MEDICAL ASSISTANT

Cook County•Chicago, IL

1d•$24 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Assistant works under the supervision of a licensed physician as part of a multidisciplinary care team, supporting clinical and administrative functions and helping ensure continuity of patient care. The role works collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and administrative staff in the Patient-Centered Medical Home model and specialty clinics. This position is in the Orthopedics Clinic at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital and is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between Cook County and SEIU Union. The listed shift is 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the pay range is $24.119–$29.159 per hour. Salary placement is based on experience disclosed and documented at application. The Medical Assistant collects and documents medical histories and vital signs; reviews records; prepares and cleans examination rooms; performs clerical and administrative tasks; conducts laboratory and point-of-care procedures; assists physicians with examinations, procedures, and treatments; performs phlebotomy and specimen preparation; and administers and documents medications and immunizations as directed. The role also supports referrals, communicates patient needs to providers, maintains clinical supplies and equipment, participates in Joint Commission surveys and rounds, and may provide first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The position is generally based in a medical office and frequently involves exposure to patient-care hazards. The incumbent must follow hospital and department safety requirements, including personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, and applicable engineering and work-practice controls. The role requires standing and walking for most of the day, may require lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 25 pounds, and involves constant use of both hands and fingers.

Requirements

Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program, completion of a formal U.S. Armed Forces medical service training program, or five years of recent full-time professional Medical Assistant experience. Official transcripts are required at interview when applicable.
A Medical Assistant certificate from AAMA, AMT, NHA, ARMA, NCCT, or NRCMA; Registered Medical Assistant certification; or completion of a Cook County Medical Assistant Training Program before employment. Certificate must be presented at interview when applicable.
Current CPR certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association; certificate must be presented at interview.
Knowledge of and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel.
Working knowledge of medical terminology.
Strong interpersonal skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills for communicating with staff and a patient population of diverse cultures and age groups.
Awareness of HIPAA and sensitivity and respect when caring for patients of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
Analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, accuracy, and precision.
Flexibility and adaptability in performing work duties; ability to transition between clinical and administrative duties and meet deadlines.
Strong emergency response skills and ability to observe environmental and OSHA safety practices.
Ability to update educational requirements as required by a licensing association or CCH.
Adherence to hospital and department safety requirements, including personal protective equipment, hand washing and sanitizing, and applicable work-practice controls.
Ability to stand and walk for most of the day, lift, push, or pull up to 25 pounds when required, and constantly use both hands and fingers.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience as a Medical Assistant or in a related clinical capacity within a healthcare environment.

Responsibilities

Obtain and accurately document medical history, vital signs, measurements, pain information, and specialty-specific information; review medical records for completeness and assist patients with relevant forms.
Prepare examination rooms, maintain their cleanliness and appearance, clean rooms after visits, and appropriately dispose of potentially infectious materials.
Perform clerical and administrative tasks, including answering phones, sorting charts, retrieving laboratory reports, scheduling appointments, billing, maintaining demographic and insurance information, and completing compliance reports.
Perform laboratory and point-of-care procedures, including finger-stick glucose testing, venipuncture, EKGs, urine dipsticks, pregnancy tests, throat cultures, and I-stat testing; log tests and controls and document results.
Assist physicians with physical examinations, minor surgical procedures, and treatments, including dressings and ear irrigations.
Administer oral medications and injections according to physician orders and document administration in the medical record.
Perform phlebotomy, prepare specimens, and prepare, administer, and document immunizations as directed.
Provide first aid and related procedures, including changing dressings, applying bandages, and removing sutures; may be required to perform CPR.
Provide an accurate and complete medication list for patients and communicate patient needs, refill requests, test matters, and concerns to providers.
Support provider staff in arranging diagnostic testing and specialist referrals according to provider orders.
Participate in and support Joint Commission surveys and rounds.
Receive, organize, and stock clinical supplies; maintain inventory; secure medication samples; check expiration dates; and maintain dispensing records.
Sterilize equipment at the site or prepare it for transfer to another facility for sterilization; maintain clinical equipment and report malfunctions.
Demonstrate knowledge and skill in interacting with patients of varied ages, including children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients.
Perform other related duties as required.