Medical Assistant (MA) | Behavioral Health & Mental Health | Per Diem
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Department: Behavioral Intake Unit (BIU)
Employment Type: Per Diem / Flex | Non-Exempt
Shift: Day Shift | 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Schedule: Based on Department Staffing Needs
Availability: Must Be Available to Pick Up Shifts Weekly
Work Setting: 100% Onsite
Overview
The Behavioral Wellness Center is seeking an experienced, dependable, and motivated Medical Assistant (MA) to join our Behavioral Intake Unit (BIU) in Philadelphia.
Our Behavioral Intake Unit serves individuals seeking admission into behavioral health, mental health, psychiatric, and substance use treatment programs. The team supports patient admissions, clinical screenings, patient monitoring, and coordination of care in a structured healthcare environment.
As a Medical Assistant, you will provide direct patient support, assist with medical and behavioral health intake assessments, obtain vital signs, monitor patient conditions, and maintain accurate clinical documentation while working alongside nursing and behavioral health professionals.
This opportunity is well suited for individuals with experience in Medical Assisting, Psychiatric Care, Behavioral Health, Mental Health Services, Patient Intake, Clinical Support, or Direct Patient Care.
Important Scheduling Information: This is a Per Diem / Flex position working 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Candidates must be available to pick up shifts on a weekly basis, depending on department staffing needs. Weekly hours are not guaranteed.
Responsibilities
Greet and assist patients throughout the behavioral health intake and admission process
Conduct patient intake interviews and collect, verify, and document medical and personal information
Assist with initial behavioral health assessments and mental health screenings
Measure and record vital signs, including blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration
Monitor patients awaiting admission and report changes in behavior or medical condition
Provide direct patient observation and line-of-sight monitoring when required
Assist with patient belongings inventory and admission preparation
Maintain accurate patient records and documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR)
Provide supportive communication and assistance to patients during the intake process
Assist with patient education and orientation to treatment programs
Coordinate patient care and admissions with nurses, physicians, clinical staff, and behavioral health professionals
Complete patient follow-up and outreach activities as assigned
Support administrative duties, including phone calls, emails, faxing, and medical record management
Maintain medical supplies, equipment, and cleanliness of assigned work areas
Follow infection control, patient safety, HIPAA, and organizational policies
Qualifications
Education & Experience
High School Diploma or GED required
Minimum of two years of direct clinical experience in a behavioral health or psychiatric setting required
Current Medical Assistant (MA) certification required; an associate's degree or higher in Nursing, Mental Health, Human Services, Social Services, or a related field may be considered in place of MA certification
Current CPR/BLS certification required
Experience in behavioral health, mental health, psychiatric care, patient intake, or clinical support preferred
Knowledge of patient intake procedures, vital signs, and clinical documentation
Familiarity with Electronic Health Records (EHR/EMR) and healthcare computer systems
Knowledge of Pennsylvania WITS preferred
Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Ability to maintain professionalism and respond appropriately to challenging patient situations
Ability to work independently and collaborate with a multidisciplinary healthcare team
Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient confidentiality
Bilingual English and Spanish skills preferred
Must be available to work 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM and pick up shifts weekly based on staffing needs
Work Environment
This is a fully onsite Medical Assistant position within the Behavioral Intake Unit, supporting individuals entering behavioral health, psychiatric, mental health, and substance use treatment programs.
The position involves direct patient interaction, clinical screenings, vital signs, patient monitoring, electronic documentation, and collaboration with nursing and behavioral health professionals.
Employees must be able to respond appropriately to behavioral health concerns, maintain professional boundaries, and follow established patient safety and infection control procedures.
Mandatory Orientation
All new hires must attend a mandatory five-day orientation, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, before beginning their regular work schedule. Attendance for all five days is required.
Pre-Employment and Workplace Policy
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre-employment requirements, including a physical examination, background check, employment verification, and drug screening.
The Behavioral Wellness Center is a Drug Free Workplace. All employees are expected to comply with organizational policies, professional standards, confidentiality requirements, and applicable healthcare regulations.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Behavioral Wellness Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
