Medical Assistant I- Adult Psychiatry

Massachusetts General Hospital
United States, Massachusetts, Boston
15 Parkman Street (Show on map)
May 21, 2025
Drawing on a broad understanding of Hospital practices and policies and displaying a high degree of initiative and independent judgment, the outpatient psychiatry MA will help to care for patients by assisting clinicians with daily clinical tasks such as providing patient education, responding to patient requests, helping with prescriptions, and facilitating communications between patients, providers, and outside agencies. The incumbent will work in tandem with a team of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners and psychologists, receive general direction from the Medical Director and Practice Manager. The MA will support patient care in 2 main outpatient practices: geriatric psychiatry and the Center for OCD and Related Disorders. The role is part-time (20 hrs. per week) but there is an opportunity to combine it with another part-time MA position currently posted in child outpatient psychiatry to create a full-time position. Applicants should have interest in mental health and basic knowledge of common psychiatric conditions and medications with two years of clinical experience as an MA. Observes, reports, and records pertinent patient information in accordance with the hospital standards in a timely manner in the EMR. Assists prescribers by obtaining prior authorizations for psychiatric medications, accomplished by extracting clinical information from the patient chart and coordinating with the care team. Performs outreach to outside entities (e.g., pharmacy, visiting nurse agency) to facilitate care. Aids intervisit EMR communications between clinicians and patients. Administers psychiatric assessment tools (e.g., Columbia suicide severity rating scale) as requested by practice clinicians Assists prescribers in queuing up prescription refills. Provides health education and shares resources with patients. Collects vital signs and weights for a subset of clinic patients as needed. Reviews medication list with patients to queue up for physician Follows up with patients who miss appointments, documents relevant information in EMR and communicates any pertinent safety or medical information with identified providers. Respects and supports patient and family's cultural beliefs and values, individual needs, health goals and treatment preferences. Helps to standardize procedures and effectively troubleshoots and resolves issues as they arise. Makes recommendations to supervisors, administrator and/or clinician director for improvements. Actively engages in creating a healthy, respectful work environment Precepts and mentors new members of the team as needed. Performs necessary quality assurance. Maintains and updates clinical knowledge and skills based on current nursing practice. Adheres to departmental requirements for required training. Identifies specific learning needs and goals and collaborates with leadership in developing a plan to meet them. Meets regularly with supervising provider concerning clinical care, issues, activities, and the status of projects. Performs all other duties or special projects that are practice specific, and that are appropriate to this level of position. Skills Required: Psychiatric experience - preferred. BLS Certification - preferred Epic experience-preferred Excellent written and verbal communication skills Education Requirement Minimum Required: High school diploma, GED or equivalent Certificate : Please specify Some college or Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree Doctoral Degree None required Preferred: High school diploma, GED or equivalent Certificate : Please specify Some college or Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree Doctoral Degree Field of Study/Additional Specialized Training: Psychiatry or mental health Equivalent Experience - please document if educational requirements can be met through equivalent experience: Not Applicable Experience Preferred: 2 Years work experience in medical setting, ideally outpatient Psychiatric or mental health experience preferred although not required if strong outpatient experience Working Conditions Outpatient Mental Health Clinic in a large urban hospital. Option for hybrid work. The information contained in this document is intended to describe the general contents and requirements of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all duties, responsibilities or skills of individuals so classified. The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.