Certified Medical Assistant

Clare Foundation, Inc.•Santa Monica, CA

15h•$24 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

CLARE|MATRIX is a nonprofit organization providing effective and compassionate treatment, recovery, and prevention services for alcoholism and substance use to individuals, families, and the community. Headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, CLARE|MATRIX maintains multiple facilities in the Southern California region. Since 1970, CLARE|MATRIX has provided quality substance use and mental health treatment to individuals in treatment for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in Southern California. Under the supervision of a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or registered nurse, and with limited latitude for independent judgement and decision-making, the Certified Medical Assistant ("CMA") provides essential clinical and administrative support to the nursing and medical team in a 24-hour residential substance use disorder (SUD) rehabilitation and recovery setting. The CMA assists with direct participant care, performs clinical procedures within the authorized scope of practice under California law, administers medications as prescribed, and supports the overall health and safety of participants. The CMA ensures all clinical tasks are performed safely, accurately, and in full compliance with all applicable legal, regulatory, and organizational requirements.

Requirements

Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant training program is required.
Must obtain and maintain current First Aid and CPR certification.
Must complete a health screening and TB test in accordance with requirements.
Must meet all additional requirements mandated by applicable state or local regulations governing Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment services, including any background check requirements applicable to residential treatment settings.
May be required to transport participants between program sites, partner locations, or medical services.
Working knowledge of medication administration principles, medication safety, and infection control.
Understanding of Substance Use Disorders (SUD), recovery principles, and the behavioral health needs of individuals in a residential treatment setting.
Familiarity with applicable state and federal regulations governing medication administration in a licensed residential facility.
Demonstrate proficiency in clinical procedures authorized under California law for medical assistants, including vital signs, specimen collection, point-of-care testing, and medication administration as directed.
Strong organizational, observation, verbal, and written documentation skills.
Ability to accurately document clinical services in an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
Ability to communicate effectively with nursing, medical, and clinical staff in a fast-paced residential environment.
Maintain professionalism, appropriate boundaries, cultural responsiveness, and adherence to ethical and legal standards governing medical assisting.
Work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and contribute positively to a multidisciplinary team environment.
Exhibits emotional maturity, resilience, and the interpersonal skills required to engage respectfully and effectively with individuals in recovery in a 24-hour residential environment.
Continuously required to talk and hear.
Continuously required to sit, stand, walk, and use their hands and fingers to handle or feel.
Regularly required to reach with arms and hands overhead or below the waist, and may be required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.
Occasionally required to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds.
Vision abilities required for this job include close vision.
Must be able to perform all physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
All employees who have or may have contact with participants, or who work in food preparation, are required to complete a Health Screening Report or Health Questionnaire as part of onboarding.
The Health Screening Report must be completed and signed by a licensed medical practitioner to confirm the employee’s ability to safely perform the essential functions of the position.
All employees will also complete a confidential self-report health questionnaire in accordance with ADA/FEHA requirements.
A TB test must be completed under licensed medical supervision no more than 60 calendar days prior to hire or within 7 calendar days after hire and must be renewed annually based on the date of the last TB screening.
The position is primarily located in Santa Monica and may involve working in participant-accessible areas, group rooms, offices, and other designated program spaces.
The work environment is fast-paced and requires the ability to adapt to changing participant needs and support a supportive program setting.
The role involves regular interaction with participants who may exhibit challenging behaviors, including escalations or physical agitation.
The position requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and complete documentation at a computer workstation.
The employee may be required to work in a confined or shared space at times.

Nice To Haves

Certification as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) through the American Medical Technologists (AMT), or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is strongly preferred and may be required depending on program assignment.
Prior experience in a healthcare, clinical, or residential treatment setting preferred.
Experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems and medical documentation preferred.

