Health Assistant II

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Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

This position reports to the Director of Occupational Health and is under the daily supervision of the Clinical Operations Manager. The Health Assistant II provides clinical and administrative support according to coverage needs of the Harvard Occupational Health Services (OHS) department. Clinical duties include, but are not limited to, preparing examination rooms, performing phlebotomy and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-waived testing, administering immunizations, maintaining clinic flow, providing employee instruction regarding preparation of tests/procedures, preparing employee health records while ensuring confidentiality is maintained, and assisting clinicians during examinations and minor procedures. Administrative duties include assisting employees on the phone and in person, checking employees in, scheduling appointments, and other general office responsibilities, including sending out communications and routing messages to clinicians. Performs other related duties as required.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Administrative:

• As a member of the Harvard Occupational Health team, assures the safe and satisfactory care of employees.
• Opens and closes the OHS center according to written protocol.
• Demonstrates the ability to schedule appointments utilizing all functions of the appointment system.
• Knowledgeable about and able to articulate service limitations and when to refer to OHS management.
• Handles all emergency phone calls appropriately, efficiently, and according to emergency protocol.
• Appropriately sorts and distributes lab results to clinicians.
• Responds appropriately to employee requests for medical record information.
• Performs data entry.
• Performs general office responsibilities including typing and sending out letters.

Clinical:

• Sets priorities in organizing activities for the day to assure excellent care in conjunction with the clinical team.
• Demonstrates flexibility when unexpected changes in assignment occur.
• Identifies own learning needs and requests assistance from others when needed.
• Documents care provided using appropriate forms.
• Communicates to other OHS staff members and/or clinician prior to leaving unit for break or lunch periods and prior to leaving for the day in order to ensure appropriate OHS center coverage.
• Maintains adequate inventory of exam room supplies.
• Monitors expiration dates of relevant supplies.
• Maintains adequate preparation of examination rooms at the beginning and end of the day and between each employee contact.
• Completes and documents daily exam room surveillance checks.
• Demonstrates universal precautions in all care delivery.
• Demonstrates principles of medical asepsis through proper hand washing techniques, proper handling and disposal of infectious wastes, and proper handling of specimens.
• Adheres to policy and procedure regarding handling and processing of all specimens.
• Provides employee instruction regarding preparation of tests/procedures.
• Carries out proper procedure for reporting faulty equipment.
• Communicates abnormal findings/changes in employee status to appropriate OHS staff members and/or clinician.
• Maintains current CPR recertification.
• Administers immunizations. 

Compliance:

• Demonstrates the ability to obtain and document accurate vital signs including temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate.
• Accurately performs and documents audiometric screening, spirometry screening, and visual acuity testing.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skill necessary to perform CLIA-waived testing. 
• Adheres to the expectations and professional responsibilities of the department.
• Employs the standards, practices, and procedures of the department.
• Completes and complies with OHS training requirements including HIPAA Privacy and Security.
• Reports non-compliance incidents to the Clinical Operations Manager and/or Director of Occupational Health.

Working Conditions:

• Potential exposure to biohazards. May be required to wear uniforms and/or personal protective equipment (PPE).
• May be required to work outside of regular hours in emergency situations.
• Schedule is: Monday-Friday 7:30am to 3:30pm

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion
• Ability to stand for extended periods

Basic Qualifications:

• Graduate of medical assistant program
• Two years of clinical service experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Administrative experience in an occupational health environment
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• Knowledge of Electronic Medical Records system 
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Good judgment, ability to identify and set priorities, multi-task, and work well with deadlines
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Willingness to learn new skills and to work as part of a team in a newly developed environment
• Bilingual skills preferred

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Healthcare Sanctions

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Work Format Details

This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. 

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 052. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.