Job Abstract

Salary Range: $21.11-$30.44 per hour

SUMMARY

The Outpatient Care Services within the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health is looking for a Staff Assistant I (SA I) to join the Outpatient Clinics to provide support to the Supervising Mental Health Psychiatrist (SMHP) who provides oversight to the medical staff in an assigned outpatient clinic. The SA I will report to the SMHP and is responsible for performing administrative duties to support the needs of the Supervising Mental Health Psychiatrist and the medical staff in general.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides overall administrative support for the Supervising Mental Health Psychiatrist and their medical team. This medical team includes subordinate psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, nurses, psychiatric technicians, and advanced practice pharmacists. In addition, this may include trainees (e.g., psychiatry residents and fellows).
• Assist in maintaining supportive relationships with clients and clinic staff located at site.
• Maintain accurate calendar of SMHP including client appointments, professional meetings, and changes to calendar.
• May communicate directly with clients for scheduling, rescheduling, and confirming appointments for the medical team.
• Support client needs by contacting pharmacies to ensure timely and accurate prescription refills and may assist client regarding share of cost or co pays.
• Prepare memos, reports and email correspondence of SMHP to ensure timely communication across Department and within clinic. Ensure effective communication of organizational mission, vision, and values in all written and oral correspondence.
• Assess needs of SMHP including but not limited to developing, implementing and coordinating the daily operational functions of the clinic as it relates to SMHPs role in client care.
• Conduct needs assessment with Supervising Mental Health Psychiatrist on clinic constraints necessitating additional functional supports.
• Provide support for ad hoc projects within the clinic.
• Review records and information from various electronic health record systems to review and document treatment, maintain accurate billing information, and update changes to client information.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Attend team meetings and client appointments to support in timely record-keeping, billing, and administrative follow-up needs.
• Participate in performance/quality improvement (PI/QI) activities and contributes to policy development and document clinic protocols and workflows, as needed.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with professionals at all levels within the department.
• 2 -5 years of administrative experience in a medical or behavioral health environment.
• Expertise in maintaining effective verbal and written communication.
• Display an organizational style with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information with tact and diplomacy, congruent with HIPPA policies, and deep understanding of the sensitive nature of mental health issues.
• Participate in cultivating a safe and supportive environment.
• Ability to work well autonomously and within a team context with a proactive and solution-oriented attitude.
• Strong proficiency with electronic health records systems, information management programs, Microsoft Office, and other programs.

Education/Experience

One year's experience in either (1) a staff capacity analyzing and making recommendations for the solution of problems of organization, procedure, program, budget or personnel, or (2) a highly responsible secretarial capacity, or (3) a responsible supervisory clerical capacity.

Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Experience working with insurance verification desired.

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
• Successful clearing through the Live Scan process with the County of Los Angeles

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand: Frequently

Walk: Frequently

Sit: Frequently

Handling: Frequently

Reach Outward: Occasionally

Reach Above Shoulder: Frequently

Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally

Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs

Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs

See: Constantly

Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable

Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions

Occasionally = (0 - 2 hrs/day)

Frequently = (2 - 5 hrs/day)

Constantly = (5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

General Office Setting, Indoors Temperature Controlled