Certified Medical Assistant (Relapse Prevention Team)

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions:

Integrated Medical Support

• Obtain and accurately document vital signs, height, weight, BMI, and other physical health indicators.
• Assist in identifying unmet physical healthcare needs.
• Perform CLIA-waived testing and specimen collection as authorized.
• Perform venipuncture and laboratory collection consistent with certification and organizational policy.
• Monitor completion of ordered laboratory studies.
• Report abnormal findings promptly to licensed nursing staff or medical providers.
• Prepare patients for psychiatric and medical appointments.
• Maintain clinical equipment.

Care Coordination

Coordinate physical healthcare services between behavioral health, primary care, specialty care, hospitals, emergency departments, pharmacies, and community providers.

• Assist patients in scheduling medical appointments.
• Obtain hospital discharge information.
• Coordinate post-hospital follow-up appointments.
• Assist patients with specialty referrals.
• Monitor completion of recommended preventive healthcare services.
• Assist patients in reducing barriers to healthcare access.
• Participate in care transitions following hospitalization, crisis stabilization, detoxification, residential treatment, or incarceration.
• Document all care coordination activities in the electronic health record.

Medication Support

Under supervision of licensed clinical staff:

• Complete medication reconciliation at admission, annual update, and transition of care.
• Maintain current medication lists.
• Monitor patients for medication adherence.
• Observe and report potential medication side effects.
• Reinforce medication education provided by licensed practitioners.
• Coordinate medication refill requests according to organizational procedures.

Population Health Management

Assist by monitoring patients identified as high utilizers or medically vulnerable.

Responsibilities include:

• Tracking preventive health screenings.
• Monitoring metabolic screening for individuals prescribed antipsychotic medications.
• Monitoring diabetes care indicators.
• Monitoring hypertension.
• Monitoring obesity and BMI.
• Monitoring tobacco cessation interventions.
• Monitoring immunization status.
• Assisting with outreach for patients overdue for appointments.
• Supporting CCBHC quality measures and clinical outcomes.

Health Education

Provide education consistent with provider treatment recommendations regarding:

• Medication adherence
• Diabetes management
• Hypertension management
• Nutrition
• Physical activity
• Tobacco cessation
• Sleep hygiene
• Preventive healthcare
• Wellness recovery planning
• Self-management of chronic disease

Documentation

Complete documentation according to:

• Alabama Medicaid Administrative Code Chapter 105
• CCBHC Certification Criteria
• Joint Commission standards
• Organizational policies

Documentation shall:

• Be completed within 24 hours of provision of service
• Accurately reflect services delivered.
• Support medical necessity.
• Support billing requirements.
• Demonstrate care coordination activities.
• Reflect person-centered care.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Interdisciplinary Team Participation

• Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings.
• Collaborate with psychiatrists, nurses, therapists, case managers, peers, primary care providers, and community partners.
• Assist with integrated treatment planning.
• Communicate significant changes in physical or behavioral health.
• Participate in case reviews for high-risk patients.

Quality Improvement

• Participate in Performance Improvement activities.
• Participate in CCBHC quality initiatives.
• Assist with collection of quality indicator data.
• Support population health reporting.
• Participate in audit readiness activities.
• Assist with compliance monitoring activities.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain CMA certification.
• Maintain CPR certification.
• Complete required continuing education.
• Attend required staff meetings and trainings.
• Maintain competency in trauma-informed care and cultural responsiveness.
• Follow organizational policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Ability to:

• Work effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Communicate effectively with patients and providers.
• Prioritize multiple tasks.
• Maintain accurate documentation.
• Demonstrate compassion and professionalism.
• Utilize recovery-oriented practices.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, and keyboard use.
• Frequent travel within the community.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to perform venipuncture and other clinical procedures.
• Ability to respond appropriately during behavioral health crises.
• Ability to operate standard clinical equipment.
• Ability to work in outpatient clinics, community settings, hospitals, shelters, and patients' homes when assigned.

Performance Standards

Performance will be evaluated based upon:

• Compliance with Alabama Medicaid Chapter 105.
• Compliance with CCBHC Certification Criteria.
• Timeliness of documentation.
• Quality of care coordination.
• Patient satisfaction.
• Accuracy of medical documentation.
• Participation in interdisciplinary care.
• Compliance with quality improvement initiatives.
• Adherence to organizational policies and ethical standards.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification from an accredited certifying body.
• Current CPR certification preferred or to be obtained within 1 month
• Valid Alabama driver’s license with acceptable driving record
• Ability to travel throughout the service area.
• One year of medical office, primary care, behavioral health, or integrated healthcare experience preferred

Within six (6) months of employment, the employee will demonstrate competency in:

• Serious Mental Illness (SMI)
• Substance Use Disorders (SUD)
• Co-occurring Disorders
• Integrated Behavioral Health
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Recovery-Oriented Care
• Motivational Interviewing
• Infection Prevention
• Medical Terminology
• Psychotropic Medications
• Medication Side Effect Recognition
• Suicide Prevention
• Crisis Intervention
• Cultural and Linguistic Competency
• HIPAA
• Alabama Medicaid Chapter 105 requirements
• CCBHC Certification Criteria