MEDICAL ASSISTANT

Cook County•Chicago, IL

1d•$24 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of a licensed physician, the Medical Assistant works as part of a multidisciplinary care team to support clinical and administrative functions and contribute to continuity of patient care. The role collaborates with physicians, nurses, and administrative staff in the Patient-Centered Medical Home model and Specialty Clinics at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital, Surgical Specialty. The position works in a medical office environment and is frequently exposed to patient-care hazards. The Medical Assistant gathers and documents medical histories and vital signs; prepares and maintains patient rooms; performs administrative and clerical tasks; conducts laboratory procedures and phlebotomy; assists with examinations, minor procedures, and treatments; administers medications and immunizations as ordered; and communicates patient needs to providers. The role also supports referrals, Joint Commission activities, supply and medication-sample inventory, and clinical equipment sterilization and maintenance. The position serves patients across age groups and is responsible for following hospital and department safety requirements, including PPE, hand hygiene, and applicable engineering and work-practice controls. This position is covered by the Cook County–SEIU collective bargaining agreement. Cook County will first consider eligible internal applicants and is assembling a list of qualified candidates for consideration if the position is not filled internally. The shift is 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. The hourly pay range is $24.119–$29.159, with salary placement based on documented experience disclosed at application. Employment offers are contingent on satisfactory references, background checks, appropriate licensure and certifications, and successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

Requirements

Complete an accredited Medical Assistant program, complete a formal medical service training program of the United States Armed Forces, or have five years of recent full-time professional Medical Assistant experience. Official transcripts are required at interview when applicable.
Hold a Medical Assistant certificate through AAMA, AMT, NHA, ARMA, NCCT, or NRCMA; be certified as a Registered Medical Assistant; or complete a Cook County Medical Assistant Training Program before starting employment. The certificate must be presented at interview when applicable.
Hold CPR certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association and present the certificate at interview.
Be able to use Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel, and have working knowledge of medical terminology.
Have strong interpersonal skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills to communicate with staff and a patient population of diverse cultures and age groups.
Demonstrate awareness of HIPAA and sensitivity and respect when caring for patients of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
Demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, accuracy, precision, flexibility, and adaptability.
Have strong emergency response skills and the ability to observe environmental and OSHA safety practices.
Be able to transition between clinical and administrative duties, meet deadlines, and update educational requirements as required by a licensing association or CCH.
Meet all required qualifications at the time of application filing.
Present qualifying foreign degree credentials from an approved U.S. credential evaluation service at interview, where applicable.

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 histories and vital signs, including measurements required by the specialty clinic; review records for completeness and assist patients with relevant forms.
Prepare patient rooms, maintain their cleanliness and appearance, clean rooms between visits, and appropriately dispose of potentially infectious materials.
Perform clerical and administrative duties, including answering phones, sorting charts, retrieving lab reports, scheduling appointments, billing, maintaining or obtaining demographic and insurance information, and completing compliance reports.
Perform laboratory procedures such as finger-stick glucose testing, venipuncture, EKGs, urine dipsticks and pregnancy tests, throat cultures, point-of-care testing, and I-stats; log tests and controls and document results in medical records.
Assist physicians with physical examinations, minor surgical procedures, and treatments, including dressings and ear irrigations; administer ordered oral medications and injections and document administration.
Provide phlebotomy services and prepare specimens as directed; prepare, administer, and document immunizations.
Provide first aid and related procedures, including changing dressings, applying bandages, and removing sutures; perform CPR if required.
Provide an accurate and complete medication list for patients.
Communicate patient needs to providers, including refill requests, test requests, and patient concerns.
Support providers in completing referrals for diagnostic testing and specialist care as ordered.
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 onsite or prepare it for transfer to another facility for sterilization; maintain clinical equipment and report malfunctions to the staff physician or clinical coordinator.
Interact appropriately with patients of varied ages, including children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients, and with a range of patient behaviors and health issues.
Perform other related duties as required.