Psychiatric Medical Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are

Casa de los Niños is one of the most established and well respected non-profit organizations in Tucson. We have been helping kids and healing families since 1973. Our services include parent education classes, Foster Care, Parents As Teachers, Behavioral Health, and Nurse-Family Partnership Program!

Job Summary

The Behavioral Health Medical Assistant is an empathic individual with competent observational, clinical, critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to meet patient needs and contribute to a positive patient care experience and work environment. Provides coordinated care to various patients enrolled in behavioral health services and functions as part of the interdisciplinary care team by directly providing education and case management to patients and support to Psychiatrists and Behavioral Providers. Performs intake triage, assists patients with mental health screenings, vitals, and lab referrals.

Essential Duties

• Completes prior authorization for medication.
• Files, maintains, and accurately updates medical electronic health records.
• Manages contacts from members/guardians related to prescription needs and medication refills.
• Calls in prescriptions to the pharmacy and provides patient education with regard to medications.
• Responsible for prior authorization of psychotropic medications.
• Works with health plans on prior authorization denials and pharmacy formulary issues.
• Measures and records vital signs and records patient interview, history, and chief complaint.
• Prepares patients for examinations and performs routine screening tests.
• Prepares patients, explains the process, and answers any questions before drawing blood.
• Follows all health and safety protocols and procedures to maintain sanitary work area.
• Verifies patient information and labels blood samples accurately.
• Provides compassionate care during services.
• Ensures all lab work is ordered and received as indicated in the notes.
• Works collaboratively with Medical Practitioners to ensure quality service experience.
• Follows up with patients on missed appointments and reschedules as necessary.
• Follows appropriate legal and ethical professional conduct.
• Provides office services by implementing administrative systems, procedures, and monitoring administrative projects.
• Advocates, coordinates, and suggests referrals on behalf of clients with community services.
• Manages BH provider schedules to ensure department productivity.
• Prepares clients for examination by performing preliminary physical tests; taking blood pressure, weight, and temperature; reporting patient history summary.
• Provides support to BH Providers and coordinates psychotropic medication requests for refill.
• Documents as appropriate vitals, screening, and patient history personal information as needed.
• Manages a caseload of medication-only clients, including care coordination services and referrals to appropriate community agencies and services (i.e., housing, legal aid, emergency shelter, domestic violence, employment, adult education, food/clothing, etc.).
• Provides education around medication management, including but not limited to side effects, contraindications, and symptoms management.
• Maintains timely progress notes that reflect movement towards client goals.
• Coordinates and facilitates consistent Child-Family Team meetings and collaborates on the child family team process.
• Provides and maintains effective crisis management.
• Coordinates and arranges translation services for patient care.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support CDLN's Mission, Vision, and Values.

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Medical Assistant (MA) or Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) required.
• Recent phlebotomy experience preferred.
• Previous behavioral health care experience preferred.
• Case management experience preferred.
• Basic casework skills (referrals, advocacy).
• Ability to work independently with strong sense of focus, task-oriented.
• Ability to maintain confidential/sensitive information.
• Ability to work in different work settings and environments.
• Communicates effectively using appropriate medical terminology.
• Comprehends fundamental medical terminologies in medical care delivery.
• Maintains a consistently professional demeanor and works well under pressure.
• Maintains calm and professional, even during crises.
• Maintains HIPAA privacy and confidentiality standards.
• Strong interpersonal communication and written skills.
• Adhere to agency policy, procedures, and the professional code of ethics.
• Must be able to meet training and organization requirements for the position.
• Must foster an environment that is solution-focused, dedicated, and compassionate to support the organization's mission, values, and strategic direction.
• Must exhibit a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion, valuing diverse perspectives and encouraging contributions by all team members.
• Must possess or be able to qualify for and maintain a valid Arizona department of public safety level one fingerprint clearance card.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona driver's license and be insurable under the organization's automobile policy.

Our Mission

Casa de los Niños promotes child well-being and family stability in our community. We place top priority on hiring and growing a team of knowledgeable, passionate, creative, and diverse individuals who have a strong desire to empower children and families within our community. More information about us and our current job openings is available at Casa de los Niños is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, veteran status, gender identity, gender(sex), sexual orientation, or familial status.