This position will remain open until filled. Applications received prior to June 8, 2022, will receive first priority.

Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD), is looking for a Medical Assistant who has a strong interest in working with our community's youth in a detention setting. As Medical Assistants, we strive to provide the highest quality of care through a trauma-informed lens. If this type of practice speaks to your passion, then we encourage you to apply!
 
We are accepting applications to fill one full-time (40 hours/week) Career Service Medical Assistant position. This recruitment may be used to fill other shifts as openings arise.
 
Medical Assistants are responsible for clinical duties, office management, and health screening under the clinical direction of the shift Registered Nurse. Medical Assistants perform paraprofessional-level Medical Assistant - certified/registered duties in the secured perimeter at King County Juvenile Detention Facility. Youth detained at our facility are generally here due to alleged new offenses or failure to abide by court-ordered stipulations.
 
The Health Services team consists of mental health professionals, MDs, ARNPs, and RNs, as well as Medical Assistants. Detention Officers, whose roles are to provide security, also work as part of the team. If you are the type of person who enjoys working both independently and as part of a team serving a diverse group of at-risk youth, then you are the type of person we are looking for. Come join our team in a rewarding career, making a positive contribution in the lives of at-risk youth.
 
If the individual selected for this opportunity does not already possess a Medical Assistant certification, then the Department will train and submit the application to the Washington State Department of Health for registration as a Medical Assistant after hire.
 
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: 
As the only jurisdiction in the world named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.
 
We have a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all - in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from vulnerable communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.
 
To learn more, please visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity

• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary clinic team under the clinical direction of health care providers and under the supervision of a Nurse Supervisor.
• Support clinic workflows as directed by licensed independent providers and Registered Nurses to provide health services to detained youth who may have a wide variety of physical, mental health, and behavioral issues.
• Prepare patients for examination, record anthropometric measurements, observe, and report signs or symptoms.
• Prepare, clean, stock, and maintain examination, treatment, and laboratory areas.
• Perform specimen collection, including CLIA-waived testing.
• Perform initial health, drug/alcohol, and mental health screens on incoming youth, including urine screen and vital signs.
• Attend training and respond to emergency situations within the clinic, supporting health care providers and emergency personnel.
• Make referral to and communicate with Registered Nurse, other providers, and Mental Health regarding the health needs of detained youth.
• Provide Medical Assistant - registered level care and services to youth as directed by Registered Nurse, other providers, and Mental Health. This includes activities of daily life.
• Perform pre-visit planning activities and attend huddles.
• Assist with procedures and health record maintenance activities.
• Maintain inventory of medical supplies in all clinic areas.
• Maintain accurate records, charts, logs, and answer phones.
• Work closely with Detention Officers assigned to the Health Clinic who are responsible for monitoring youth housed in the infirmary and manage the flow of youth to and from the clinic.
• Monitor youth housed in the infirmary, document behavior in health record, and advise Registered Nurse and Mental Health providers of any concerns.
• Maintain confidentiality of all patient-related information.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required:

• Possess a Medical Assistant Certification (MA-C) or Medical Assistant Registered (MA-R).
• One (1) academic year of formal education at the post-secondary level at an accredited medical assisting school or the equivalent. Education shall include, but not be limited to anatomy, physiology, pharmacological principles and medication administration, concepts of asepsis, and microbiology; and,
• Adequate physical ability and sufficient manual dexterity to perform the requisite health care services.
• Proof of Current BLS CPR Certification for Healthcare Providers (Please attach if current).
• Washington State Driver's License or ability to travel within the designated territory.

• Ability to adhere to organizational and department-specific safety standards and guidelines, as well as work collaboratively and support the efforts of the team.
• Maintain confidentiality and always protect sensitive data.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and medical recordkeeping procedures.
• Clerical experience working in a medical office is a plus.
• Knowledge of asepsis and universal precautions, state and federal guidelines regarding laboratory safety, handling and/or disposing of biohazards and specimens, ability to clean clinic supplies, maintain examination/treatment rooms and laboratory areas.
• Knowledge of laboratory and clinical procedures, medical terminology, vital signs, and immunizations.
• Ability to provide clerical support, medical recordkeeping, utilize patient registries and accurately enter health information data, and use a computer proficiently.
• Ability to effectively communicate with non-English speaking clients utilizing interpreters, when necessary, and/or skilled in a language or customs that enhances service delivery to our clients; experience interviewing clients to obtain their medical, behavioral, dietary, and social history.
• Work as a team player to collaborate and solve problems with clients and co-workers.
• Understand the laws governing health care; HIPAA and the handling of confidential information with tact and discretion; understanding of Child Protective Services mandates.
• Willing to provide information and client education regarding reproductive health, emergency contraception, and pregnancy options, including abortion referral.
• Ability to set priorities, make decisions within the scope of position, seek additional information where/when necessary, analyze and evaluate situations, identify problems, and implement appropriate action/solutions.
• Ability to successfully perform a number of tasks simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work under strict time constraints on a regular basis.
• Ability to effectively deal with change, be flexible and adaptable, gather information, and try different ideas to make things work.
• Relate well with diverse personality types; treats everyone fairly and equitably.
• Able to work with a multi-disciplinary team that interacts with the public and community partners while delivering quality healthcare services to racially, ethnically, and socio­ economically diverse populations.
• Ability to talk to others with ease, listen attentively, and be receptive to what others have to say.
• Must have good attendance history.
• Desire to work with vulnerable populations who may be experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance use disorder.
• Have experience working with adolescents and high-risk populations impacted by substance abuse, mental illness, and homelessness.
• Be bilingual and/or bicultural.

Contact:  For information or questions about this opportunity please email Morgan Hermann, DAJD HR Analyst, at mhermann@kingcounty.gov. 

Who May Apply: This position is open to all qualified candidates. This posting will be used to fill all need.
 
Application Process: The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:

• An electronic application through www.kingcounty.gov/jobs or www.governmentjobs.com (use the "Apply" link) including work history and position duties.
• Responses to supplemental questions.

• The selection process may include but is not limited to: evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, interviewing, and testing. For more information on our selection process, please refer to www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/jobs/hiring.
• Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
• Staff may be required to play an active role in the event of a public health emergency, which may include changes in responsibilities, work location, and working hours.

• The selected candidate will be required to submit to a thorough background investigation.
• Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
• Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing required training on time.

• Sexual abuse in a prison, jail, lockup, community confinement facility, juvenile facility, or other institution;
• Convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, overt or implied threats of force, or coercion, or if the victim did not consent or was unable to consent or refuse; or,
• Has been civilly or administratively adjudicated to have engaged in the activity described above.

• submit proof of vaccination, or
• have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.