MEDICAL ASSISTANT

Cook County•Chicago, IL

4h•$24 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Assistant works under the supervision of a licensed physician as part of a multidisciplinary care team, supporting clinical and administrative functions and continuity of patient care. The role collaborates with physicians, nurses, and administrative staff in the Patient-Centered Medical Home model and specialty clinics. The position is at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital in the Oral Surgery/ENT Clinic, with a stated shift of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between Cook County and SEIU 73. The hourly pay range is $24.119–$29.159, with salary placement based on experience disclosed and documented at application. The role includes collecting and documenting patient histories and vital signs; preparing and maintaining exam rooms; performing administrative and clerical tasks; conducting point-of-care and other laboratory procedures; assisting physicians with exams, procedures, and treatments; performing phlebotomy and specimen preparation; administering and documenting medications and immunizations as ordered; providing first aid; communicating patient needs and supporting referrals; and maintaining clinical supplies and equipment. The Medical Assistant works with patients across age groups and is responsible for following hospital and department safety requirements in a healthcare environment. Applicants must meet the listed education or experience pathway and required certification and CPR qualifications at the time of application. Offers are contingent on satisfactory references, background checks, appropriate certifications, a physical, and a pre-employment drug screen. Cook County provides medical, dental, and vision coverage, basic term life insurance, a pension and deferred compensation program, an employee assistance program, and paid holidays, vacation, and sick time. Employees may also qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

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 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. Certificate must be presented at interview when applicable.
Hold CPR certification from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association; certificate must be presented at interview.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel.
Working knowledge of medical terminology.
Strong interpersonal skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills for communicating with staff and patients from diverse cultures and age groups.
Awareness of HIPAA and sensitivity and respect when caring for patients of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
Analytical and problem-solving skills; attention to detail, accuracy, and precision; flexibility and adaptability; and strong emergency response skills.
Ability to observe environmental and OSHA safety practices, transition between clinical and administrative duties, meet deadlines, and update educational requirements as required by a licensing association or CCH.
Ability to stand and walk for 80% of the day, lift, push, or pull up to 25 pounds as required, and constantly use both hands and fingers for handling.

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 specialty-specific measurements; review records for completeness and assist patients with forms.
Prepare exam rooms, maintain cleanliness and appearance, clean rooms after visits, and dispose of potentially infectious materials appropriately.
Perform clerical and administrative duties, including answering phones, sorting charts, retrieving lab reports, scheduling appointments, billing, updating demographic and insurance information, and completing compliance reports.
Perform laboratory procedures such as finger-stick glucose, venipuncture, EKGs, urine dipsticks and pregnancy tests, throat cultures, point-of-care testing, and I-stats; log tests and controls and document results.
Assist physicians with physical exams, minor surgical procedures, and treatments; administer oral medications and injections as ordered and document administration in the medical record.
Perform phlebotomy, prepare specimens, and prepare, administer, and document immunizations as directed.
Provide first aid and related care, including removing or changing dressings, applying bandages, and removing sutures; may perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Provide an accurate and complete medication list for patients.
Communicate patient needs to providers, including refill requests, test-related matters, 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 and secure medication samples; check sample expiration dates and maintain dispensing records.
Sterilize equipment or prepare it for sterilization at another facility; maintain clinical equipment and report malfunctions.
Demonstrate knowledge and skill in working with patients of different ages, including children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients.
Follow hospital and department safety requirements, including personal protective equipment, hand hygiene, and applicable engineering and work-practice controls.
Perform other related duties as required.