Under the supervision of Mental Health Team Supervisor or Program Coordinator, provides paraprofessional clinic services to children and adults with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders. Collects patient health histories, takes and records vital signs, performs patient risk assessments, and verifies consumer income information. Assists team nurse(s) with medication set-up, completes insurance pre-authorizations for medications, and responds to consumer phone calls. Provides administrative/clerical support to assigned department/team.
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Conducts intake interviews with uninsured and under-insured clients.
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Assists eligible clients in the application process for patient assistance programs for medication.
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Explains and assists consumers in signing release of information forms, substance abuse contract forms, and other needed CMH forms.
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Prepares appeal letters for qualified consumers who are denied patient assistance program eligibility when special circumstances apply.
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Assists registered nurse with medication set-ups and dispenses samples or prescribed medications to consumers as ordered by physicians to maintain or avoid interruption of medication regimens.
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Obtains prior authorizations for services from Medicare and Medicaid when required.
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Prepares client medical files for scheduled appointments, verifies continuing eligibility for services, and updates payment information for coordination of benefits. Maintains and updates consumers' medical records per agency standards.
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Codes and enters clinic service data to the case information management system.
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Meets with representatives of pharmaceutical companies to obtain information regarding availability of reduced price and free prescription medication programs, new and reformulated existing medications, samples, and manufacturers' discount coupons.
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Manages and maintains the inventory control system for sample medications.
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Provides health education, medication, and lifestyle counseling to clients.
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Answers routine questions regarding Community Mental Health of Ottawa County.
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Takes vital signs, including accurate measurement of blood pressure, pulse, height, and weight.
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Assists assigned program/team with scheduling, meeting minutes, patient reminder calls, and other duties as assigned.
Graduation and certification from an accredited medical assistant program. Lived experiences with mental illness, or substance use disorders are valued.
Licenses and Certifications:
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Medical Assistant Certification.
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CPR and First Aid Certifications.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
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Working knowledge of Medicaid, Medicare, Title X, Michigan Department of Community Health and CMH rules, regulations, and standards.
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Working knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
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Working knowledge of health/prescription insurance industry business practices.
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Knowledge and interest in mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders.
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Working knowledge of Medicaid manual.
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Good working knowledge of medical terminology and clinical procedures.
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Good working knowledge of quality assurance and quality control practices and protocols.
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Knowledge of customer service principles and practices.
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Good interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
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Thorough knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements governing the confidentiality of patient health information, including the provisions of HIPAA.
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Knowledge of cultural and ethnic groups represented in Ottawa County and cultural norms affecting health maintenance and health care.
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Thorough working knowledge of professional and ethical practice standards. Basic computer literacy, including knowledge of word processing, spread sheets and database management applications software.
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Knowledge of health care and other community resources available to client populations.
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Good working knowledge of case documentation standard and requirements.
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances, and devices to increase mobility.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed in a normal office environment or in community settings such as consumers’ homes, schools, etc., with possible exposure to a variety of disease agents and to bloodborne pathogens.
Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.