Medical Assistant

Open Door Community Health Centers•Crescent City, CA

13d

About The Position

Medical Assistant I (MA I) provides clinical and administrative support to primary care providers, registered nurses, and other health professionals in a collaborative, patient-centered care team. Under the direction of a primary care provider and/or registered nurse, the MA I assists with patient examinations and treatment, advocates for patients, and supports the progression of their care within the California MA Scope of Practice. The position is an entry tier in Open Door Community Health Centers’ MA pathway, which offers opportunities to learn, grow, and develop. MA I employees receive support and additional training as described in the essential duties and responsibilities. The listed hourly wage range for MA I is $28.00 to $32.35. New hires start at the base wage for the position; certification and other requirements may qualify a hire for a higher step on the MA ladder. Hmong and Spanish speakers who pass a language exam receive a minimum of $0.75 added to their wage, with an additional $0.50 for licensure. The MA I reports directly to the Back Office Manager and is an integral member of the Clinical Services team. The role has no supervisory responsibilities. A valid driver's license and reliable transportation may be needed for deliveries.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant training program, or at least six months of related medical assistant experience and/or training.
Basic knowledge of the Medical Assistant Scope of Practice in California.
Knowledge of injection routes, including subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intradermal, and the seven rights of administration.
Ability to chart patient information consistently and accurately.
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 across management and employees from varied and diverse backgrounds.
Ability to handle difficult or confrontational situations calmly, consistently, and equitably.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to complete routine paperwork and write professional correspondence.
Basic computer skills, including internet, Word, and email.
Sound and responsible judgment.
Injection certificate required within six months of employment.
Current CPR certification.
Certificate of completion from an accredited Medical Assistant program or evidence of equivalent MA education.

Nice To Haves

State or national Medical Assistant certification, or successful completion of a state or national board examination.
Medical Assistant certification.
Venipuncture or dermal puncture certification.
Hmong or Spanish language skills; passing a language exam qualifies for additional wage compensation.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for delivery, if needed.

Responsibilities

Provide compassionate assistance to patients in alignment with ODCHC’s Model of Care.
Obtain and record patient medical histories, vital signs, test results, and other information in medical charts while maintaining confidentiality under HIPAA, HITECH, and California regulations.
Prepare patients for visits and provider examinations by performing preliminary screenings, vital signs, measurements, rooming, and charting duties.
Prepare charts and make Robust Confirmation Calls before scheduled appointments.
Follow Epic EMR workflows for rooming intake, telephone-call documentation, refill encounters, and message inboxes and pools.
Perform MA procedures in accordance with ODCHC guidelines, including ECGs, respiratory testing, vision and hearing tests, ear irrigations, peak flow testing, and nebulizer procedures.
Administer medications and immunizations as directed by licensed staff and according to ODCHC policy and the seven rights of administration.
Set up, assist with, and clean up after minor clinic procedures, including pap smears, mole removals, minor lacerations, and incision and drainage procedures.
Obtain specimens and perform point-of-care testing according to laboratory protocols.
Stock and clean examination rooms to reduce clutter and ensure patient safety.
Dispose properly of sharps, biohazard waste, and pharmaceuticals.
Use medical asepsis to clean and disinfect examination rooms and other patient-facing areas.
Sterilize and package instruments properly and maintain the autoclave machine.
Follow universal precautions, including handwashing and use of personal protective equipment as appropriate.
Schedule appointments and follow-up visits according to health center procedures.
Adhere to the basic MA Scope of Practice in California as outlined in ODCHC policy.
Float to other clinics when requested to provide coverage or meet minimum staffing levels.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.