Health Center Assistant

Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM) has a simple mission: Care. No Matter What. PPLM has been a leader in promoting sexual health for more than 90 years and we strongly believe that all people deserve care no matter who they are, where they live, or who they love. As the state’s leading provider of sexual and reproductive health services, we educate families and empower youth to make responsible choices. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.

With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions.

Position Summary:

While prioritizing excellent customer service, the Health Center Assistant (HCA) provides day-to-day interactions and patient care within the health center. Functions in a variety of roles including the following: medical assisting, laboratory assisting, reception, patient information and support, as well as general administrative support of the site. Works closely with all health center staff.

Responsibilities:

Direct Patient Care

• Provides empathetic and appropriate professional care to each patient. Understands and abides by HIPAA (Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act) standards.
• Responds positively to directives or requests by management team, physicians, mid-level clinicians or nurses to ensure high quality and efficient patient care. Works cooperatively with all staff to achieve patient satisfaction and health center efficiency goals.
• Takes accurate vital signs and medical history.
• Educates and provides information to patients to aide in securing informed consent for medical services offered per medical protocols.
• Assists in GYN and/or Abortion procedures to provide clinician and/or patient support.
• Assists the nursing staff in the recovery room.
• Accurately records information in electronic patient medical records, logs, and databases.
• Cleans and stocks health center in accordance with protocols, standards, and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) regulations.

Laboratory/Specimen management

• Performs waived and moderately complex lab testing.
• Handles medical waste and prepares specimens in accordance with protocol for disposal and/or federal and government guidelines, and law enforcement agencies collecting evidence.
• Maintains accurate lab data as required.
• Wears appropriate personal protective equipment to prevent biohazard exposure.

Administrative duties

• Reception – accurately and securely handles daily cash reconciliation, properly handles the dispensing of contraceptives for patient pick-up. May provide daily reconciliation data to the Finance Department as required.
• Communicates professionally and accurately about services, payment, and appointment scheduling, as required. Provides paperwork to patients and secures payment and insurance information as needed for billing purposes. Provides patients with access to nurses and midlevel clinicians for triage as needed. Secures translation services when necessary.
• Manages patient information according to HIPAA regulations.
• Accurately accounts for hours worked by using the timecard system.
• Accurately and dependably uses the barcode system to account for health center and office inventory.
• As CSHCA (centralized services Health Care Assistant) monitors all electronic medical record system buckets with associated work, prioritizes task management appropriately by importance, and completes urgent tasks same day as received and non-urgent tasks within 72 hours (about 3 days) in accordance with PPLM’s Follow-up System.
• Efficiently utilizes all available tools and guides related to CSHCA work and maintains acceptable quality standards.
• Participation in PPLM’s efforts to achieve goals for productivity.
• Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED required; Medical Assistant Certificate Preferred
• Bilingual preferred
• Ability to relate well to a wide range of patients and respond appropriately to their emotional and physical needs
• Ability to maintain courteous manner during stressful periods
• Interest in sexual health and ability to learn and follow protocols, to communicate information efficiently and effectively
• Ability to handle detailed work with precision and accuracy
• Familiarity with computer databases
• Ability to work with a team
• Ability to lift 30lbs and have sufficient stamina to move efficiently throughout the health center for 90% of scheduled shift.
• Must be able to bend and reach for stocking inventory and supplies in procedure/exam rooms and respond to patient care needs.
• Must have oral, auditory, and visual ability to ensure solid patient communication.
• Must have the ability to respond to a variety of situations efficiently and effectively.
• Schedule requirements may include daytime, evenings, and some Saturdays.
• Depending on the location travel may be required.

What We Offer

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Generous paid time off including vacation time, provisions for extended sick time and 11 paid holidays
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% company match
• Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account for medical expenses and/or dependent care expenses
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Discounts

Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory work environment and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Planned Parenthood is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.