The Health Assistant II provides outstanding healthcare and patient service. Serves as the primary contact with patients including, greeting patients on the phone and in person, routing messages, making appointments, collecting co-pays, registering patients, and managing patient flow. Administrative duties also include maintaining the referral database, assisting with correspondence, developing and printing reports, and maintaining files. Clinical duties include assisting with specimen collection and readying examination rooms, assisting clinicians in carrying out tests, and providing support and instructions to patients. Performs other related duties as required.
Position Description
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
ADMINISTRATIVE:
Follows standard work when opening and closing the clinic
Collects and records payments for insurance co-payments
Efficiently books appointments utilizing all functions of the appointment system
Knows which questions to ask to appropriately book appointments for a multitude of specialties
Understands the insurance limitations and refers patients to member services for accurate information
Manages emergency phone calls according to protocol
Maintains current Heart Saver certification
Knows which questions to ask to successfully transfer calls, interrupt the physician, or take a message
Use proper phone etiquette to avoid blind transfers to others
Assists patients in making appointments for testing done outside HUHS
Accurately assesses, sorts, and distributes lab results to clinicians
Maintains patient privacy, confidentiality, and a safe patient environment
Properly handles patient requests for medical record and x-ray information
CLINICAL:
Handles specimens correctly using two patient identifiers and assures proper labeling of specimens
Understands principles of infection control and maintains universal precautions at all times
Utilizes full knowledge of instrument handling, cleaning, and sterilization Assists during minor surgeries in surgical specialties, dermatology, urology, and OB/GYN
Assists clinicians during patient exams by helping patients prepare for their examination, chaperoning, and assisting when necessary
Maintains exam room supplies assuring expiration dates are monitored and supply is adequat
AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:
Provides care to the adolescent through utilization of the following:
a. Supplements explanations with reasons for "why?"
b. Encourages questions regarding fears.
c. Allows adolescent to maintain control.
d. Realizes there may be resistance.
e. Provides privacy.
Provides care to the adult patient through utilization of the following:
a. Recognizes anxiety regarding potential chances in lifestyle resulting from illness.
b. Provides education based on learning needs.
Provides care to the geriatric patient through utilization of the following when appropriate:
a. Speaks distinctly due to loss of ability to discriminate sounds.
b. Slows pace of explanation due to slowed cognitive functioning.
c. Focuses objectives directly in line of vision due to decreased visual acuity.
d. Maintains a safe environment based upon physical and psychological functions
COMPLIANCE:
Adheres to the expectations and professional responsibilities of the department.
Employs the standards, practices, and procedures of the department.
Completes and complies with HUHS training requirements including HIPAA Privacy and Security.
Reports non-compliance incidents to the supervisor, manager, and/or Compliance Officer.
Basic Qualifications
Graduate of medical and/or nursing assistant program
Two years of patient service experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Administrative experience in a healthcare environment
Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
Good judgment, ability to identify and set priorities, multi-task, and work well with deadlines
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
Willingness to learn new skills and to work as part of a team in a changing environment
Bilingual skills preferred
Working Conditions
Medical or Nursing Assistant program certificate
About Us
Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) is a campus-based health care organization devoted exclusively to members of the Harvard community. Our work includes multi-specialty ambulatory medical care, behavioral and mental health services, and campus public health. HUHS also manages two self-funded health insurance plans, the Harvard University Group Health Plan (HUGHP, for university employees and dependents) and the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP, for students and dependents).
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: 403049 Health Assistant II
Job Function: Health Care
Work Format: On-Site
Sub Unit: ------------
Salary Grade: 052
Department: Medical Specialties
Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Time Status: Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening: Criminal, Identity
Schedule: Schedule: Monday - Friday: 7 hours each day Total: 35 hours per week
Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University Health Services is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace in which all employees feel valued and have a sense of belonging. These principles are integral to our work and are at the core of who we are. We actively seek applicants with demonstrated commitment and/or experience promoting and fostering a working and learning environment that is supportive of individuals from diverse backgrounds. We welcome, respect, and embrace individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, abilities, beliefs, and values.
EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
