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.