Health Assistant I Jobs

• Assists providers in obtaining prior authorizations for prescriptions.
• As a member of the clinical care team, assures the safe and satisfactory care of patients.
• Communicates to other staff members/group leader and/or clinician prior to leaving unit for break or lunch periods and prior to leaving for the day in order to ensure appropriate unit coverage.
• Carries out proper procedure for reporting faulty equipment.
• Demonstrates universal precautions in all care delivery.
• Successfully runs cash reconciliation reports and completes end of day/shift reconciliation as needed.
• Identifies own learning needs and requests assistance from others when needed.
• Documents care provided to patients using appropriate forms.
• Knowledgeably articulates insurance limitations to patients.
• Demonstrates flexibility when unexpected changes in assignment occur.
• Prepares medical records ensuring that confidentiality is maintained.
• Sets priorities in organizing activities for the day.
• Collects and records all payments including insurance co-payments, inoculations, fee for service, and medical equipment.
• Performs transcription and other general office responsibilities including typing and sending out letters.
• Schedules patient appointments utilizing all functions of the appointment system.
• Opens and closes the clinic according to written protocol.
• Completes all the necessary information in scheduling patient appointments.
• Responds appropriately to patient requests for medical record information.
• Demonstrates the ability to identify and respond to potential life threatening situations during telephone encounters.
• Schedules outside tests for patients and obtains prior authorization as needed.
• Performs data entry.
• Handles all emergency phone calls appropriately, efficiently, and according to emergency protocol.
• Assists patients by providing directions, escorting, transporting, and ensuring their comfort and safety.

PROFESSIONAL/TEAM WORKPLACE ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Performs related duties as required.
• Works collaboratively with all members of the health care team.
• Utilizes time productively.
• Provides coverage to other areas as necessary.
• Maintains professional conduct and appearance.
• Adheres to regulatory guidelines (e.g., DPH, OSHA).
• Is reliable and dependable in coming to work.
• Demonstrates respect in all interpersonal interactions.
• Is punctual and prepared for duties at start of shift.
• Demonstrates caring and willingness to help in all interactions.
• Is flexible and responsive to the needs of the clinic and department in regard to work schedule.
• Performs all personal business away from patients and all work areas.
• Adheres to departmental and unit specific policies, procedures, guidelines and protocols.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Plans for time off in advance and according to clinic policy.
• Cooperates and complies with goals/projects of clinic and department.
• Provides proper notification for absences or tardiness.
• Identifies own learning needs and requests assistance from others when needed.
• Attends staff meetings and educational offerings required by the department.
• Participates in orientation of new staff members.

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

Provides care to the adolescent through utilization of the following:

• Provides privacy.
• Allows adolescent to maintain control.
• Realizes there may be resistance.
• Encourages questions regarding fears.
• Supplements explanations with reasons for “why?”

Provides care to the adult patient through utilization of the following:

• Provides education based on learning needs.
• Recognizes anxiety regarding potential chances in lifestyle resulting from illness.

Provides care to the geriatric patient through utilization of the following:

• Speaks distinctly due to loss of ability to discriminate sounds.
• Maintains a safe environment based upon physical and psychological function.
• Slows pace of explanation due to slowed cognitive functioning.

COMPLIANCE:

• Completes and complies with HUHS training requirements including HIPAA Privacy and Security.
• Adheres to the expectations and professional responsibilities of the department.
• Reports non-compliance incidents to the supervisor, manager, and/or Compliance Officer.
• Employs the standards, practices, and procedures of the department.

• One to two years of previous secretarial/administrative assistant experience.
• Education beyond high school.

• Bilingual skills.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Good judgment, ability to identify and set priorities, multi-task, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Health care/patient service experience.
• Graduate of a business/secretarial school or Medical Assistant program.
• Experience working with an electronic medical record.
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Proven strong verbal and written communication skills, along with the ability to problem solve and handle confidential information with discretion.

• Computer use for extended periods of time
• Using near vision for reading
• Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion
• Sitting and standing for extended periods of time

All Harvard University Health Services staff and staff affiliates are considered Health Care Workers and as a condition of employment must provide documentation of the following:

• Hepatitis B vaccine series – required for staff with possible exposure to blood or blood borne pathogens.
• Documentation of immunity (positive antibody titers) for Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella.
• TB skin test (within past 3 months) or, if known skin test positive, documentation of previous chest x-ray, information about any past treatment.
• Proof of appropriate past immunization for Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella.
• Letter of good health from your personal health care provider.
• A current Flu vaccine (this season) and Covid vaccines to include the Primary series and Bivalent Booster.

The required medical documentation/medical clearances can often be obtained by contacting your Pediatrician, PCP, medical provider. Titers, TB Skin testing can be performed by appointment at Occupational Health facilities.

Harvard continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff and students, as well as the wider community. Information and details can be found via Harvard’s Coronavirus Workplace Policies website: https://hr.harvard.edu/corona-virus-workplace-policies.
The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.

Please note:

• Harvard University is unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.
• Harvard University requires a pre-employment reference and background screening.
• This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.

• 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.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• 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.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.