Medical Assistant (MA)

Position Title:  Medical Assistant (MA)

Reports to: Clinical Manager

The Rhode Island Public Health Institute

The Rhode Island Public Health Institute (RIPHI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to reduce health disparities in Rhode Island and beyond. RIPHI oversees public health programs, conducts translational and policy research, and trains students and public health practitioners. 

In recent years, RIPHI’s programs have attracted local and national media attention as well as local and national awards for public health innovation. RIPHI owns and operates Open Door Health, the state’s first and only LGBTQ+ community clinic; Open Door Health provides primary care, sexual health care, family planning services, and gender affirming care to Rhode Island’s diverse community. Open Door Health also hosts the state’s only Express STI Clinic, where patients can walk in and receive timely STI screening services. RIPHI also hosts a Ryan White HIV treatment and care program at Open Door Health. 

In addition, RIPHI operates Food on the Move, one of the largest mobile produce programs in the country. RIPHI leads Nourish Rhode Island, a coalition advocating for SNAP incentives in grocery stores to promote healthy eating among SNAP recipients. RIPHI also led a statewide campaign for a sugary drinks tax in 2021. This campaign garnered over 55 earned media pieces and attracted nationwide attention. 

RIPHI leads a citywide clinical collaborative to promote COVID-19 testing and vaccination equity among the city’s largest safety net health centers. In coming years, RIPHI will also support innovations in harm reduction centers as the state legalizes harm reduction services and safe injection sites. 

RIPHI’s rapid and currently growing portfolio also includes programs related to food insecurity, nutrition and active living, hepatitis C virus (HCV), HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce HIV transmission, geographically focused health interventions, and other efforts to reduce health disparities. To learn more about RIPHI, visit www.riphi.org.

Position Summary:

Under general supervision by the Nurse Manager, and in accordance with established policies and procedures, the Medical Assistant will perform clinical and administrative tasks that reflect the age-specific needs of the geriatric, adult, and adolescent patient.  The Medical Assistant will foster patient centered, gender affirming care in accordance with the mission, vision, and values of the Rhode Island Public Health Institute and Open Door Health. 

Responsibilities:

Administrative Duties:

  • Answering patient phone calls                                   
  • Greeting patients entering for care
  • Screening for COVID-19        
  • Maintenance of waiting room cleanliness 
  • Maintaining patient records by obtaining, recording, and updating personal information
  • Scanning and processing of medical documents and patient records                      
  • Scheduling/rescheduling of patient appointments
  • Completing prior authorization requests and appeals
  • Facilitating patient referrals and coordination of care

Rooming/Patient Intake:

  • Warm welcome                                                           
  • Vital signs
  • Medication Review                                                     
  • Allergies
  • Past Medical History                                                   
  • Social History
  • Other intake elements as directed
  • Cleaning room and equipment between patient appointments

Perform Point of Care Testing as ordered:

  • EKG                                                                            
  • Height/Weight
  • Pregnancy Tests                                                         
  • HIV/HCV Orasure
  • Binax NOW COVID-19                                               
  • HbA1C
  • Other Point Of Care Tests as indicated

Laboratory Specimen Collection:

  • Phlebotomy as needed
  • Instructing patients on self-collection of urine, oral, and rectal specimen collection

General guiding principles:

  • Protects and preserves the patient’s right to privacy and confidentiality
  • Consistently applies the values of Open Door Health, providing gender affirming care and improving the health status of the Community through the provision of customer-friendly, high-value medical services.  
  • Maintains quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection control in accordance with established policies, procedures, and objectives.

Requirements:

  • Equivalent to high school graduate and completion of formal training program including phlebotomy, electrocardiogram and required current certification in the state of Rhode Island to perform all duties as described.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the lifespan with consideration of human development stages, cultural patterns, and gender identity.
  • 1+ years of related experience.  Prior experience in phlebotomy, electrocardiography, and patient interaction/assessment/vitals. 
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • BLS certification
  • Able to multi-task and meet deadlines
  • Fluent in the provision of culturally congruent services

Other:

  • Experience providing culturally congruent and affirming care to sexual and gender minorities and racial and ethnic minorities is highly desirable
  • Bi-lingual/bi-cultural Spanish or/and Portuguese is preferred

Work Type:

Full-time

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

Healthcare environment such as physicians’ offices and ancillary healthcare enterprises.  Works with medical equipment and has direct patient contact.  Any potential hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety procedures and precautions including safety equipment and protective clothing. 

Open Door Health is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage diverse candidates to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity, expression or preference, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, socio-economic status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Interested parties should send a resume and cover letter explaining qualifications and experience to [email protected].

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We Offer:

  • Primary Care
  • Gender Affirming Care
  • Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections
  • Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Preventive HIV Care
  • HIV Care and Treatment
  • Youth Services

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or call 401-648-4700

"Went there for primary care and felt comfortable talking to my doctor about things I wouldn't have talked about with former PCP. Friendly and professional."