Extra Help Medical Assistant

County of Tulare • Visalia, CA

6h • Onsite

About The Position

This extra-help Medical Assistant recruitment establishes an employment list for current and future vacancies in Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency and potentially other County departments. The current vacancy is with the Health and Human Services Agency in Visalia. The employment list is expected to remain active for six months. Extra-help assignments may vary in hours, duration, department, and location across the county; employees may not work more than 1,559 hours in a fiscal year. There are no benefits associated with extra-help positions. Applicants must submit a signed copy of their Medical Assistant certificate showing the completion date and total intern hours.

The Medical Assistant provides routine patient care and clinical support, including obtaining patient information and vital signs, assisting with examinations, explaining procedures, administering medications and immunizations, collecting specimens, performing basic laboratory and other clinical procedures, and maintaining patient records. The role also includes patient registration and scheduling, referrals and prior authorizations, supplies and equipment upkeep, quality-control activities, and related clinic support. Depending on the assignment, the employee may help train or supervise staff and support clinic workflow and quality assurance.

Candidates selected may be required to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. A background investigation may be conducted, including a reinvestigation every 10 years for some positions. E-Verify may be required on the first day for some positions, and some job classes may require a physical examination. The position may qualify for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, subject to program rules.

Requirements

• Equivalent to completion of twelfth grade and successful completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program that included training in venipuncture, skin puncture, and injections.
• Possession of a valid Medical Assistant Certificate.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a CPR Certificate.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, routine medical processes and procedures, measurement instruments, and alphabetical and numerical filing systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with people of varied educational and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to operate contemporary office equipment, including computers, keyboards, and applicable electronic equipment.
• Ability to interview patients, obtain medical information and vital signs, perform basic medical procedures, collect and prepare specimens, and prepare and administer medications and immunizations.
• Ability to observe, report, and accurately record relevant information in patient records; maintain legible and accurate records; and use computerized medical office systems.
• Ability to explain treatment procedures accurately, follow established protocols and verbal and written instructions, and learn and understand HIPAA rules and regulations.
• Ability to communicate clearly using correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling; read and interpret numbers on dials, gauges, and meters; and recognize and report areas of concern.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, with minimum supervision; adjust to changing workloads and assignments; and remain flexible under deadline and workload pressures.
• Ability to use patience, tact, and courtesy, put people at ease, and gain their confidence and cooperation.
• The job description states experience performing injections, TB skin testing, inhalant procedures, and phlebotomy.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to read, write, and translate Spanish or another second language, if required.
• Certified Medical Assistant credential through the American Association of Medical Assistants, American Medical Technologists, or California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants.
• Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card.

Responsibilities

• Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure vital signs, weight, and height.
• Assist physicians with patient examinations and explain treatment procedures to patients.
• Prepare and administer medications through specified routes, including injections, and administer immunizations as ordered by a provider.
• Perform skin tests, collect and prepare laboratory specimens, and conduct basic routine laboratory tests on premises.
• Perform venipuncture and skin puncture to draw or collect blood samples.
• Perform electrocardiogram tests, remove sutures or staples from superficial wounds, and perform ear lavage.
• Apply and remove bandages and dressings; apply orthopedic appliances; remove casts, splints, and other external devices; and fit and explain the use of crutches.
• Dispose of contaminated supplies and clean and sterilize medical instruments.
• Enter immunization records into a database; register patients and assess eligibility for programs.
• Prepare examination rooms and equipment, order and maintain supplies, and keep waiting and examination rooms neat and clean.
• Answer phones, greet patients, schedule appointments, update and file medical records, complete insurance forms, send correspondence, and process referrals and prior authorizations.
• Arrange hospital admissions and laboratory services.
• Participate in staff development to maintain or increase technical competence and maintain quality-control logs.
• May assist with staff supervision, training, mentoring, and performance-review input.
• May assist with clinic scheduling issues, patient wait times, and other workflow concerns to improve service efficiency and quality.
• May work with the Lead Nurse to maintain medical and medication inventory for quality assurance and assist with quality-assurance reviews.
• May review procedures and recommend or implement changes to improve efficiency and services.

Benefits

• The position may qualify for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, subject to eligibility and repayment-plan requirements.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED