Certified Medical Assistant

Salud Para la Gente • Watsonville, CA

6d

About The Position

Salud Para La Gente provides comprehensive healthcare to underserved communities in the Monterey Bay area. The Certified Medical Assistant serves as a member of the care team and as a communication link among patients, providers, and the health center. The role supports efficient patient visits, maintains patient privacy, prepares rooms and patients, performs tests and clinical tasks under clinician orders or supervision, coordinates follow-up care, and connects patients with additional resources. The position requires bilingual English/Spanish communication and a commitment to Salud’s mission and service standards.

Individuals hired on or after July 1, 2016, who are not certified will be placed in the Medical Assistant Pre-Certification job classification and paid at that scale. They have six months to obtain national or state certification.

The stated salary for a Certification Medical Assistant is $24.86–$30.98 per hour. Salud is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

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 in English and Spanish.
• Strong computer skills using Electronic Medical Records.
• Up-to-date state-mandated vaccination status for healthcare workers, including booster.
• Familiarity with medical terminology and community healthcare resources.
• Ability to move objects up to 20 pounds; move between worksites; perform repetitive motions involving wrists, hands, or fingers; and occasionally stand or sit for prolonged periods.
• Ability to occasionally operate machinery or power tools, work in tight or confined spaces, and be exposed to outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

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.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of patient confidentiality and HIPAA rules.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a care-team member and customer service representative, bridging communication between the health center, provider, and patient.
• Protect patient confidentiality and privacy and adhere to state and federal privacy laws.
• Review upcoming appointments, check completion of labs, diagnostic tests, referrals, and consult reports, obtain results as needed, check health maintenance reminders, and verify medication contracts during chart preparation.
• Prepare exam rooms with appropriate supplies, instruments, and equipment; clean rooms and sanitize equipment between patients.
• Room patients by obtaining vital signs, reason for visit, and relevant health history; complete pre-visit forms and document information in the patient chart.
• Perform in-house tests, assessments, and evaluations appropriate to the visit; document results and notify the provider of out-of-range values.
• Perform in-house imaging or scanning under physician supervision, such as retinal photography, EKG, or NST, and 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 manufacturers’ instructions; confirm with the ordering provider, provide patient information, document care, complete required reports, and follow storage and transport requirements.
• Prepare radiology orders for outside imaging and assist patients with scheduling when needed.
• Discharge patients by providing instructions, answering questions, supplying visit summaries, 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, arranging post-hospital follow-ups, and notifying patients when important tests or visits are due; document communications in the 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, health coaching, and community-resource information.
• Use a multidisciplinary approach to address problems affecting patients’ timely receipt of information and services.
• Anticipate patient needs and provide timely, accurate, courteous, respectful, and friendly service that advocates for patient care.
• Meet or exceed Salud communication guidelines and expectations with coworkers and patients.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off: 19 days per year
• Paid holidays: 13.5 per year
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Voluntary long-term disability
• Benefits are available to regular Salud employees working 24 or more hours per week; part-time employees may receive some benefits on a prorated basis.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED