Medical Office Assistant for Wellness and Mental Health - Mental Health America of Los Angeles

Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) has been a pioneer in mental health service, advocacy, innovation, and training for nearly a century, working to ensure that people with mental health needs achieve meaningful, healthy lives in their communities.

MHALA is among the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit mental health agencies in Los Angeles County. The agency supports over 19,000 low-income and no-income individuals annually with integrated services. MHALA achieves impact in the areas of mental and physical healthcare, homelessness and housing, supported employment, and wellness and financial services, with special programs for Veterans and transition-age youth.

MHALA also provides training programs for individuals joining the behavioral health workforce and for the larger community around mental health issues.

MHALA works to ensure that its employees are just as cared for as its members. Communication, collaboration, transparency and a healthy work/life balance are core components of the agency culture. Employees are encouraged to engage in self-care and can enjoy a 35-hour workweek.

MHALA fosters diversity at all levels of the organization. The agency promotes a team-oriented culture that offers opportunities for growth. We are proud to offer a competitive salary and full benefits package, including an employee assistance program, and generous paid time off.

Medical Office Assistant

35 hours per week / $24.00 per hour

(The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.)

Summary: Under general supervision of the Director of Wellness Services, provide administrative support to Nurse Practitioners/Psychiatrists with tasks such as scheduling, refill requests, authorizations, and required paperwork.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: This is not an exhaustive task list, and other duties may be assigned as deemed appropriate or necessary by the supervisor or program director. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to any qualified person with a medical or psychiatric disability, providing it will not change the essential nature of the position, nor cause undue hardship to the Agency’s operations. MHALA is an equal employer opportunity and service provider. The Agency will consider individuals with a criminal history.

• Responsible for scheduling member medication assessment appointments and follow-ups.
• Places reminder calls to members for medication/injection appointments.
• Keeps logs for temperature in medication room, temperature in medication fridge, and testing of AED Unit.
• Assists with triaging member medical and case management needs, and coordinates care with multi-disciplinary team.
• Facilitates virtual appointments for members from the Wellness Center office.
• Serves as point person to coordinate refill requests and prior authorizations.
• Collects member vitals and other health information as directed by prescribers, and enters that into the Electronic Health Record.
• Completes paperwork as needed including Releases of Information, consent forms, etc.
• Coordinates collection of health records from other health providers.
• Assists with lab orders as directed by prescribers including providing necessary paperwork to members, assisting members with next steps.
• Follows up with members to ensure labs were complete and a copy is provided to the prescriber and placed in the electronic health record.
• Provides medication management services including injections, and organizing medication into pill boxes as ordered by prescriber.
• Receives and tracks any report or letter requests for prescribers including from Social Security, Department of Social Services, educational institutions, medical providers, etc. in collaboration with the Director.

Position Requirements:

• High School Diploma/GED
• 1 Year Experience of medical assisting; working in the mental health field preferred
• Completion of a course of study consistent with the requirements for Medical Assistants as specified by Medical Board of California.
• Medical Terminology Certificate or equivalent experience
• Ability to read, write and comprehend medical information
• Ability to effectively present information, both verbal and written
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Driving with current class C driver’s license, proof of valid automobile insurance, and the ability to be insured by MHALA liability insurance are conditions of employment.
• TB clearance and yearly re-testing are conditions of employment
• Understanding of confidentiality, HIPAA, and other legal and ethical guidelines affecting evaluation and compliance.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle highly sensitive information with discretion.
• Ability to develop and maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures.
• Must be able to research, review, reconcile, correct and produce system data and report data.
• COVID-19 vaccination is a requirement of this position. Accommodations will be considered upon proof of a legal exemption.