Health Assistant II

26-Mar-2024

University Health Services

65287BR

Job Summary

The Health Assistant II provides clinical and administrative support according to coverage needs. Clinical duties include, but are not limited to preparing examination rooms, performing EKGs and waived testing, maintaining patient flow, providing patient instruction regarding preparation of tests/procedures, preparing medical records ensuring that confidentiality is maintained, and assisting clinicians during examinations and minor procedures. Administrative duties include assisting patients on the phone and in person, checking patients in and collecting copays, scheduling appointments (including outside tests), and other general office responsibilities, including sending out letters and routing messages to clinicians. Performs other related duties as required. 

• As a member of the clinical care team, assures the safe and satisfactory care of patients. 
• Opens and closes the clinic according to written protocol. 
• Collects and records all payments including insurance co-payments, inoculations, fee for service, and medical equipment. 
• Demonstrates the ability to schedule patient appointments utilizing all functions of the appointment system. 
• Completes all the necessary information in scheduling patient appointments.  
• Knowledgeable about and able to articulate insurance limitations to patients understanding when to refer patients to Member Services. 
• Handles all emergency phone calls appropriately, efficiently, and according to emergency protocol.  
• Schedules outside tests for patients. 
• Appropriately sorts and distributes lab results to clinicians. 
• Responds appropriately to patient requests for medical record information. 
• Performs data entry. 
• Performs general office responsibilities including typing and sending out letters. 
• Assists patients by providing directions, escorting, transporting and ensuring their comfort and safety. 

Position Description

CLINICAL: 

• Sets priorities in organizing activities for the day to assure excellent patient care in conjunction with the clinical team and group leader. 
• Demonstrates flexibility when unexpected changes in assignment occur. 
• Identifies own learning needs and requests assistance from others when needed. 
• Documents care provided using appropriate forms. 
• Communicates to other staff members/group leader and/or clinician prior to leaving unit for break or lunch periods and prior to leaving for the day in order to ensure appropriate unit coverage. 
• Maintains adequate inventory of exam room supplies. 
• Monitors expiration dates of relevant supplies. 
• Maintains adequate preparation of examination rooms at the beginning and end of the day and between each patient contact. 
• Completes and documents daily exam room surveillance checks. 
• Demonstrates the ability to identify and respond to potential life threatening situations during telephone encounters. 
• Demonstrates universal precautions in all care delivery. 
• Demonstrates principles of medical asepsis through proper hand washing techniques, proper handling and disposal of infectious wastes, and proper handling of specimens.  
• Adheres to policy and procedure regarding handling and processing of all specimens. 
• Assists clinicians with pelvic examinations and pap smears. 
• Provides patient instruction regarding preparation of tests/procedures. 
• Carries out proper procedure for reporting faulty equipment.  
• Monitors PPI insuring nothing is viewed by patients or unauthorized personnel. 
• Communicates abnormal findings/changes in patient status to appropriate team member. 
• Maintains current CPR recertification. 

COMPETENCIES: 

• Demonstrates the ability to obtain and document accurate vital signs including temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate.  
• As requested, accurately performs and documents postural vital signs. 
• Accurately performs and documents visual acuity testing. 
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill necessary to perform waived testing. Demonstrates the ability to fit patients with canes or crutches and instruct them in the correct use of these devices. 
• Demonstrates the ability to set up an oxygen delivery system.  
• Demonstrates the ability to set up nebulizer equipment. 
• Demonstrates the ability to perform and document pulse oximetry. 
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize a negative PPD skin test result. 

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES: 

Provides care to the adolescent through utilization of the following: 

Provides care to the adult patient through utilization of the following: 

Provides care to the geriatric patient through utilization of the following when appropriate: 

COMPLIANCE: 

• Adheres to the expectations and professional responsibilities of the department.  
• Employs the standards, practices, and procedures of the department.  
• Completes and complies with HUHS training requirements including HIPAA Privacy and Security.  
• Reports non-compliance incidents to the supervisor, manager, and/or Compliance Officer. 

Basic Qualifications

• Graduate of medical and/or nursing assistant program 
• Two years of patient service experience 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Administrative experience in a healthcare environment 
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications 
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills 
• Good judgment, ability to identify and set priorities, multi-task, and work well with deadlines 
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion 
• Willingness to learn new skills and to work as part of a team in a changing environment 
• Bilingual skills preferred 

Certificates and Licenses

Medical and/or Nursing Assistant program

Physical Requirements

All Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) staff and staff affiliates are considered Health Care Workers and as a condition of employment must provide documentation of the following:  

• Letter of good health from your personal health care provider.  
• TB skin test (within past 3 months) or, if known skin test positive, documentation of previous chest x-ray, information about any past treatment.  
• Documentation of immunity (positive antibody titers) for Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella.  
• Proof of appropriate past immunization for Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella. 
• Hepatitis B vaccine series – required for staff with possible exposure to blood or blood borne pathogens.  
• A current Flu vaccine (this season) and Covid vaccines to include the Primary series and Bivalent Booster.  

The required medical documentation/medical clearances can often be obtained by contacting your Pediatrician, PCP, medical provider. Titers, TB Skin testing can be performed by appointment at Occupational Health facilities. 

HUHS continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff and students, as well as the wider community. Being up to date with COVID vaccination, annual flu vaccination and other required medical vaccinations and documentation are required as a condition of employment at HUHS. You may claim exemption from the vaccine requirements for medical or religious reasons. 

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting 
• Travel may be required 

Additional Information

• Harvard University requires a pre-employment reference and background screening.  
• Harvard University is unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship. 
• This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.  

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

About Us

Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) is a campus-based health care organization devoted exclusively to members of the Harvard community. Our work includes multi-specialty ambulatory medical care, behavioral and mental health services, and campus public health. HUHS also manages two self-funded health insurance plans, the Harvard University Group Health Plan (HUGHP, for university employees and dependents) and the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP, for students and dependents). 

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

403049 Health Assistant II

Department

Internal Medicine

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Identity

Schedule

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 8.75 hours each day

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University Health Services is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace in which all employees feel valued and have a sense of belonging. These principles are integral to our work and are at the core of who we are. We actively seek applicants with demonstrated commitment and/or experience promoting and fostering a working and learning environment that is supportive of individuals from diverse backgrounds. We welcome, respect, and embrace individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, abilities, beliefs, and values. 

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.