GPW Health Center Inc·Salem, Virginia
The Behavioral Health Medical Assistant provides coordinated psychiatric care, manages provider schedules, and handles administrative tasks within Electronic Health Records. Key duties include administering injections, translating for patients, and coordinating logistic support for the department.
The Psychiatric Medical Assistant (PMA) provides coordinated care to a variety of BH patients who are receiving psychiatric services. The PMA is a team-oriented individual who is empathic, with competent observational, clinical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills to meet patient needs and contribute to a positive patient care experience and work environment. The PMA helps with administrative aspects of patient care, including but not limited to maintaining patient documents in the Electronic Health Records. This position will manage the psychiatric team’s schedule to maximize efficiency and productivity and will collaborate with fellow team members to ensure effective patient care delivery and achievement of desired outcomes.
Qualifications, Education, and Experience
1. Medical Assistant Diploma and Certification
2. One to two years of education and/or experience working with adults, children and or adolescents struggling with emotional disorders and/or mental illness.
3. Certified in medical translation or two to three years of experience translating in a medical office
4. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite programs and Electronic Medical Records
1. Ensures all paperwork before, during, and after the patient’s visit is correctly handled and filed to enable proper billing.
2. Manages BH provider’s schedule to ensure department productivity.
3. Coordinates all logistic support within department, including supplies and equipment.
4. Accurately translates to facilitate medical provider/patient communication when appropriate.
5. Administers injections, such as long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs), as directed by a medical provider and in accordance with GPW protocols.
6. Maintains accurate knowledge of all procedures offered and components of the Medial Assistant’s role. Participates in all staff training regarding new procedures and services.
7. Monitors patient flow and assists the medical providers in assuring that all patient records and documents are properly and accurately completed, entered into the electronic medical records system, and accessible at time of visit; including but not limited to closing lab notes, retrieving and incorporating hospital/ER records to the electronic medical records system.
8. Coordinates retrieval of faxes and timely completion of prior authorizations (PA) for psychotropic medications.
9. Receives and places necessary telephone calls consistent with professional matters, clinical business (e.g. pharmacy matters), and patient care. Follows up on these calls promptly and directs calls to the appropriate personnel when necessary.
10. Participates in appropriate health promotion/disease prevention activities and outreach efforts, both on-site and off-site as required.
11. As directed by a supervisor, performs other related and/or necessary tasks to achieve organizational and programmatic goals and objectives.
Candidates must hold a Medical Assistant Diploma/Certificate and have 1-2 years of experience working with individuals struggling with mental illness. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, EMR systems, and medical translation certification or experience is required.
Market context
Support-services roles in Virginia are often tied to steady staffing needs in clinics, hospitals, and other care settings, especially when teams need dependable help with patient flow and day-to-day operations. This role is competitive because it asks for a high school diploma, three years of clinical experience, current AHA BLS, and a recognized Medical Assistant Certification, while offering medical, dental, vision, retirement savings, and paid time off. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your certification status and clinical experience match before applying.