Job Description

The Health Assistant II provides outstanding healthcare and patient service. Serves as the primary contact with patients including, greeting patients on the phone and in person, routing messages, making appointments, collecting co-pays, registering patients, and managing patient flow. Administrative duties also include maintaining the referral database, assisting with correspondence, developing and printing reports, and maintaining files. Clinical duties include assisting with specimen collection and readying examination rooms, assisting clinicians in carrying out tests, and providing support and instructions to patients. Performs other related duties as required.

Administrative

• Follows standard work when opening and closing the clinic
• Collects and records payments for insurance co-payments
• Efficiently books appointments utilizing all functions of the appointment system
• Knows which questions to ask to appropriately book appointments for a multitude of specialties
• Understands the insurance limitations and refers patients to member services for accurate information
• Manages emergency phone calls according to protocol
• Maintains current Heart Saver certification
• Knows which questions to ask to successfully transfer calls, interrupt the physician, or take a message
• Use proper phone etiquette to avoid blind transfers to others
• Assists patients in making appointments for testing done outside HUHS
• Accurately assesses, sorts, and distributes lab results to clinicians
• Maintains patient privacy, confidentiality, and a safe patient environment
• Properly handles patient requests for medical record and x-ray information

Clinical

• Handles specimens correctly using two patient identifiers and assures proper labeling of specimens
• Understands principles of infection control and maintains universal precautions at all times
• Utilizes full knowledge of instrument handling, cleaning, and sterilization
• Assists during minor surgeries in surgical specialties, dermatology, urology, and OB/GYN
• Assists clinicians during patient exams by helping patients prepare for their examination, chaperoning, and assisting when necessary
• Maintains exam room supplies assuring expiration dates are monitored and supply is adequate
• Demonstrates proper technique and adherence to safety protocols when performing venipuncture for blood collection, ensuring patient comfort and accurate specimen labeling.

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.
• Demonstrates proper technique and adherence to safety protocols when performing venipuncture for blood collection.

Age-specific Competencies

Provides care to the adolescent through utilization of the following:

1. Supplements explanations with reasons for “why?”
2. Encourages questions regarding fears.
3. Allows adolescent to maintain control.
4. Realizes there may be resistance.
5. Provides privacy.

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

1. Recognizes anxiety regarding potential chances in lifestyle resulting from illness.
2. Provides education based on learning needs.

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

1. Speaks distinctly due to loss of ability to discriminate sounds.
2. Slows pace of explanation due to slowed cognitive functioning.
3. Focuses objectives directly in line of vision due to decreased visual acuity.
4. Maintains a safe environment based upon physical and psychological functions

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.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Graduate of medical 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

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Credit, Certification/License, Motor Vehicle Record, Drug Test, DOT Physical, CORI, Employment, Prohibited Parties, Not Applicable

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Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 052. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.