Maternal Health (Certified) Medical Assistant and Patient Navigator - Mobile Health Unit - Full Time

Job Description Summary:

The Moses/Weitzman Health System is a global leader addressing challenges faced by organizations caring for the poor and diverse populations, and is home to programs focusing on education, research, and process improvement support for safety net providers. The system delivers primary care to more than 150,000 patients in Connecticut, and extends access to specialty care for more than 2\.5 million individuals across the U.S. It is a national accrediting body for organizations training advanced practice providers, and offers accredited education and training for Medical Assistants in multiple states. As an incubator for new ideas in areas including social justice, the environment, and social determinants of health, the MWHS is addressing challenges faced by providers caring for underserved communities, creating innovative and impactful initiatives led by nationally and internationally recognized experts. As it forges pathways into the future of primary care, the MWHS honors Lillian Reba Moses (1924\-2012\), a granddaughter of slaves, and Gerard (Gerry) Weitzman (1938\-1999\), whose ancestors escaped pogroms in Eastern Europe. Their vision and commitment to justice and equity in healthcare is the foundation upon which the Moses/Weitzman Health System was built.

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JOB SUMMARY

The Maternal Health Patient Navigator assists individuals who are pregnant, postpartum, or pre\-conception in enrollment, linkage and retention in medical, behavioral health and oral health services as needed. This role combines patient navigation with clinical support to a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) delivering care on the Maternal Mobile Health Unit in Windham County, CT. This role provides support for individuals enrolled in the program through advocacy, care coordination, resource identification, clinical assistance and routine monitoring. This role prioritizes eliminating barriers to care and ensuring consistent, individualized patient education and follow\-up, particularly in community\-based and mobile care settings.

The general responsibilities include but are not limited to medical assistant support to CNM, eligibility screening for services, assistance in making referrals to community resources, education on healthcare interventions, medication adherence assistance, and linkage to a variety of health and social services both internal and external to CHCI. The Maternal Health Navigator must adhere to the Community Health Center, Inc. policy and procedures of exhibiting professional skills in all contacts and ensuring that all activities are in support of the company’s mission statement and policies.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Certified Nurse Midwife during patient visits on the Mobile Health Unit (MHU)
• Perform basic clinical tasks including obtaining vital signs, patient histories, and documentation in the electronic health record.
• Prepare patients for exams and assist with procedures as needed.
• Support specimen collection, handling and documentation.
• Conduct and maintain outreach to develop a network of community partners consistent with the needs of the patients being served.
• Work with the CKP Outreach Coordinator to develop and implement a strategic outreach plan which includes education to patients, potential patients and community providers about services offered at CHCI and specifically within the Maternal Health Program.
• Support specimen collection, handling and documentation.
• Ensure exam areas are clean, stocked and prepared according to infection control standards.
• Document all patient interactions, services, and care coordination activities accurately and timely.
• Become knowledgeable of all internal/external programs related to maternal health in addition to external referral sources like OB offices, gynecology specialists, labor and delivery services, and urgent care.
• Utilize the PREPARE screening tool to address social determinants of health and appropriate resources for patients.
• Use appropriate education to raise awareness about services, programs and interventions available to patients on a regular basis.
• Coordinate services for participants of the program including care, education, appointment scheduling, and patient assistance program.
• Active participation in staff meetings, interdisciplinary team meetings, training, and supervisory sessions as required by direct supervisor.
• Dissemination of information to community stakeholders regarding available services and how patients can access them.
• Act as a liaison for patients with their referral network including medical, dental, and BH providers within CHCI and those providers who are external to CHCI.
• Facilitate patient feedback specific to the services provided by the maternal health program and ensure that the voice of the patient is always an influence in care planning and the direction of future services.
• Monitor, update and address all telephone encounters in electronic health records which reflect the status of each meeting with the patient.
• Identify resources and utilize problem\- solving techniques in the elimination of barriers to care for patients.
• Assist patients in applying for Public Assistance as appropriate.
• Actively participate in all QI projects and microsystems of the MH team.
• Work with CNM and CKP team to ensure maternal mobile health unit is adequately stocked with supplies.
• Special assignments, projects, and other duties as assigned by direct supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of a Medical Assistant course from an
accredited school
• Medical Assistant certification (AAMA, NHA)/registration (AMT) Required
• Maturity, flexibility, compassion, and the ability to work well with vulnerable populations.
• Understanding of and ability to access community resources.
• Work experience in healthcare settings, and community resources experience.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written, as well as excellent interpersonal skills and organizational skills.
• Preferred experience in providing crisis intervention, coordination of services, advocacy and community outreach in working with individuals and families.
• Excellent PC skills with experience in Microsoft Office Suites.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle.
• Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) understanding a plus.
• Knowledge of HIPAA, and other state and federal regulations governing healthcare practices.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position supports a maternal mobile health unit that is parked at various locations in Windham County. Some work will be out of a CHC van or personal vehicle as well at identified community partner organizations. At times there will be exposure to the elements. Travel time by foot or automobile is required.

Organization Information:

Location:

Community Health Center of MiddletownCity:

MiddletownState:

ConnecticutTime Type:

Full time