San Ysidro Health·Julian, California
Provides clinical and administrative support to Behavioral Health providers, including patient screening, vital signs measurement, and treatment room preparation. Manages patient scheduling, medical documentation in EHR, and coordinates care across psychiatry, therapy, and addiction medicine specialties.
Under direct supervision and within established scope of practice, assists the Behavioral Health Providers with examinations, treatments, and special procedures of patients as directed by San Ysidro Health policies and procedures in a clinic setting. This position is a blend of clinical and administrative duties that range from answering telephones, greeting patients and explaining behavioral health procedures/services. Position encompasses assistance amongst different Behavioral Health specialties which include: Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance Use Disorder/Addiction Medicine. Essential Functions of the Job: Completes chart preparation and huddles with Provider to effectively plan for scheduled patients. Performs routine clerical functions as assigned (i.e. data entry, answering, screening, and directing phone calls as needed and scheduling appointments). Screenings include: PHQ9, GAD7, DAST, AUDIT, and others as needed. Completes outreach utilizing recall lists and implements standing protocols to address care gaps. Interviews patients, measures vital signs, and verifying other pertinent information as required by specific clinic/program. Documents pertinent patient information, procedures and patient responses in patients' EHR, following established SYHealth guidelines and maintaining patient confidentiality. Documentation expectations include: In person interactions as well as phone interactions. Prepares treatment rooms and patients for examination. Applies principles of aseptic technique and infection control as directed by the Infection Control policy and procedures. Handles inventories and orders and replenishes medical supplies and materials throughout the day as needed. Performs point of care testing, including but not limited to urine tests. Maintains medication log/inventory for controlled substances prescribed to patients. For specialty BH Service, prepares exam rooms and patients for examination and assists provider during examinations as directed. For specialty BH Services, cleans and stocks exam rooms appropriately throughout various times of the day: start of the day after each patient, before leaving for lunch, at the end of the day, and as needed. Assist Behavioral Health Provider in monitoring patients in waiting room, and assist with coordination of care. Answers, screens and directs phone calls into department as needed. Appropriately schedule and/or reschedule patients’ follow-up/consult appointments according to Providers’ recommendations. Conducts follow-up phone calls to patients who “no show” to appointment and sends missed appointment letters if unable to reach them. Manages appointment wait list and promote timely access to care. Assist with triaging walk-in patients before they are seen by the BH Provider. Assists with all Behavioral Health patient referrals (i.e. in-house, outpatients, etc.). Provide medication reconciliation as needed. Provides information, education and support to patients and their families regarding behavioral health services. Serve as liaison between patients, their families and SYHealth’s BH clinical staff. Facilitates scheduling of translation services when needed to optimize patient care. Participates and responds, when assigned to clinical emergency codes. Additional
Provides coverage at all sites as needed within the clinic and various other SYHealth’s clinics. Provides coverage for Psychology providers (3 providers to 1 MA), Psychiatry providers (1:1 ratio), and Substance Use Disorder/Addition Medicine providers (1:1 ratio). Assists in requesting, documenting and following up with record requests for BH specific purposes. Documents and keeps accurate charting of patient care given as required by the department and SYHealth. Assist with TARs and Prior Authorizations as needed. Facilitate patient access to appropriate behavioral, medical and/or specialty providers. Performs inhalation treatments, EKG, visual testing, and audiometric testing. Prepares and administers immunizations and medications (oral and injections) as directed by physician order and in accordance to SYHealth policy and procedure.
Requires a high school diploma or GED and completion of a Medical Assistant course of study consistent with Medical Board of California requirements. Candidates must be BLS certified, bilingual in English and Spanish, Tagalog, or Arabic, and have at least one year of experience as a medical assistant.
Market context
In California, behavioral-health roles tied to substance use disorder counseling and case management are typically supported by ongoing community and treatment-program demand. These positions are competitive because employers often look for a high school diploma, at least 2 years of SUD counseling or case management experience, and current Registered or Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor status. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit and note that professional development and paid continuing education are listed as benefits.
