Medical Assistant I/II (Temporary full time)

La Clinica de La Raza•Vallejo, CA

About The Position

La Clinica de La Raza is a nonprofit, community-based health center established in 1971 to address health barriers and improve lives for underserved communities. It operates 35 sites across Alameda, Contra Costa, and Solano County. The Medical Assistant supports patient-centered care by performing duties within the scope of medical assisting practice and helping provide an accurate, efficient, and welcoming patient experience in a fast-paced clinic. The role requires effective interaction with diverse patients, sound judgment under pressure, reliability, problem-solving, and collaboration with care team members. The position is temporary and full time, with Saturday and evening rotation participation as assigned. Medical Assistants prepare patients and examination rooms, collect medical histories and vital signs, perform routine tests and procedures, assist clinicians with specialized procedures, administer medications and immunizations as directed, support patient education and follow-up, and maintain accurate records in the electronic health record. They also help coordinate patient flow, appointments, supplies, equipment, and general clinic office operations. MA-I candidates must meet one of the specified training or experience pathways. MA-II candidates must hold an approved medical assistant certification. A current BLS certificate is required, with a 30-day grace period from hire to obtain it. Health clearances and immunization records are required of all healthcare professionals.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Knowledge of basic medical assisting practices, skills, and equipment.
Knowledge of modern medical terminology, chronic health conditions, and health education related to the service area.
Ability to work with modern computer applications and electronic health records.
Knowledge of administering skin tests and medication by injection.
Knowledge of safe methods for lifting and moving patients, equipment, and supplies.
Knowledge of cleaning and sterilization techniques for medical equipment, examination rooms, and patient areas.
Bilingual proficiency in Spanish or another specified language.
Flexibility and ability to accept changes gracefully.
Ability to work professionally and collaboratively in team-based care delivery.
Comfort with direct patient contact and strong interpersonal skills for patient education and coaching.
Ability to work across cultures and support diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Clear and efficient written and verbal communication in English.
Ability to complete and maintain accurate, concise patient records.
Ability to participate in Saturday and evening staff rotations.
MA-I qualification: completion of an accredited medical assistant training program; or a current BLS certificate (with a 30-day grace period after hire to obtain it); or one year of hospital, clinic, or medical office experience and completion of on-the-job training with documented sign-off on all competencies within 90 days of hire; or completion of on-the-job training with documented sign-off on all competencies within 90 days of hire.
MA-II qualification: certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), American Medical Technologists (AMT), California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants (CCMA), Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant (NRCMA), or another board-approved medical assistant certifying organization.
Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certificate required, with a 30-day grace period from hire to obtain it.
Health clearances and immunization records required of all healthcare professionals.
Physical ability to remain stationary, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
Ability to bend, lift, push, pull, adjust, or move objects weighing up to 15 pounds in all directions and occasionally more.
Ability to perform repeated motions involving the neck, wrists, hands, or fingers, and reach above the shoulder or below the waist.

Nice To Haves

Phlebotomy certification.
Bilingual English/Spanish or other language skills to meet the needs of the patient population.

Responsibilities

Prepare treatment rooms and set up medical laboratory equipment.
Confirm the purpose of each visit and record patient medical history in the electronic health record (EHR), maintaining confidentiality.
Administer health questionnaires and prepare patients for examination by performing preliminary tests and taking vital signs.
Communicate patient requests to providers and other care team members.
Perform routine tests and procedures, including vision, basic hearing, urine dipstick, pregnancy, blood glucose, point-of-care hemoglobin A1C, sputum collection, oral HIV tests, and non-invasive specimen collection.
Collect finger-stick blood specimens and assist with tissue or other laboratory specimen collection; log specimens and prepare them for testing.
Perform clinician-directed procedures such as nebulizer treatments, spirometry, suture removal, and wound care.
Coordinate patient flow to maximize patient access and service.
Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.
Explain or translate treatment procedures, medications, diets, and provider instructions to patients.
Schedule follow-up or recall appointments and help providers examine and treat patients.
Prepare and administer medications and injections as directed by a provider; provide prescription information to pharmacies as directed.
Participate in panel management and population health practices and use related software tools.
Complete and review information at the end of patient visits.
Administer immunizations and document them in the EHR and other electronic tracking systems.
Ensure logs, forms, records, and charts are complete, thorough, and accurate.
Provide patient education and follow-up care instructions as directed by a provider.
Communicate and work effectively with providers and other care team members to support excellent patient experience and quality outcomes.
Contribute to a welcoming clinic and healthy work environment through relationship building, direct communication, and sound judgment.
Participate in huddles, staff meetings, team-building activities, and assigned development opportunities; pursue professional development through educational opportunities.
Adhere to La Clínica's ethical and professional standards, policies, and procedures.
Perform general office duties, including scheduling appointments, answering telephones, recording provider medical updates, and completing insurance forms.
Screen and monitor EHR requests and complete or route them as assigned.
Greet and log in patients in the appropriate electronic system.
Contact medical facilities or departments to schedule tests or appointments for patients.
Inventory, order, and verify receipt of medical, laboratory, or office supplies and equipment.
Maintain equipment by following operating instructions, troubleshooting issues, maintaining supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and arranging repairs.
Enter key medical record information and perform other required record-keeping duties.