Medical Assistant

Open Door Community Health Centers•Fortuna, CA

3d•$25 - $29

About The Position

The Medical Assistant (MA) Trainee is an on-the-job training opportunity for employees interested in becoming a medical assistant who have no prior experience. Trainees are expected to complete a training program and become eligible to test for MA certification. They receive hands-on training and support from medical assistants and Clinical Coordinators while learning to assist with patient examinations and treatment under the direction of a primary care provider and/or registered nurse. The role advocates for patients and supports their care within the California MA Scope of Practice. The posted 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 on the MA ladder. Hmong and Spanish speakers who pass a language exam receive at least an additional $0.75 per hour. An additional $0.50 is offered for licensure. The trainee is an integral member of the Clinical Services team and reports directly to the Back Office Manager. 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, after which they may progress on the MA ladder based on competency. Injection Certification must be obtained within six months of employment, and 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 managers and employees from varied and diverse 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, quality 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 and demonstrate knowledge of injection locations and the seven rights of medication administration.
Meet the physical requirements of the position, with reasonable accommodation available for otherwise qualified candidates.

Nice To Haves

Previous healthcare experience is preferred.
Hmong or Spanish language proficiency, with successful completion of a language exam, qualifies for an hourly wage addition.

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; and document patient information in the chart.
Document patients’ chief complaints, required intake elements, and other basic MA information.
Perform and document orthostatic vital signs in the electronic medical record.
Perform basic autoclave tasks, including spore checks, cleaning, and proper instrument wrapping and packaging.
Prepare examination rooms between patient visits and keep them consistently stocked.
Operate electrocardiographs, oxygen saturation monitors, vision and hearing test equipment, and equipment for ear and eye irrigation, peak flow, nebulizer treatments, and blood pressure measurement.
Administer medications, injections, and immunizations according to organizational 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 care.
Set up and assist with age-appropriate well-child and CHDP exams, 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 specimens and cultures for the lab.
Obtain diabetic laboratory tests at the beginning of patient visits in accordance with the DM HCM protocol, including dermal sticks, hemoglobin, A1c, blood sugar, and urine Micral tests.
Schedule appointments and follow-up visits according to clinic procedures.
Clean and disinfect medical areas, including examination rooms and hallways, using 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 a basic understanding of and adherence to HIPAA, HITECH, California privacy regulations, and the California MA Scope of Practice.
Complete other duties and responsibilities assigned by the supervisor.