Certified Medical Assistant

Salud Para la Gente•Watsonville, CA

10d

About The Position

Salud Para La Gente (Salud) is a community health center serving underserved, low-income communities in the Monterey Bay area, including Santa Cruz County and North Monterey County. The Certified Medical Assistant serves as a member of the care team and as a customer service representative, bridging communication among the health center, providers, and patients. The role supports efficient patient visits, clinical services, follow-up, care coordination, and patient access to additional services while protecting patient privacy and maintaining accurate documentation. The position requires a high school diploma or GED, an accredited medical assistant certificate, national or California state medical assistant certification from an organization approved by Salud, a valid California driver’s license and current vehicle insurance, current CPR certification, English/Spanish bilingual ability, strong computer skills using electronic medical records, and up-to-date state-mandated health care worker vaccination status, including booster. Individuals hired on or after July 1, 2016, who are not certified are placed in the Medical Assistant Pre-Certification job classification and paid at that scale, with six months to obtain national or state certification. The salary is $24.86–$30.98 per hour. Benefits are available to regular Salud employees working 24 or more hours per week, with some benefits available to part-time employees on a prorated basis. Salud describes its culture as collaborative and values excellence, achievement, innovation, and compassion.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Medical Assistant Certificate from an accredited vocational school.
National or California state certification as a medical assistant from an organization approved by Salud.
Valid California driver’s license and current vehicle insurance.
Current CPR certification.
Bilingual English/Spanish.
Strong computer skills using Electronic Medical Records.
Up-to-date state-mandated vaccine status for health care workers, including booster.
Thorough knowledge and understanding of patient confidentiality and HIPAA rules.
Ability to move objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
Ability to move from one worksite to another.

Nice To Haves

Critical thinking and ability to quickly prioritize tasks.
Effective problem-solving skills.
Strong organization and attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Familiarity with medical terminology and community health care resources.

Responsibilities

Serve as a care team member and customer service representative, bridging communication between the health center, provider, and patient.
Maintain patient confidentiality and privacy and comply with state and federal privacy laws.
Prepare for appointments by reviewing whether labs, diagnostic tests, referrals, and consult reports were completed; obtain results as necessary; check health maintenance reminders and medication contracts.
Prepare exam rooms by stocking appropriate supplies, instruments, and equipment; clean rooms and sanitize equipment between patients.
Room patients by obtaining vitals, reason for visit, and relevant health history; complete pre-visit questionnaires or forms and document in the patient chart.
Perform in-house tests, assessments, and evaluations appropriate to the visit; document results and notify the provider of values outside the normal range.
Perform in-house imaging or scanning under physician supervision, such as retinal photography, EKG, and NST; follow procedures for CLIA-waived instruments.
Under clinician order or supervision, prepare and assist with or perform in-house treatments and procedures, such as ear lavage and I&D.
Process lab orders for specimens and medical devices and prepare them for pickup.
Under clinician order, prepare and administer medications, pharmaceuticals, and immunizations according to manufacturer instructions; confirm with the ordering provider, provide patient information, document in the chart, complete required reporting, and follow storage and transport requirements.
Prepare radiology orders for outside imaging and assist patients with scheduling when needed.
Discharge patients by providing and clarifying instructions, providing a visit summary, and scheduling follow-up appointments.
Coordinate timely completion and processing of paperwork, including disability forms, durable medical equipment authorizations, medication and treatment authorizations, school forms, DMV forms, and MMR forms.
Conduct patient recall by following up with patients who miss or cancel important appointments, scheduling post-hospital follow-ups, and notifying patients when important tests or visits are due; document communications in the patient chart.
Call medication refills in to pharmacies when ordered by a provider.
With provider approval and instruction, notify patients of normal test results.
Encourage patients to enroll in the Mi Salud patient portal.
Connect patients with additional services and supports, including Community Health Services, group education programs, health coaching, and community resource information.
Use a multidisciplinary approach to resolve problems affecting patients’ timely receipt of information and services.
Anticipate patient needs and provide timely, accurate, courteous, respectful, and friendly service, advocating for care that best serves the patient.
Meet or exceed Salud’s communication guidelines and expectations with coworkers and patients.
Perform other duties as assigned.