Behavioral Health Medical Assistant

Position Description - Behavioral Health Medical Assistant

Board Approval Date

08/25/2021

Reports to

Behavioral Health Services Manager

Dual Supervisor

Director of Behavioral Health Services

Division

Behavioral Health Care

Exempt/Non-Exempt Status

Non-Exempt

Security Roles

Clinical Care Specialist

JOB SUMMARY: We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Medical Assistant to join our Behavioral Health Department at our Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). As a Medical Assistant in the Behavioral Health Department, you will play a crucial role in providing comprehensive healthcare services to individuals with behavioral health conditions. Your clinical expertise, empathy, and commitment to mental health will contribute to our mission of delivering high-quality, accessible, and patient-centered care to our diverse community. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a positive impact on the well-being of individuals facing behavioral health challenges.

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

• Patient Care and Assessment:
• Conduct initial assessments of patients with behavioral health conditions, gathering relevant medical history and information.
• Administer medications and treatments prescribed by Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners or other healthcare providers within the scope of practice.
• Monitor patient progress, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and provide appropriate interventions.
• Educate patients and their families about medication management, self-care strategies, and mental health resources.
• Collaborate with the healthcare team to develop and implement individualized care plans.
• Crisis Intervention and Support:
• Respond to behavioral health crises, assessing and de-escalating situations as needed.
• Provide emotional support and guidance to patients and their families during challenging times.
• Collaborate with mental health professionals in the development and implementation of crisis intervention plans.
• Documentation and Recordkeeping:
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, documenting assessments, interventions, and progress notes.
• Adhere to patient privacy and confidentiality guidelines, ensuring the security of protected health information (PHI).
• Collaborative Care:
• Collaborate effectively with Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners ,therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and integrated care.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and treatment planning sessions.
• Advocate for patients' behavioral health needs
• Education and Community Outreach:
• Educate patients, families, and the community about mental health conditions, treatment options, and available resources.
• Participate in community outreach initiatives to raise awareness about behavioral health and reduce stigma.
  
  

Off-site Work

Although it is not typical, off-site work could, at times, be required for this position. This off-site work will typically include but is not limited to performing medical assistant duties (i.e. Telehealth Visits from home, Health Fairs, other HOPE sponsored events and attending meetings, trainings or conferences.)

Skills/Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Medical Assistant in a behavioral health or psychiatric setting.
• Sound knowledge of behavioral health conditions, treatment modalities, and psychopharmacology.
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices in mental health care.
• Strong assessment, observation, and documentation skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide compassionate care.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMR) systems.
• Commitment to delivering culturally sensitive and patient-centered care.
• Bilingual is a plus.
  
  

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the Behavioral Health Medical Assistant position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, duties, or responsibilities, as other duties may be assigned as needed.

This job description follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) (May 1995)

HOPE Family Health Services is an equal opportunity employer who complies with applicable State and Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran or disability status.

Many positions at HOPE Family Health Services are funded in-part or in-whole by State or Federal Department of Health and Human Services funding and as such, our organization cannot employ individuals with certain criminal backgrounds or who are on State or Federal exclusion or debarment lists.