Certified Medical Assistant

COWLITZ INDIAN TRIBE•Seatac, WA

4d•$27 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Medical Assistant contributes to the effectiveness of the client care team by providing clinical and administrative support in the Health and Human Services (HHS) Behavioral Health department. The CMA assists providers with direct patient care in accordance with scope-of-practice standards, established policies, procedures, and protocols. The position requires professionalism in interactions with internal and external stakeholders, adherence to HIPAA and confidentiality requirements, and support for the mission, vision, and values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and HHS. The duties listed are illustrative and not all-inclusive. The CMA welcomes and checks in clients, gathers and records relevant visit information and vital signs in the electronic medical record, performs point-of-care urine tests and venipuncture for send-out bloodwork, and completes and labels laboratory paperwork and specimens. The role includes preparing examination rooms and telehealth visits, assisting with medication management and minor illness or injury care, administering provider-ordered medications or treatments under appropriate supervision, and supporting scheduling, pharmacy requests, inventory, chart preparation, and other administrative tasks. The position also requires compliance with infection control and organizational policies, completion of required training and competency assessments, and collaboration with the care team. Additional duties may be assigned after confirming they are within the CMA’s scope of practice and that required training and competency assessment have been completed. This is a full-time, hourly position in Tukwila, Washington, reporting to the Nurse Care Supervisor. The wage range is $27.15–$31.25 per hour. The position is open until filled.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Three years of work experience as a certified medical assistant.
Active Certified Medical Assistant (MA-C) credential in Washington State.
Valid driver’s license when driving CIT vehicles for work-related purposes.
Obtain and maintain BLS/CPR, AED, and first aid certifications; only in-person/classroom courses are accepted.
Pass the required background screening and investigation.
Complete required pre-employment drug screening, reference checks, employment verification, and criminal history and sanction checks, including fingerprint verification.
Meet the stated background eligibility requirements regarding specified felony and misdemeanor offenses.
Comply with CIT safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment.
Knowledge of basic medical terminology, electronic medical records, confidentiality requirements, and medical record documentation.
Knowledge of patient registration, MyChart client access and use, and healthcare front-office functions, procedures, and responsibilities.
Knowledge of regulations and requirements related to HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and prior authorizations.
Ability to operate electronic platforms such as Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and Paycom.
Skill or experience navigating and documenting in electronic health record platforms.
Skill or experience providing and documenting patient education.
Clear, effective, and professional written and verbal communication.
Ability to establish and maintain positive, respectful, inclusive, and collaborative rapport with clients, families, coworkers, visitors, and Tribal Members.
Ability to understand client and family experiences through a culturally and historically informed lens.
Ability to prioritize multiple simultaneous tasks and address high-priority items while completing daily work.
Good judgment, awareness of personal strengths and limitations, and appropriate decision-making within scope of practice, including knowing when to request assistance or clarification.

Nice To Haves

Two years of behavioral health and/or substance use disorder work experience preferred.
Knowledge of traditional forms of tribal government, customs, and traditions.
Basic knowledge or understanding of common Behavioral Health diagnoses and available treatment or care options.
Basic knowledge or understanding of common psychiatric medications and medications used to treat substance use disorders, including their risks.

Responsibilities

Welcome clients, assist with check-in, and direct them to the appropriate area for appointments.
Collect clients’ reasons for visits, pertinent medical histories, allergies, current medications, pharmacy preferences, vital signs, and other specified information, and accurately enter it into the electronic medical record for provider review.
Perform point-of-care urine tests and venipuncture for send-out bloodwork, following established procedures and infection prevention measures.
Complete and label send-out laboratory request forms and specimens accurately.
Comply with CIT infection control policies, protocols, and procedures.
Clean and prepare examination and treatment rooms for in-person appointments, and ensure telehealth clients have functioning electronic components before visits.
Assist clients with medication management when clinically indicated.
Assist providers with minor illness and injury care by gathering supplies, cleaning up, and applying simple wound dressings, ACE wraps, or slings as needed.
Assist with inventory control and initiate ordering of client care and treatment supplies and materials.
Administer provider-ordered medications or treatments within the CMA’s scope of practice and under appropriate clinical supervision.
Schedule and verify appointments, help clients prepare for telehealth visits, and obtain provider authorizations for pharmacy or client medication requests.
Perform administrative, reception, and other clerical tasks as needed.
Review the following day’s schedule, retrieve and organize questionnaires, ensure questionnaires are completed before appointments, prepare patient charts, and make other appointment preparations as requested.
Maintain compliance with required annual training and competency assessments.
Attend and participate in meetings as requested.
Maintain knowledge of and comply with CIT policies, protocols, and procedures, adapting work practices when they are revised.
Complete assigned training, including Information Security System Awareness education, EPIC/Ochin training, MedTrainer modules, mandatory all-staff education, facility-wide drills, and competency assessments.
Collaborate with the team to achieve shared goals.
Perform additional duties when they are within the CMA’s scope of practice and required training and competency assessments have been completed.