MEDICAL ASSISTANT

Cook County•Chicago, IL

4h•$24 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of a licensed physician, the Medical Assistant (MA) works as part of a multidisciplinary care team to support clinical and administrative functions and contribute to continuity of patient care. The MA collaborates with physicians, nurses, and administrative staff in the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model and in Specialty Clinics. The position is in the General Medicine Clinic within the Ambulatory and Community Health Network of Cook County and is covered by the SEIU 73 collective bargaining agreement. The listed shift is 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The position generally exists in a medical office work environment and is frequently exposed 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 involves standing and walking for 80% of the day, may require lifting, pushing, or pulling up to 25 pounds, and constantly uses both hands and fingers for handling. The listed hourly pay range is $24.119–$29.159. Salary placement is commensurate with experience disclosed and documented at application submission. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; basic term life insurance; a pension plan and deferred compensation program; an employee assistance program; paid holidays, vacation, and sick time. Employees may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

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.
Hold a Medical Assistant certificate from 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. Required certificates must be presented at interview where specified.
Hold CPR certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association; certificate must be presented at interview.
Be familiar with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel.
Have working knowledge of medical terminology.
Have strong interpersonal skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills to communicate with staff at all levels and patients from diverse cultures and age groups.
Demonstrate awareness of HIPAA and sensitivity and respect when caring for patients of all age groups 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 and meet deadlines.
Be able to update educational requirements as required by a licensing association or CCH.
Meet all required qualifications at the time of application filing.

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 blood pressure, height, weight, BMI, head, neck, and chest circumference, pain, and specialty-specific measurements.
Review patient or employee records for completeness and assist patients with relevant forms.
Prepare patient rooms, maintain their cleanliness and appearance, clean rooms after visits, and appropriately dispose of potentially infectious materials.
Perform clerical and administrative duties, including answering phones, sorting charts, retrieving laboratory reports, scheduling appointments, billing, maintaining or obtaining demographic and insurance information, and completing compliance reports.
Perform laboratory procedures such as finger-stick glucose, venipuncture, EKGs, urine dipsticks, 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 oral medications and injections as ordered by a physician and document medication administration in the medical record.
Perform phlebotomy and prepare specimens as directed; prepare, administer, and document immunizations in the client's medical record.
Provide first aid and related procedures, including changing dressings, applying bandages, and removing sutures; perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation if required.
Provide accurate and complete medication lists for patients.
Communicate patient needs to providers, including refill requests, tests, and patient concerns.
Support provider staff with referrals for diagnostic testing and specialists as ordered by providers.
Participate in and support Joint Commission surveys and rounds.
Receive, organize, and stock clinical supplies; maintain supply inventory; secure medication samples; check samples for 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 to the staff physician or clinical coordinator.
Demonstrate knowledge and skill in addressing patient behaviors and health issues across age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients.
Perform other related duties as required.