About the Department

The primary function of this position is to perform clinical and clinic support duties and responsibilities in the Department of Psychiatry. 

*This Position is ON SITE only*

Sign-On Bonus for Certified/Credentialed Medical Assistants: Now offering a $5,000 sign-on bonus with a 2-year employment commitment for candidates identified for hire before June 30th, 2026!

Position Duties

Clinical 70%:
•Prepares patient for exam by obtaining vital signs and brief allergy history.
•Assists nurse or physician with patient procedures and hospitalization as directed.
•Following a medical provider's orders, fulfills orders per the Department of Psychiatry's policy.
•Check patient medication refill request line and route accordingly to medical and nursing staff. Assist in completion of request process.
•Assists nurses or physicians with insurance referrals/pre-certifications and approval on medication authorization.
•Demonstrates high degree of competence in the practice of nursing skills pertaining to the. clinical department including triaging and prioritizing of patient calls concerning medication, crisis, and labs ensuring all concerns are followed up on in a timely manner.
•Works diligently with physicians, therapists, reception staff, and other nursing staff to provide quality patient care with regards to new and follow-up appointments, medication refills, triaging patient calls, and coordination of patient care.
•Stock exam and procedure rooms on a regular basis to ensure adequate availability of supplies needed for daily clinics. Assists in maintaining adequate inventory of clinical supplies.
•Assist with maintaining necessary records within the clinic area, i.e. AED, refrigerator temperature.
•Clean all instruments used in the clinic for patient care by following established guidelines.
•Assist with coverage for medical records area or reception as needed.
•Works with staff to assist in coordination of patient care.
•Assists in training of new staff members and student.
•Completes prior authorizations as needed.
•Inspects and maintains physical order, cleanliness, and safety in clinic area and clinic rooms. Assist Nurse Administrator with quality and reviews clinic documentation for accuracy as assigned.
•Keeps necessary records relating to Controlled Substance Procedures.
•Assists in the patient intake process as needed.
•Demonstrates willingness to train and cover other areas in department as needed.
•Assist with psychiatry telehealth clinics.
•Assist with patient clinical emergency situations, as well as phone emergencies.
•Completes TouchWorks tasks in a timely manner for patient care.

Clerical 30%
•Answers incoming telephone calls in a prompt and courteous manner, and routes calls appropriately.
•Prepare labels for patient encounter forms. Update appointment list with cancellations and add-on appointments, record no-show appointments in the patient's medical record. Notify patients via mail and/or telephone regarding appointment rescheduling when necessary.
•Greet all patients arriving for appointments in a courteous manner. Update demographic and insurance information; obtain appropriate signatures, when necessary, to release information and provide payment authorization. Answer patient questions regarding routine insurance and billing procedures. Accept payment from patients, and record on the daily receipt log.
•Prepare mailing of new patient information. This includes addressing envelopes, completing appointment confirmations brochure, enclosing maps, and enclosing specific forms as requested by physicians.
•Prepare reception area for the following day including printing each physician's daily appointment schedule and new patient sheets, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

Credentials to be Verified by Placement Officer

1. High school graduation or equivalent
2. Possession of a current/valid medical assistant certification by an approved certifying board as defined by the employing institution

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA’s)

1. Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
2. Knowledge of basic first aid principles, methods, and techniques.
3. Knowledge of aseptic and sterilization techniques.
4. Knowledge of inventory procedures.
5. Knowledge of Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems.
6. Skill in the operation of sterilizing equipment and maintaining appropriate documentation records.
7. Ability to make decisions based on urgency of the situation and in accordance with work procedures and hospital/clinic policies.
8. Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
9. Willingness to, and skill in, dealing effectively with patients, hospital staff, and other persons from inside or outside hospital/clinic.
10. Ability to provide quality patient care and customer service.

Condition of Employment 

Pursuant to the State Universities Civil Service System, an out-of-state resident who is hired into this position must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of their start date. 

Benefits

Paid time off: Includes 12 paid holidays per year. Accrual rates vary based on employment type and years of service

Paid sick time: Use for personal illness, doctor visits, or if your immediate family members fall ill

Health, Dental, and Life insurance

Optional life insurance: Your spouse and dependents can enroll in State term life and university-sponsored term life insurance.

Prescription: Plan participants enrolled in any state health plan have prescription drug benefits included in the coverage.

Long-term Disability Insurance

Flexible spending accounts: Optional, IRS tax-favored program that enables you to stretch medical expenses and dependent care dollars

Voluntary retirement accounts: Optional plans include the State of Illinois Deferred Compensation Plan (457) and Tax Deferred Annuity (403b).

Tuition Waiver/Tuition Reimbursement: Continue your graduate or undergraduate education with the help of tuition waivers or tuition reimbursement

Leaves of absence: Includes FMLA and Extended Sick Leave Benefits for qualified employees

Employee Assistance Program: Access free and confidential support, including counseling services, and information during difficult times

For more information please visit https://www.siumed.edu/hr/siu-school-medicine-benefits 

Agency Information

Employer

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine

Address

327 West Calhoun








Springfield, Illinois, 62702

Phone

217-545-0223

Website

https://www.siumed.edu/