POSITION TITLE: Certified Medical Assistant/Front Desk

DEPARTMENT: Health and Human Services (HHS) – Northstar Opioid Treatment Program (OTP)

LOCATION: Vancouver, WA

REPORTS TO: Clinic Director

STATUS: Hourly, Full-Time

WAGE RANGE: $27.15 - $31.25 per hour DOE

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled

 

Position Summary:

Serves as a compassionate and supportive presence for patients undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder. Combines front-line administrative support with patient care responsibilities, helping patients access essential services while contributing to a respectful, team-based clinical environment focused on empathy, respect, and patient-centered values. Adheres to HIPAA and confidentiality requirements. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and of the HHS department.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conducts patient registration functions, including entering referral data, income verification, and insurance data, and ensuring data remains up to date over time.


• Schedules new and returning patients with appropriate staff; maintains schedule book accurately; and records patient attendance, "no shows," and cancellations.


• Collects body fluid samples for patients being admitted to treatment.


• Administers TB, pregnancy, and breath alcohol tests to appropriate patients.


• Labels urine test bottles and prepares specimens for mailing or courier pick-up; re-orders supplies when shipment is depleted.


• Serves as the face of the clinic to all patients and visitors in the role of receptionist.


• Answer calls politely and professionally; refer calls to appropriate staff or take messages; set or clear call forwarding when necessary; check for messages with the "on call" person or answering machine each morning.


• Performs clerical, receptionist, and communication functions for the clinic as required.


• Participates in staff meetings and collaborates with other administrative staff as required.


• Maintains a professional and congenial attitude toward coworkers, patients, agencies, and members in the community.


• Uses appropriate technology to accomplish job functions; understands and utilizes available technology such as customer service, communications, and data-gathering tools.


• Manages inventory of office supplies; alerts Clinic Director to supply needs and orders supplies with authorization.


• Assists patients enrolling in Medi-Cal.


• Develops and works with agencies and service providers to facilitate coordination and information sharing; provides support services as applicable.


• Provides transportation support, housing referrals, and PCP and specialty care coordination.


• Serves as Emergency Room liaison.


• Coordinates with jail and probation officials.


• Participates in health fairs, community events, and other events where the target population gathers.


• Maintains a calendar of outreach activities, including community events, workshops, appearances, and other communication opportunities.


• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with current and potential referral sources.


• Maintains a comprehensive working knowledge of community resources and assists patients in accessing community resources.


• Develops, creates, and maintains a resource file of available social service agencies and assistance providers in the target area for use in referring customers for needed services.


• Upholds commitment to respectful patient- and family-centered care.


• Upholds patient confidentiality and safety.


• Serves as an advocate for patients and families.


• Communicates and collaborates effectively with physicians/team members, patients, and families.


• Works effectively with multidisciplinary team members.


• Promotes mutual respect and trust working within a team model.


• Follows ethical principles regarding patient confidentiality.


• Maintains and practices confidentiality as required by HIPAA regulations regarding client confidentiality and request/release of information.


• Adapts to changes in safety protocols and procedures.  


• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.


• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.


• Knowledge of basic medical terminology preferred.


• Knowledge of patient registration and healthcare front office preferred.


• Knowledge of policies and procedures related to HIPAA, Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance programs.


• Knowledge of office functions, procedures, and policies.


• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheet, and database software programs in a Windows environment, including electronic health care systems.


• Skill in data entry with a high level of accuracy.


• Ability to react to frequent changes in duties and volume of work.


• Ability to demonstrate a customer–first attitude and philosophy.


• Ability to listen empathetically.


• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.


• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.


• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.


• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality.


• Ability to conduct activity in an ethical manner.


• Ability to analyze and evaluate situations and adopt effective courses of action. 


• Ability to follow Cowlitz OTP personnel policies.


• Ability to maintain passion for assisting patients under all circumstances.


• Ability to receive constructive feedback, to share opinions, and uphold beliefs.


• Ability to maintain calm, focused, professional, and kind in highly stressful situations.


• Ability to be reliable, flexible, and versatile.


• Ability to maintain humility.