Medical Assistant

Job Title: Medical Assistant (Med-Tech)Job Summary:

Under the general supervision of a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), the Medical Assistant (Med-Tech) will distribute medications to assigned juveniles/cadets on a set schedule, observe individual juveniles/cadets ingesting their medications, and read Purified Protein Derivative (PPD) tests in a timely manner. The Med-Tech will also assist the LVN in packaging medications, quality assurance of the detention center and boot camp facilities, and executing monthly or quarterly audits.

Responsibilities:

• Distribute medications to assigned juveniles/cadets on a set schedule.
• Observe individual juveniles/cadets ingesting their medications.
• Read PPD tests in a timely manner.
• Assist the LVN in packaging medications.
• Assist the LVN in quality assurance of the detention center and boot camp facilities.
• Execute monthly or quarterly audits.
• Document time, place, any observations, reactions or complaints, and report any issues immediately to the LVN or appropriate supervisor.
• Document juvenile/cadets refusal to take medication.
• Watch for contradictions or drug reactions and begin emergency precaution/process and contact LVN immediately.
• Keep inventory of all pharmaceuticals, including OTC's, and notify LVN before supplies become depleted.
• Keep all medication areas locked and secured at all times.
• Check each medication or supply area to assure security before the beginning of each shift.
• Rotate stock of supplies so that nearest expiration date is used first.
• Keep running order of supplies needed and submit to LVN on a timely basis.
• Assist LVN in monthly inventory of prescription medication or as they are being depleted.
• Read PPD's of all juveniles/cadets/staff that is tested in a timely manner.
• Receive orders from LVN of juveniles/cadets/staff whose PPD's must be read on each day, if the LVN is not available to conduct such readings.
• Read PPD's according to normal procedure for reading.
• Chart juvenile/cadets/staff name, number, date, results of PPD according to established policy and procedure.
• Notify LVN or stand-by doctor of potential problems (if unusual large reading, signs or symptoms of active case).
• Active involvement with Quality Assurance audits as assigned by the LVN.
• Complete audit forms according to directions.
• Submit forms to appropriate personnel.
• Verify if any medications need to be retrieved from pharmacy.
• Normal office functions such as filing, copying, making new medication forms, completing routine reports.
• Have phone contact with nurse, if necessary.
• Maintains conduct consistent with standards expected of Cameron County employees as specified in the Cameron County Operations Employee Handbook and that of the Cameron County Juvenile Probation Department.
• Must comply by all TJJD standards and Code of Ethics requirements.
• Responsible for reporting any and all suspected cases of abuse or unprofessional conduct on the part of another employee, to include supervisors.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Employment is contingent upon state, local and/or grant availability.
• Adhere to the Department's, County's and TJJD's policy & procedures and ethical standards.
• As a Cameron County employee, the identity of every juvenile/cadet shall be kept confidential, except to the extent necessary to carry out for the purpose of an investigation, hearing or judicial proceeding.
• Employees of Cameron County may be required to work during any natural disaster or emergency.
• Any and all other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor, Deputy Director(s), or Chief JPO.
• Implements available treatment plans, corrective disciplinary strategies and effective treatment intervention programs. Ensures that residents are aware of and understand their responsibilities and appropriate behaviors.
• Observe and document resident's behavior.
• Provide individual and crisis coping techniques.
• Maintain communication with other staff to ensure continuity of care.
• Provide oversight and participate in committees and special projects.
• Use Verbal De-escalation techniques to maintain control of situations.
• Adhere, maintain, and comply with professional conduct and ethical behavior consistent with the standards and policies and procedures expected by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), TJJD, Cameron County, and Cameron County Juvenile Justice Department (CCJJD) at all time, both on duty and off duty.
• Adhere and comply with all PREA standards and will follow zero tolerance towards all forms of sexual abuse and sexual harassment.
• Adhere and comply with all TJJD standards to include Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (ANE) standards and cooperate with all ANE investigations.
• Adhere and comply CCJJD's and Cameron County's policies and procedures and know how to keep abreast of any changes to said policies and procedures, including maintaining an effective safety program as established by Cameron County.
• Abide by all federal, state, and local laws; the nature of our profession requires being a good role model and setting a good example at all times.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Employment is contingent upon federal, state, local and/or grants availability.
• CCJJD is an At-Will employer; the department has the right to terminate your employment for any legal reason, or no reason, at any time either with or without notice.
• Perform any and all other duties as assigned by the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer and/or designee to include reassignment which is in the best interest of the department.

