Care Navigator (Medical Assistant or Non-Medical Assistant)

• Overview Marin Community Clinics, founded in 1972, is today, a multi-clinic network with a wide array of integrated primary care, dental, behavioral, specialty and referral services.
• As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), we provide vital health services to almost 40,000 individuals annually in Marin County.
• The Clinics regularly receive national awards from the Health Resources and Services Administrations (HRSA).
• Our Mission is to promote health and wellness through excellent, compassionate care for all.
• The Medical Assistant (MA); or non-Medical Assistant Care Navigator functions as a core member of an integrated and collaborative care team that involves the patient’s primary care provider, behavioral health providers, and other providers.
• Reporting to the Clinic Directors, the MA Care Navigator is responsible for coordinating and supporting Behavioral Health and Medical services with administrative tasks, provided in the behavioral health and primary care clinics.
• The MA Care Navigator is responsible for addressing the social determinants of health and increasing accessibility to health care by screening patients, bridging resources from a web-based resource system, and connecting patients to resources on issues regarding transportation, housing, food insecurity, domestic violence, and more.

Responsibilities

Medical Assisting Responsibilities: (Applicable to Certified Medical Assistant) Escorts patients to the exam room, interviews patients, measures vital signs, such as pulse rate, temperature, blood pressure, weight and height, and records information on patients’ charts. Prepares treatment rooms for examination of patients. Cleans and sterilizes instruments. Inventories and orders medical supplies and materials. Operates electrocardiograph (EKG), and other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests or calls medical facility or department to schedule patients for tests. Gives injections or treatments, and performs routine laboratory tests. Keys data into computer to maintain office and patient records. Cleans and disinfects operatory in accordance with department’s policy and OSHA guidelines. Sterilizes and disinfects instruments in accordance with department policy and OSHA guidelines. Follows policies and procedures including universal precautions as defined by OSHA’s guidelines on Bloodborne Pathogens and Hazardous Materials standards. Practices good people skills to maintain good public relations with patients and with fellow co-workers. Maintains patient confidentiality in accordance to department policy and HIPAA guidelines. Attends and participates in required meetings, training and educational programs. Performs administrative responsibilities including checking eligibility, verifying demographics, assisting patients with filling out necessary paperwork, and making up follow-up appointments. Care Team Responsibilities as outlined in the Care Team Patient Center Medical Home procedures. Performs other related work as assigned. Care Navigator Responsibilities: Supports and closely coordinates Medical and Behavioral Health services in the pod care team. Performs administrative responsibilities, including checking eligibility, verifying demographics, assisting patients with filling out necessary paperwork, and making up follow-up appointments. Provide patients with information by staying up to date on community resources that address the social determinants of health, like transportation, housing, and access to food. Provides educational tools and screens using approved screening tools for common Behavioral Health and substance abuse disorders and available resources. Assist behavioral health providers in warm hand offs. Participates in regularly scheduled caseload consultation with team care including Primary Care, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and/or Psychiatrist. Facilitates patient engagement and follow up in care. Request Prior Authorizations and TARs sent by the pharmacy so patients can get ordered medications in a timely manner. Documents encounters in the electronic medical records system so they can be easily shared with PCPs, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and/or Psychiatrist. Facilitates referrals for clinically indicated services internally or outside the primary care clinic (e.g. Social services, mental health specialty care, and substance abuse treatment). Practices good people skills to maintain good public relations with patients and with fellow co-workers. Addresses with the appropriate response to electronic mail and tasks using the electronic medical health record. Assign PCP and needed health maintenance screenings. Follow up/ track “no shows” for first appointment. Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance to department policy and HIPPA guidelines. Attend and participate in required any appropriate meetings, training and educational programs. Perform other related work and Medical Assistant duties when staff support is needed.