Medical Assistant - Behavioral Health; Temporary

Medical Assistant - Behavioral Health (Temporary)

Join to apply for the Medical Assistant - Behavioral Health (Temporary) role at Neighborhood Healthcare
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The Medical Assistant will schedule and coordinate patient and follow‑up care for patients in the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), Telepsychiatry, and Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) programs. This role will obtain required authorization and eligibility information for patients referring to behavioral health programs. Please note, this is a temporary full‑time position with an anticipated end date in September 2026.

• Secures and communicates patients referrals and authorizations to providers
• Schedules and communicates appointment information to patients and/or families
• Follows up with patients and providers to ensure appointments were kept
• Obtains and documents the consultation and progress reports from providers, radiologists, and other medical professionals in patient medical records
• Provides MAT pre‑intake assessments to determine appropriate fit for the program
• Documents MAT group attendance, random urinary drug screens, and film/pill counts
• Completes SDoH assessments, referrals, and linkages and track information/outcomes in patient medical records
• Follows Telepsychiatry for primary care site policy/procedures and coordinate on‑site patient care with telepsychiatry providers at other sites
• Documents all actions taken in patient medical records in accordance with current clinic, DHS, and health plan regulations/guidelines
• Discuss all aspects of the referral process as prescribed by providers with patients, including counseling the patient regarding the cost of a referral, as needed
• Communicates with patients in person, by telephone, and/or by mail
• Acts as liaison between patients, clinic/providers, specialty care providers, health plans/funding sources, and community resources
• Attends staff and other required meetings and training courses
• Verifies insurance eligibilities, submits treatment authorizations, and provides coverage for front office staff, as needed
• Participates in quality improvement activities
• Documents all care coordination, services, and/or patient education in medical records
• Initiates and processes incident reports according to documentation guidelines
• Prioritizes activities according to intensity, need, and required follow‑up
• Provides accurate and timely reports to supervisor and site staff, as needed
• Responds promptly and with caring actions to patients and employees
• Maintains professional working relationships with all levels of staff, clients, and the public
• Cooperates in accomplishing department goals and objectives

• High school diploma or GED required
• Valid Medical Assistant certificate from an accredited program required
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required upon hire and must be maintained as a condition of employment

• Familiarity with medical procedures and terminology
• Proficiency with electronic health records system experience preferred
• Intermediate computer and data entry skills
• Must use sound judgment to anticipate needs of patients and providers
• Flexibility with changing priorities and time sensitive deadlines
• Use emotional and cultural intelligence to provide appropriate communication and patient care
• Exemplify compassion to patients and team members
• Bilingual English/Spanish, English/Farsi, or English/Arabic preferred
• Ability to successfully manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently
• Ability to work with highly confidential information in a professional and ethical manner

• Ability to lift/carry 15 lbs/weight
• Ability to stand for long periods of time

$24.95 - $34.93 per hour, depending on experience

The posted salary range reflects the designated pay grade for this position. While this range represents the broader classification of the role, actual compensation will be based on several factors, including but not limited to: the candidate’s overall knowledge, skills, and experience, market data and industry benchmarks, internal equity within the organization, Budgetary considerations and organizational needs. As a result, placement within the range is not guaranteed, and the full pay grade range may not be utilized.

• Entry level

• Full‑time

• Health Care Provider

• Hospitals and Health Care

Location:

Escondido, CA