Requirements:

• Current Texas Driver's License and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Must have an automobile and current automobile insurance.
• Must be over twenty-one (21) years of age (for state certification requirements).
• High school diploma or GED.
• State certification as Medical Assistant (Med-Tech).
• Minimum of one (1) year experience working as a medication aide.
• Ability to communicate effectively (reading, writing and understanding) in English; Spanish is preferred.
• Basic computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Able to submit to a drug urinalysis pre-screening exam and pass a criminal background check. If the candidate for employment does have a criminal record, it must be cleared through the requirements as set forth by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
• CPR and First Aid certified.

Skills:

• Skills in giving medications and ensuring juvenile/cadet compliance with regimen.
• Skills in documenting medication observations in juvenile/cadets files.
• Skills in reading PPD's or ability to learn to read PPD's, if LVN is not available.
• Communication skills, both oral and writing.
• Ability to chart observations in files.
• Skills in handling reactions to medications.
• Ability to work with multicultural people.
• Ability to work with hostile juveniles.
• Knowledge of the importance of maintaining juvenile/cadet confidentiality.
• Knowledge of universal health precautions.
• First Aid and CPR skills.
• Skills in the use of office machines and computers.
• Working knowledge of inventory procedures.
• To adhere to facility rules and regulations set forth by the Facility Administrators.
• Must be able to work weekends, shift work, split shifts and holidays.
• Willing to attend accredited courses as instructed by supervisor.
• Must establish and maintain satisfactory working relationships with fellow employees and the general public.

Knowledge:

• Policies, practices, procedures and legal terminology related to court system.
• Applicable Juvenile Justice System standards and procedures.
• Standard practices in area of assignment.
• General knowledge of providing trauma-informed care, establishing appropriate relationships, and social adjustment.
• Safety and security techniques and standards.
• Physical restraint techniques to prevent self-injury or injury to others, serious property damage or escapes.

Ability:

• Required to work a rotating schedule in order to meet the needs of the program, which may include double shifts (16+ hours) to include weekends and holidays.
• Work efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
• Reason and make judgments and decisions.
• Maintain resident and program confidentiality.
• Deal effectively with mentally disturbed, hostile and aggressive individuals.
• Manage time well, perform multiple tasks, and organize diverse activities.
• Submit written documentation clearly, accurately, and impartially.
• Perform effectively and courteously in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other county employees and officials, representatives of the juvenile justice system and the general public.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

Work Environment:

• Tobacco free environment.
• Absolutely no electronic devices or cell phones allowed in the facility while either on/off shift.
• Moderate travel with little or no notice (emergency transport) requiring additional hours after scheduled shift and/or overnight stays may be required for transports or training.
• Subject to contact with communicable diseases, hazardous waste, human fecal manner and foul odors.
• Must be able to work in high noise level environment.
• At no time, will the review or use of social media be allowed while on duty, and/or on County provided electronic equipment, except in limited situations where such activity is work related and is authorized by the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer or designee.

Physical Demands:

• Physical requirements include the ability to life/carry up to 50-100 pounds, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and basic office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, and squatting to perform essential functions.
• Subject to stressful environment and resident contact for extended periods of time.
• When back-up emergency response is needed, must be able to run to the requested location.

Work Uniforms:

• If visible tattoos, sleeves or cover ups must be worn.
• Sets the example regarding personal appearance with regards to hair being neatly trimmed and combed and tied back daily or in a bun (women).
• Only jewelry allowed is a watch, wedding band and stud earrings for females. Necklaces may be worn inside your county issued shirt. No piercing on face area including tongue or exposed body area are allowed. Nails should be short and only up to point of fingers. Nails should not be long enough to be caught/snagged on clothing of staff or residents. Nails should not be pointed or sharp edge. No fake nails or gems/rhinestones on nails.

This is not a Civil Service covered position.

AA/EEO/MFD EMPLOYER

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