Medical Assistant - Per Diem (on-site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The hourly rate that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $27.40.

This position is represented by Patient Technical Care (TX)

This position will remain open until filled.

This is a Per Diem appointment with a campus-based on-site work location.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

Reporting to the Clinical Operations Supervisor, the Medical Assistant performs a variety of clinical and Receptionist support functions for Health Services, including rooming and taking patient vitals, point of care testing, phlebotomy, medical record keeping, other clinical support duties, and medical reception. The position works in collaboration with the RN, LVN, and medical providers to provide clinical and educational services.

MEDICAL SUPPORT:

Perform initial patient workups, including calling patient from waiting room as scheduled, showing patients to exam room, gathering personal and medical histories, updating medication list and allergies, obtaining vitals such as blood pressure, pulse, respirations, pulse oximetry readings, temperature, height and weight, and other vitals as appropriate and accurately entering obtained information into the electronic medical record. Provide phlebotomy services and prepare blood and other lab specimens, such as cultures, UA's, and pap smears and send to lab. Log and follow-up lab work ordered by the Health Center. Administer injections, immunizations, nebulized medicines, perform EKG's, spirometry and provide point-of-care patient testing per protocols with controls or as directed. Set-up for specific procedures based on patient presentation in accordance with protocols or as requested by providers and assist provider with clinical exams and/or procedures. Sterilize, package, and autoclave instruments. Organize and stock exam rooms, inventory management, perform general cleaning/sterilizing, and upkeep after each patient. Review immunization records and assist with immunization compliance. Process referrals in the EMR, including scheduling appointments for consultations, or other services as ordered by the provider, tracking, and patient follow-up. Obtain pre-authorization from medical insurance companies, as needed. During a public health crisis (i.e.: COVID-19), duties include providing support as needed including, but not limited to, testing site duties and vaccination clinics.

MEDICAL RECORDS:

Maintain patient records in the EMR system, ensuring records and forms are appropriately filed electronically, scan new/updated clinical and administrative documentation in the EMR, and check for physician sign-off, as required. Process medical records requests, screen incoming requests, route to provider for approval, copy/print pertinent information, adhering to established rules for protection of confidentiality in release to third parties. Perform various data entry and information retrieval tasks using electronic medical records system. Screen, sort, and distribute incoming mail. Prepare outgoing mail. Participate in quality improvement activities.

MEDICAL RECEPTION:

Perform key medical reception functions on a back-up basis. Answer phones and greet patients and others in-person, screen calls and visitors to determine nature of request or problem, refer to appropriate staff member. Take messages, schedule, reschedule, cancel, and confirm appointments with patients. Take standard information for billing, administrative, or other purposes. Distribute a variety of forms, informational materials, or medical records. Answer questions about Health Services/University policies, procedures, fee schedules, services, programs, and the like. Assist with completion of forms and questionnaires. Photocopy and collate various materials.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Demonstrates a positive, constructive attitude that facilitates the goals and missions of the UCM SHS. Demonstrates professionalism, courtesy, and sensitivity in all interactions with patients and staff regardless of cultural, racial/ethnic background or sexual orientation. Refers administrative inquiries, patient complaints/concerns to appropriate supervisors. Knowledge of patient rights and responsibilities, rules of confidentiality, and patient privacy. Maintains patient and medical record confidentiality. Knowledgeable of SHS departments, services, and locations. Knowledgeable of operational policies.

WORK STANDARDS:

Organized and able to prioritize workload. Assures timely patient care. Contributes to productivity by demonstrating to work efficiently. Maintains communications and coordinates functions with staff. Maintains a professional demeanor, even when under pressure or difficult situations are encountered. Demonstrates respect for co-workers by keeping a reasonably clean and well-organized work area. Adheres to SHS Blood Borne Pathogen and Infections Control policies. Other duties, as assigned by supervisor.

• High school diploma and/or equivalent certification/experience/training; or
• Associate degree in related area from an accredited institution (preferred) and
• Two (2) years of relevant clinical and reception experience (required); and
• Phlebotomy certificate
• Ability to speak clearly and comfortably and use tact, discretion, and sensitivity in dealing with patients; and to deal courteously and efficiently with physicians, hospital personnel, insurance companies, attorney's offices, and others.
• Working knowledge of computer software such as medical records, scheduling database, patient management, and word processing. Ability to maintain calendars and schedule appointments.
• Skill in oral and written communication to meet the needs of a diverse population and student health center staff.
• Knowledge of patient care charting and patient histories.
• Interviewing skills.
• Knowledge of outpatient clinical administrative procedures.
• Knowledge of inventory management practices.
• Ability to perform standard clinical procedures according to established protocols.
• Knowledge of patient evaluation and triage procedures.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Understand and comply with Federal HIPAA regulations and California Medical Records Act. Ability to use discretion in handling confidential information.
• Understand and comply with MSDS and Hazmat procedures and policies as part of UCM's OSHA compliance program.
• Understand and comply with OSHA's Blood Borne Pathogen Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030).
• Understand and comply with OSHA requirements for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (29 CFR PART 1910) as defined by the University Environmental Health and Safety Manager and the University of California, Merced Safety Manual.
• Understand and comply with hazardous waste handling standards and health center policies.
• Ongoing training/refresher courses are required annually.
• Understand and comply with the University of California, Merced Safety Manual.

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/