Medical Assistant - Jail Correctional Medicine - Administration - 6

General Summary

Medical Assistant (MA) role in a correctional facility, focusing on supportive clinical duties under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals (such as nurses (RN/LVN)/Advanced practice nurses/Physicians Assistants, and Physicians).

Essential Duties

Key Responsibilities

• Vital Signs & Clinical Support:

• o Measure and record patients' vital signs including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration.
• o Prepare individuals for medical examinations and assist healthcare providers during evaluations.
• o Assist with medical procedures
• o Assist with the physical transfer to patients (such as by wheelchair, stand by assistance with people walking with canes or walkers).
• o Assist with showers, and basic hygiene if needed by a patient.
• o Draw Blood and prepare specimen for lab designated pick-up.

• Patient Intake & Documentation:

• o Obtain basic medical histories and information about current health concerns or symptoms and document the histories in the medical record.
• o Document findings accurately in medical records in accordance with facility policies and HIPAA regulations.
• o Assist with getting documentation from the patient’s primary care physician, hospitals, pharmacies and other health care providers, and placing records on chart.

• Medication Administration Support:

• o Assist in the distribution or “passing” of prescribed medications as directed and supervised by licensed nursing staff, adhering to correctional healthcare protocols.
• o Ability to given an subcutaneous / intramuscular/ subcutaneous injection.
• o Ability to administer narcan and epinephrine in an medical emergency situation.
• o Monitor for and report any adverse reactions or patient concerns related to medications.

• Coordination & Communication:

• o Assist with scheduling follow-up visits, offsite appointments, and coordination with other departments.
• o Communicate effectively and professionally with inmates, correctional staff, and healthcare providers.

• Compliance & Safety:

• o Follow all facility procedures related to safety, security, infection control, and patient confidentiality.
• o Maintain awareness of surroundings and follow correctional protocols at all times.
• Other Duties as assigned.

Supervision

Received: Nurse (Registered Nurse / Licensed Vocational Nurses); Advanced Practice Nurse / Physician Assistants

Given: None

Education

• Required: High School or GED AND Nurse Assistant Certificate/ Medical Assistant/ EMT – Basic/ Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or equivalent
• Preferred: EMT – Basic or Higher (Such as paramedic) or Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)

Experience

• Required: 0-1 year
• Preferred: >1 year

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Required: Valid Driver’s License; and Certification in the area of study
• Preferred: Valid Driver’s License; and Certification in the area of study

Physical Demands

Typical: • Frequent standing and walking: Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8–10 hours per shift).

• Lifting and moving patients or equipment: Occasionally required to lift, move, or support patients or medical equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Repetitive motion: Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate medical instruments, computers, and other office equipment.
• Bending, stooping, and reaching: Required to assist with exams, clean rooms, stock supplies, and retrieve or store items.
• Visual acuity: Must have sufficient vision to read charts, labels, and computer screens.
• Hearing ability: Must be able to hear and understand spoken communication from patients and other healthcare professionals, including over the phone.
• Manual dexterity: Ability to handle medical instruments and perform tasks such as administering injections, drawing blood, and changing dressings.
• Mobility: Must be able to quickly respond to patient needs and emergencies throughout the facility.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Typical: Knowledge

• Medical Terminology – Understanding terms used in medicine, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
• Clinical Procedures – Knowledge of vital signs, injections, EKGs, phlebotomy, specimen collection.
• Administrative Procedures – Familiarity with scheduling, medical billing, coding (ICD-10, CPT), and insurance processing.
• HIPAA & Patient Confidentiality – Laws and regulations regarding patient privacy and medical records.
• Basic Anatomy and Physiology – Understanding body systems and their functions.
• Infection Control and Safety Procedures – Knowledge of sterilization, disinfection, PPE use, and OSHA guidelines.
• Pharmacology Basics – Common medications, dosages, side effects, and administration routes.
• Electronic Health Records (EHR) – Using systems like Epic, Cerner, or other EMRs.
• Customer Service – Understanding patient interaction, front-desk etiquette, and conflict resolution.
• Ethics in Healthcare – Understanding patient rights, professional boundaries, and ethical standards.

Skills

• Taking Vital Signs – Accurately measure blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration.
• Venipuncture and Injections – Perform blood draws, give injections, and handle specimens.
• Medical Charting – Document accurately and efficiently in patient records.
• Performing EKGs – Set up and run electrocardiograms.
• Assisting with Exams and Procedures – Set up instruments and assist physicians during procedures.
• Scheduling and Office Management – Manage patient appointments, referrals, and front desk duties.
• Handling Medical Billing and Coding – Enter and process insurance information and codes.
• Use of EHR/EMR Systems – Navigate and input data into digital record systems.
• Sterilizing Instruments – Clean and maintain clinical tools following protocols.
• Communicating Effectively – With patients, physicians, and coworkers, both verbally and in writing.

Work Environment

Typical: Correctional facility working with patients

• Brazos County Juvenile Justice Center, ages 10-17 years old, male and female patients.
• Brazos County Detention Center, ages 18+, male and female patients.