Medical Assistant - Jail Correctional Medicine - Administration - 6

General Summary:
Medical Assistant (MA) role in a correctional facility, focusing on supportive clinical duties under the supervision of licensed healthcare professionals (such as nurses (RN/LVN)/Advanced practice nurses/Physicians Assistants, and Physicians).  
Essential Duties:
Key Responsibilities:
•    Vital Signs & Clinical Support:
o    Measure and record patients' vital signs including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration.
o    Prepare individuals for medical examinations and assist healthcare providers during evaluations.
o    Assist with medical procedures
o    Assist with the physical transfer to patients (such as by wheelchair, stand by assistance with people walking with canes or walkers).
o    Assist with showers, and basic hygiene if needed by a patient.
o    Draw Blood and prepare specimen for lab designated pick-up.
•    Patient Intake & Documentation:
o    Obtain basic medical histories and information about current health concerns or symptoms and document the histories in the medical record.  
o    Document findings accurately in medical records in accordance with facility policies and HIPAA regulations.
o    Assist with getting documentation from the patient’s primary care physician, hospitals, pharmacies and other health care providers, and placing records on chart. 
•    Medication Administration Support:
o    Assist in the distribution or “passing” of prescribed medications as directed and supervised by licensed nursing staff, adhering to correctional healthcare protocols.
o    Ability to given an subcutaneous / intramuscular/ subcutaneous injection.
o    Ability to administer narcan and epinephrine in an medical emergency situation. 
o    Monitor for and report any adverse reactions or patient concerns related to medications.
•    Coordination & Communication:
o    Assist with scheduling follow-up visits, offsite appointments, and coordination with other departments.
o    Communicate effectively and professionally with inmates, correctional staff, and healthcare providers.
•    Compliance & Safety:
o    Follow all facility procedures related to safety, security, infection control, and patient confidentiality.
o    Maintain awareness of surroundings and follow correctional protocols at all times.
Other Duties as assigned.

Supervision    
Received: Nurse (Registered Nurse / Licensed Vocational Nurses); Advanced Practice Nurse / Physician Assistants 
Given:  None

Education    
Required:  High School or GED AND Nurse Assistant Certificate/ Medical Assistant/ EMT – Basic/ Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or equivalent
Preferred:  EMT – Basic or Higher (Such as paramedic) or Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)

Experience    
Required: 0-1 year
Preferred: >1 year

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations    
Required: Valid Driver’s License; and Certification in the area of study
Preferred: Valid Driver’s License; and Certification in the area of study

Physical Demands    
Typical:    •    Frequent standing and walking: Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8–10 hours per shift).  
•    Lifting and moving patients or equipment: Occasionally required to lift, move, or support patients or medical equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
•    Repetitive motion: Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate medical instruments, computers, and other office equipment.
•    Bending, stooping, and reaching: Required to assist with exams, clean rooms, stock supplies, and retrieve or store items.
•    Visual acuity: Must have sufficient vision to read charts, labels, and computer screens.
•    Hearing ability: Must be able to hear and understand spoken communication from patients and other healthcare professionals, including over the phone.
•    Manual dexterity: Ability to handle medical instruments and perform tasks such as administering injections, drawing blood, and changing dressings.
•    Mobility: Must be able to quickly respond to patient needs and emergencies throughout the facility.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities    
Typical:    Knowledge:
•    Medical Terminology – Understanding terms used in medicine, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
•    Clinical Procedures – Knowledge of vital signs, injections, EKGs, phlebotomy, specimen collection.
•    Administrative Procedures – Familiarity with scheduling, medical billing, coding (ICD-10, CPT), and insurance processing.
•    HIPAA & Patient Confidentiality – Laws and regulations regarding patient privacy and medical records.
•    Basic Anatomy and Physiology – Understanding body systems and their functions.
•    Infection Control and Safety Procedures – Knowledge of sterilization, disinfection, PPE use, and OSHA guidelines.
•    Pharmacology Basics – Common medications, dosages, side effects, and administration routes.
•    Electronic Health Records (EHR) – Using systems like Epic, Cerner, or other EMRs.
•    Customer Service – Understanding patient interaction, front-desk etiquette, and conflict resolution.
•    Ethics in Healthcare – Understanding patient rights, professional boundaries, and ethical standards.
Skills:
•    Taking Vital Signs – Accurately measure blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration.
•    Venipuncture and Injections – Perform blood draws, give injections, and handle specimens.
•    Medical Charting – Document accurately and efficiently in patient records.
•    Performing EKGs – Set up and run electrocardiograms.
•    Assisting with Exams and Procedures – Set up instruments and assist physicians during procedures.
•    Scheduling and Office Management – Manage patient appointments, referrals, and front desk duties.
•    Handling Medical Billing and Coding – Enter and process insurance information and codes.
•    Use of EHR/EMR Systems – Navigate and input data into digital record systems.
•    Sterilizing Instruments – Clean and maintain clinical tools following protocols.
•    Communicating Effectively – With patients, physicians, and coworkers, both verbally and in writing.

Work Environment    
Typical: Correctional facility working with patients:
•    Brazos County Juvenile Justice Center, ages 10-17 years old, male and female patients.
•    Brazos County Detention Center, ages 18+, male and female patients.