Responsibilities

Greet participants and verify participant information by interviewing participant and recording medical history.
Obtain and accurately record participant vital signs including blood pressure, pulse, respiration, temperature, weight, and oxygen saturation. Report abnormal findings to the supervising nurse or provider immediately.
Collect and process urine drug screen (UDS) specimens. Accurately document results and report findings to the clinical team.
Conduct authorized point-of-care laboratory tests and other approved diagnostic tests. Accurately document results and report findings to the clinical team.
Prepare and maintain examination and treatment rooms. Ensure all necessary equipment and supplies are available, clean, sanitized, and in proper working order prior to participant use.
Follow and enforce all infection control and universal precaution protocols including proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and disposal of biohazardous materials in accordance with OSHA, Cal-OSHA, and CLARE|MATRIX standards.
Assist participants with health-related needs as directed by the clinical team, maintaining dignity and respect at all times.
Communicate participant observations, changes in condition, and clinical findings to the clinical supervising team in a timely and accurate manner. Participate in care coordination and clinical handoff communications.
Answer phone calls and emails.
Safely and accurately administer medications to participants as prescribed by the supervising physician or provider, following all applicable regulations, organizational protocols, and authorized scope of practice under California law.
Observe participants for changes in condition, adverse reactions to medications, or signs of behavioral health crises. Report all findings to the supervising clinical team promptly.
Monitor medication stock levels, organize medication storage, maintain accurate medication inventory records, and report low stock or discrepancies to supervisors.
Monitor medication levels and place orders for refills as required and in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR), including progress notes, treatment plan updates, group notes, participant contacts, and all required service entries.
Ensure all participant charts meet contractual, regulatory, and CLARE|MATRIX standards, including proper documentation of services, signatures, consents, assessments, and required program forms.
Complete documentation in real time or within required timeframes to support quality care, billing accuracy, and compliance with program expectations.
Ensure all documented services meet billing requirements and accurately reflect the service provided. Verify that charts include necessary elements such as treatment plans, progress notes, session details, and attendance.
Provide clear and concise shift reports or service summaries as required to ensure continuity of care, communication with staff, and accurate record keeping.
Adhere to all CLARE|MATRIX Policies and Procedures, program guidelines, and all state, county, local, and federal regulations. Ensure participant safety, dignity, and confidentiality in all aspects of service delivery.
Protect participant information by maintaining strict confidentiality and ensuring all records, conversations, and electronic data meet HIPAA and organizational privacy standards.
Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with participants in accordance with agency policies and ethical standards. Ensure a safe and ethical environment by upholding clear communication, appropriate conduct, and respect for participant privacy and dignity. Boundaries typically include but are not limited to personal disclosure limits, physical touch restrictions, and clear communication about the professional nature of the relationship.
Follow all CLARE|MATRIX, OSHA, and CAL-OSHA health and safety regulations. Support the maintenance of a safe environment for participants and staff.
Complete incident reports accurately and in a timely manner, in accordance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
Demonstrate effective and appropriate workplace communication by speaking clearly, directly, and with purpose. Actively listen, ask clarifying questions, and confirm understanding before acting. Provide timely updates to staff and participants regarding needs, concerns, or changes in participant status, ensuring information is accurate and complete. Maintain professional tone, body language, and boundaries in all interactions, even in high-stress or emotionally charged situations. Address issues respectfully and constructively, avoid gossip or unprofessional dialogue, and follow established channels for reporting, documentation, and escalation. Consistently model courteous, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive communication that supports a safe and respectful environment.
Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, case conferences, one-on-one supervision meetings, training sessions, and team-building activities as required by the program.
Work collaboratively with counselors, peers, case managers, nursing staff, and other program team members to support participant care, resolve concerns, and maintain consistency in service delivery.
Maintain positive and professional relationships with community partners and collaborate with outside agencies as part of the continuum of care, when applicable.
Maintain a working knowledge and understanding of CLARE|MATRIX’s mission, vision, philosophy, and operating principles. Support a healthy work environment and uphold organizational standards of conduct.
Contribute to a positive, safe, and team-oriented work environment by remaining receptive to constructive feedback, seeking guidance when needed, and supporting coworkers in program operations.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.