Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: A0008 / Clinical Assistant
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Grade: 06

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

Provides day-to-day staff, logistical, and administrative assistance to a medical clinic, hospital unit, or clinical trials program. Triages patients and schedules appointments; screens and refers phone calls, and communicates and interacts with patients; provides clerical, word processing, and staff support to the unit, and assists with clinical and/or laboratory procedures as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Receives, screens, interviews, and registers patients or clinical research subjects; takes and records vital signs, as appropriate to clinic operations; may assist with routine medical procedures, as appropriate to training and/or certification.
  2. Answers telephone inquiries from patients and others; screens calls to determine nature and urgency of inquiry, refers calls as appropriate, and/or schedules appointments with practitioners; instructs patients as needed regarding administrative and/or logistical procedures.
  3. Obtains patient histories, and insurance approvals as appropriate; prepares and updates medical charts and associated records, and enters patient data into files and automated databases.
  4. Arranges for prescribed laboratory tests, specialist referrals, and/or diagnostic procedures; orders, and may transport, drugs and/or other prescribed patient care aids as directed; performs or assists in the performance of basic clinical and/or laboratory procedures, as appropriate to the activities of the unit.
  5. Collects, verifies, records, and maintains data on clinical activity and/or research; prepares associated reports as required.
  6. Orders and maintains inventories of supplies, as required to support day-to-day unit clinical and administrative operations.
  7. Provides day-to-day staff support for the unit, to include preparing documents and reports, providing office services, scheduling and facilitating meetings and travel arrangements, and/or providing dictation or transcription services.
  8. Obtains and verifies patient billing information, as appropriate to the activities of the unit; processes patient accounts, and maintains records.
  9. Assists in maintaining the cleanliness and serviceability of unit facilities and equipment; arranges for maintenance and repair as needed.
  10. May supervise student employees, volunteers and/or interns; may lead lower-graded staff.
  11. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED; at least 1 year of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control.
  • Knowledge of planning and scheduling techniques.
  • Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
  • Knowledge of clinical operations and procedures.
  • Records maintenance skills.
  • Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
  • Knowledge of patient registration procedures and documentation.
  • Knowledge of medical terminology.
  • Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements.
  • Ability to lead and train assigned staff.
  • Ability to perform basic patient assessments and referrals.
  • Knowledge of patient care charts and patient histories.
  • Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
  • Ability to interact and communicate with people over the telephone, often in stressful situations.
  • Knowledge of medical billing procedures.
  • Clerical, word processing, and/or office skills.
  • Knowledge of clinical facilities and equipment.
  • Receptionist skills.

Conditions of Employment

  • UNM will provide Hepatitis vaccination, candidate may decline vaccination through declination form or may provide record of vaccination from previous employer.
  • All regular, non-temporary positions assigned to this classification are represented by a labor union and subject to the terms and conditions of the CWA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
  • Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
  • Annual TB testing may be required if working in a patient care area.
  • Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

  • Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
  • Light physical effort. Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking. Effort applies to no more than two (2) hours per day.
  • Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 05/02/2021