLS Certification - preferred

Epic experience-preferred

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or REGISTRATIONS:

• BLS Certification preferred

• Graduate of Certified Medical Assistant Program preferred

EDUCATION:

Minimum Required:

Some college or Associate's Degree

Preferred:

Bachelor's Degree

Field of Study/Additional Specialized Training:

Psychiatry or mental health

EXPERIENCE:

Preferred:

2 Years work experience in medical setting, ideally outpatient.

Psychiatric or mental health experience preferred although not required if strong outpatient experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Outpatient Mental Health Clinic in a large urban hospital. Option for hybrid work.