Medical Assistant

Open Door Community Health Centers•Crescent City, CA

3d•$25 - $29

About The Position

The Medical Assistant Trainee is an on-the-job training opportunity for employees interested in becoming a medical assistant but without prior experience. Trainees are expected to complete a training program and become eligible to take the MA Certification Exam. Under the direction of a primary care provider and/or registered nurse, trainees learn to assist with patient examinations and treatment, advocate for patients, and support their care within the California MA Scope of Practice. The position provides hands-on training and support from medical assistants and Clinical Coordinators. 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. The MA Trainee reports directly to the Back Office Manager and is an integral member of the Clinical Services team. There are no supervisory responsibilities. The trainee is expected to complete the Medical Assistant Apprentice Program and pass the MA Certification Exam within one year of employment, and to obtain injection certification within six months. CPR certification is required within 90 days of hire.

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 a team member to enhance patient and staff experiences.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish constructive working relationships with people at all levels and from varied backgrounds.
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 (subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intradermal) and the seven rights of medication administration.

Nice To Haves

Previous healthcare experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide compassionate assistance to patients in alignment with the organization’s Model of Care.
Interview patients; measure and record vital signs using age-appropriate tools; document chief complaints, required intake elements, and other basic MA information in patient charts.
Perform and document orthostatic vital signs in the electronic medical record.
Perform basic autoclave duties, including spore checks, cleaning, and wrapping or packaging instruments.
Prepare and restock examination rooms between patient visits.
Operate EKG and oxygen saturation monitors; perform vision and hearing tests, ear and eye irrigations, and use peak flow meters, nebulizers, and sphygmomanometers.
Administer medications, injections, and immunizations according to policy and practitioner or registered nurse direction, using appropriate 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 removal, and minor laceration care.
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 lab guidelines; obtain laboratory specimens and cultures.
Obtain diabetic labs at the beginning of patient visits according to the diabetes health care maintenance protocol.
Schedule appointments and follow-up visits according to clinic procedure.
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 MA 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 the organization’s attendance policy and maintain basic understanding of and adherence to HIPAA, HITECH, California privacy regulations, and the California MA Scope of Practice.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as designated by the supervisor.