Medical Assistant, MA

Open Door Community Health Centers•McKinleyville, CA

About The Position

The Medical Assistant (MA) Trainee is an on-the-job training opportunity for employees interested in becoming a medical assistant but without prior experience. Trainees receive hands-on training and support from medical assistants and Clinical Coordinators to assist with patient examinations and treatment under the direction of a primary care provider and/or registered nurse. The trainee advocates for patients and supports their care within the California MA Scope of Practice. Trainees are expected to complete the Medical Assistant Apprentice Program and become eligible to take the MA certification exam. The role reports directly to the Back Office Manager and is part of the Clinical Services team. There are no supervisory responsibilities. The listed hourly wage ranges are $25.00–$28.87 for MA Trainee, $28.00–$32.35 for MA I, and $29.50–$34.10 for MA II. New hires start at the base wage for the position; certification and other requirements may qualify hires for a higher step. Hmong and Spanish speakers who pass a language exam receive at least $0.75 added to their wage, with an additional $0.50 for licensure.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Ability to consistently and accurately chart patient information.
Ability to promote effective communication between patients and primary care providers.
Ability and desire to work as part of a team to enhance patient and staff experiences.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish constructive working relationships across diverse backgrounds and levels of the organization.
Ability to handle difficult or confrontational situations calmly, consistently, and equitably.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to complete routine paperwork and write professional correspondence.
Basic computer skills, including internet, Word, and email.
Sound and responsible judgment.
CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
Complete the Medical Assistant Apprentice Program and pass the MA Certification Exam within one year of employment.
Obtain injection certification within six months of employment.
Knowledge of injection locations (SQ, IM, ID) and the seven rights of medication administration.
Ability to meet the described physical requirements, with reasonable accommodation where applicable.

Nice To Haves

Previous healthcare experience is preferred.
Hmong or Spanish language ability, with a passing language exam, may qualify for an added wage differential.

Responsibilities

Provide compassionate assistance to patients in alignment with ODCHC’s Model of Care.
Interview patients; measure and record vital signs and other patient information in the chart.
Document chief complaints, patient intake elements, and other required medical assistant charting, including orthostatic vital signs, in the electronic medical record.
Perform basic autoclave operation, spore checks, autoclave cleaning, and instrument wrapping and packaging.
Prepare exam rooms between visits and keep them stocked.
Operate electrocardiographs (EKGs), oxygen saturation monitors, vision and hearing testing equipment, and other listed clinical equipment; perform ear and eye irrigations, peak flow testing, and nebulizer treatments.
Administer medications, injections, and immunizations according to ODCHC policy and practitioner or registered nurse direction, using proper dose calculations and the seven rights of medication administration.
Set up, assist with, and clean up after minor procedures, including Pap tests, wet mounts, rapid strep tests, mole removals, and minor laceration procedures.
Set up and assist with age-appropriate well-child exams and CHDP, including immunizations and accurate documentation.
Follow universal precautions, including handwashing and appropriate use of personal protective equipment.
Perform HCG, Micral, and rapid strep testing and quality control according to site-specific laboratory guidelines; obtain specimens and cultures for the lab.
Obtain diabetic laboratory tests at the beginning of patient visits according to the DM HCM protocol.
Schedule appointments and follow-up visits according to clinic procedures.
Keep medical areas clean and disinfected according to standard medical asepsis practices.
Perform chart scrubbing and update the Health Care Maintenance function in the electronic medical record.
Perform EPIC workflows for medical assistant duties, including standard intake, telephone call documentation, refill encounter preparation and routing, PHQ, MAR, Meaningful Use, and management of provider in-basket staff messages.
Follow ODCHC attendance policy and applicable privacy requirements, including HIPAA, HITECH, and California regulations.
Practice within the California MA Scope of Practice and perform other duties assigned by the supervisor.