MEDICAL ASSISTANT SPANISH SPEAKING

Operation Samahan Mission

Building healthier, happier communities together      

The Organization

Operation Samahan Inc. (OSI) is a multi-site Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that was founded in 1973. Built on a foundation of social justice, the agency serves San Diego County through clinics in areas with a high-density population of diverse families and individuals that live at poverty levels that are 200% to 400% below the Federal Poverty Line.

The Medical Assistant (Spanish Speaking) assists the care delivery teams by coordinating patient referrals made to other healthcare providers and organizations. This includes patient advocacy to ensure timely access to referred resources, appointment coordination, exchange of necessary information obtaining specialist reports, and post-appointment follow-up.  

• Process referrals requested by care delivery teams within priority-based timeframes and ensure, including obtaining health plan pre-authorization as needed.
• Provide all required supporting documentation to referred entity.
• Maintain and update tracking of all referrals in EHR.
• Coordinate appointment scheduling, including patient advocacy, to ensure timely appointments and that patient shows for appointment as scheduled.
• Provide high value customer service when responding to patient inquiries related to referrals.
• Coordinate timely receipt of specialist and/or other post-appointment reports, including ensuring availability in EHR using established scanning nomenclature.
• Contribute to the success of the organization by participating in Lean and other quality improvement activities.

• Medical Certification from an accredited program preferred.  
• Proficiency in medical terminology and clinical processes. 
• At least two years' experience in the health care field.
• Ability to manage multiple, complex requests with strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated analytical ability in identifying problems, developing solutions and implementing effective courses of action.
• Strong communication skills required, including the abilities to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, internally and externally, and at different levels as necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and productively with varied levels of personnel, with professionals and business organizations.
• Extensive and applied knowledge of regulatory requirements.
• Strong knowledge of MS Office and Project Management tools.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills with exceptional professional work ethic.
• Experience with eClinicalWorks (or equivalent EHR) required.

Contribute to team effort; and complies with all facility policies and procedures including but not limited to those addressing HIPAA and Compliance and performs other duties as assigned.

Attendance Standards

Consistently at work and communicate appropriately any attendance issues with supervisor per company policy. Consistently at work station at the appropriately scheduled time and does not abuse breaks and/or departure times.

Language Skills

Has the ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Has the ability to write complex correspondence. Has the ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to patients, visitors, and other employees of the organization.

Mathematical and Statistical Skills

Has the ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and calculate figures. Has the ability to analyze complex data sets.

Reasoning Ability

Has the ability to solve practical complex problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms; use hands to handle or feel; and talk or hear. The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 15 lbs. and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Reports to: Referral Coordinator Supervisor 

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt