The First Impressions Specialist’s duties include presenting the optimal initial interface of Healing Arts with the public, as well as ensuring organizational effectiveness and excellent patient care.

SCOPE

The  First Impressions Specialist is a temporary contract position that reports to the Nurse Practitioner/President primarily and the Advisor/Vice President in the President’s absence.  The position is responsible for providing reception services, telephone answering and front office services, and facility management to Healing Arts Community Health Center of Blanco & Canyon Lake, LLC. As a temporary contract position the hours will depend on the contractor’s availability and the business’ need. As the business progresses, this position may become full time and/or permanent.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Skills and Experience

The candidate must demonstrate the following qualifications:

• Office administration
• Excellent interpersonal skills demonstrating compassion & congeniality
• Analytical and problem solving skills.
• Decision making skills.
• Effective verbal and listening communication.
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Effective written communication.
• Computer skills, including spreadsheet, word processing programs, and e-mail, at a highly proficient level.
• Ability to manage time and complete multiple activities and projects within given time frames.
• Handling of payments via cash, check and credit cards
• A track record of working cooperatively with staff and clientele.
• Experience in using and maintaining office equipment including telephone systems, copiers, scanners, printers, and fax machines.
• Ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously.
• Minimum typing speed of 50wpm.

Personal Attributes

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Honesty and trustworthiness.
• Respect for others.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Flexibility and acceptance of change.
• Sound work ethics.
• Willingness to learn.
• Value and model a healthy lifestyle.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Office operations/Reception

• Open and close clinic.
• Check messages, respond to messages, refer messages to appropriate provider.
• Answer phone and direct calls appropriately.
• Schedule patients in Mac Practice in accordance with optimal patient and provider flow.
• Greet the public.
• Get all appropriate forms filled out by clients before patient sees provider.
• Maintain office records in MacPractice, SpringCharts, Office and appropriate manuals.
• Keep filing systems organized and current.
• Follow office procedures regarding financial accounting/invoicing.
• Ensure protection and security of files and records.
• Anticipate needed supplies.
• Verify receipt of supply.
• Be knowledgeable regarding office policies, procedures and equipment.
• File lab reports and test and referral results in SpringCharts.
• Maintain supply inventories and order supplies as indicated.
• Call back patients as directed.
• Light cleaning as necessary to maintain positive environment.
• Identify opportunities for business growth in a project format and develop the project with approval of the President and Advisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Demands

The First Impressions Specialist will spend long hours sitting and using office equipment and computers, which can cause muscle strain. The FIS will also have to do some lifting of supplies and materials from time to time.

Environmental Conditions

The FIS is located in a busy, open area office and is faced with constant interruptions.  The FIS must communicate with others on a regular basis.

Sensory Demands

The FIS must also spend long hours on the computer entering information which requires attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.

Mental Demands

There are a number of deadlines associated with this position that may cause significant stress. The incumbent must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues.  The FIS will need to prioritize tasks based on importance to the mission of the practice.

Background checks will be conducted prior to hiring.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine examine a group of symptoms that, when looked at together, form a diagnosis. It is rare to treat any symptom as though it is the only part of the body needing attention. With a diagnosis of this type, a treatment plan can be made that will help not only the acute symptoms of pain, but also the root cause of the problem. Addressing the root cause prevents additional manifestations of the problems. The tissues can be repaired more quickly, made stronger, more flexible, and will be less likely to sustain damage in the future. Typically, treatment would consist of clearing the channel of blockages, releasing the muscles, realigning the joints, or addressing the organ or injury with acupuncture, heat treatments and sometimes bodywork and herbal remedies.

A person with back pain may think that because he/she bent over too far to pick up something heavy, they strained their back, and therefore have pain. An examination would reveal whether there is weakness in the back muscles or ligaments; whether there is an issue in the organs that is leading to a weakness; or possibly why the person bent over to pick up something too heavy instead of asking for help. What else is going on- is there insomnia, digestive disturbance, pain in other areas, is there dampness or cold involved? In other words, all of the person’s symptoms will be looked at, not just the ones that pertain directly to the back.

Western Medicine may approach a person from a symptomatic relief perspective or optimally as a physical, psychological, social and spiritual being. A practitioner’s approach depends on their training, beliefs, treatment setting and preferences. Western Medicine utilizes a method to rule out severe or life threatening problems and to determine the likely or certain cause of the problem. This diagnostic process involves getting general and specific information from the patient. The information provided by the patient, family or other support systems is key to the diagnostic process. After or while obtaining a medical history, a Western practitioner will conduct a physical exam and order any tests deemed necessary.

For instance, if a person with back pain had a recent fall or other risk of bone injury, an X-ray may be ordered. A urine test can evaluate if bladder or kidney problems may be causing the pain. Treatment may involve medication, lifestyle recommendations, and referrals. A person with muscular related back pain may have exercises or physical therapy recommended to strengthen the muscles and relieve spasm. Medications may prescribed to address problems of pain, spasm, inflammation and/or infection.

Persons seeking an integrative approach may utilize traditional Western therapies and Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as other alternative treatments such as herbal remedies and nutritional therapies, yoga, massage, or chiropractic care. A person suffering with back pain could take medication, get acupuncture, get a massage and/or get chiropractic care for immediate symptom relief. Long term treatment could incorporate physical therapy, yoga, as well as continuing acupuncture, massage and/or chiropractic. When seeking treatment for a health issue, be sure to inform your provider of treatments you are receiving from various practitioners. Eastern and Western therapies can work together successfully to provide excellent results.

Margaret Boswell & Charlotte Widick