Program: VAHS Primary Care Clinic
Job Status: Casual
Union Status: BCGEU Collective Agreement
Location: 449 East Hastings St. Vancouver, BC V6A 1P5

Starting Wage: $23.00 – $25.00/hour
* subject to increase, pending new BCGEU Collective Agreement

Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS) is a not-for-profit organization located in the Downtown Eastside community for over 30 years. VAHS programs are designed by and for urban Aboriginal people to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Our services include a Primary Care Clinic, a Dental Clinic, a cultural team of Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous Early Years programs.

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The Medical Office Assistant (MOA) is an integral part of the VAHS interdisciplinary primary care team. They work to establish and maintain positive, engaging relationships with urban Indigenous community members who access holistic, wrap-around care. The MOA supports access to, and experience of, health services and programs that are culturally safe, trauma-informed, and person-centered. MOA duties include keeping electronic records up to date and working collaboratively, in an interdisciplinary team, to support VAHS Primary Care Clinic operations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Greet and check-in community members accessing primary care and cultural wellness services
  • Establish and maintain culturally safe, respectful relationships with community members
  • Scan, forward, and file documents in the electronic medical record (OSCAR)
  • Photocopy, print labels, and type memos or letters as required
  • Manage inquiries from pharmacies, laboratories, various hospital departments, and patients
  • Receive, distribute, and send faxes, email, and mail
  • Arrange records release requests
  • Respond to general and service-specific inquiries, in person and over the phone
  • Contact patients to arrange visits with care providers; assist with informing patients of specialist appointments, preparation for tests or medical procedures, and services such as referrals, transportation, outreach, etc.
  • Circulate lab results to appropriate care providers
  • Restock and clean exam rooms; monitor expiry dates of medication and supplies; manage and prepare sterilized instruments
  • Perform rapid urinary tests; ensure lab requisitions are completed and sent to facilities
  • Support the Intake Worker and perform other related duties, as directed by operational needs

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Graduation from a Medical Office Assistant program
  • 2+ years of experience working as an MOA in a community-based primary health care setting
  • Previous experience working with diverse populations and marginalized communities
  • Committed to equity, cultural safety, and reconciliation in health care
  • Highly motivated with a strong work ethic
  • Experience with urine testing and taking vital signs such as blood pressure, height, and weight

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Comprehensive knowledge of health care disciplines and their role in patient care
  • Knowledge of Indigenous cultural safety principles
  • Working knowledge of local community resources and services
  • Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with patients and their families, colleagues, and community partners, both one-on-one and in groups
  • Strong administrative and computer skills, including scanning, faxing, linking documents, and telephone/switchboard use
  • Able to multitask in complex, fast-paced environments; can establish workload priorities and adjust to unexpected situations
  • Excellent organization, planning, and critical thinking skills
  • Able to deal with a variety of situations requiring initiative, creativity, and professional judgment
  • Demonstrated listening and information seeking skills that promote healthy communication and lead to a cooperative, multi-disciplinary approach to problem solving
  • Able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team-based model of care
  • Demonstrated conflict resolution, consultation, and leadership skills
  • Working knowledge of medical terminology
  • Able to operate related equipment, including applicable software applications
  • Physically able to perform the duties of the position

VAHS encourages all people with relevant professional, grassroots, education, and/or lived experience to apply, even if they do not meet all of the points listed. We look for people who are committed to ongoing learning and development, and we will train the successful candidate.

We strongly encourage people from under-represented communities to apply, including but not limited to: Indigenous, Black, and people of colour; disabled people; and 2SLGBTQIA+ people of all genders. In alignment with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) applicants are preferred. In your cover letter, please self-identify at your comfort level.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application or questions about this posting to: [email protected]
ATTN: Jennifer Anderson, Clinic Operations Supervisor
Email Subject Line: Casual MOA Application

Closing Date: Open until filled

All VAHS job applications require a resume and a cover letter; please submit both in PDF format. Successful candidates will be required to complete a vulnerable sector Criminal Record Check.

VAHS thanks all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The information in this job posting is subject to change, consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the BCGEU Collective Agreement and applicable statutes.