Medical Assistant

Medical Assistant

Salary

$59,824.96 - $71,244.16 Annually

Location

Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Carpinteria, Lompoc, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-5123-01 (O)

Department

County Health Department

Opening Date

08/25/2026

Closing Date

9/1/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

SALARY

$28.76 - $34.25 Hourly

$59,824.96 - $71,244.16 Annually

Bilingual allowance, when applicable

_____

The County of Santa Barbara is currently seeking dedicated and compassionate Medical Assistants to join our team. As a Medical Assistant, you will play a crucial role in providing high-quality care to our patients. This position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive services.

We are currently accepting applications to fill three (3) bilingual (English/ Spanish) full-time Medical Assistant vacancies in Santa Barbara, one (1) bilingual (English/Spanish) full-time, floating Medical Assistant vacancy in South County (Santa Barbara and Carpinteria) and four (4) 1414* bilingual (English/Spanish) full-time Medical Assistant vacancies in Santa Barbara at County of Santa Barbara Health.

We are also accepting applications to establish one employment list that will be used to fill current and future Full-Time, Part-Time, Extra Help and 1414* vacancies in multiple locations including Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, and Lompoc. This job classification is also utilized by the Department of Behavioral Wellness within the County. Please select ALL departments and locations you would like to be considered for current and future vacancies.

• CSR 1414 (Leave of Absence): Some vacancies on this recruitment are to fill positions vacated as a result of a leave of absence (CSR 1414) and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under CSR 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department.

Visa Sponsorship: Please note this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.

BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. Click on the Benefits Tab above or CLICK HERE to view more information.

In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards for an advanced vacation accrual rate

THE POSITION: Under medical supervision, assists professionals in the delivery of health care services; and performs related duties as required.

The IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess:

• Experience working with underserved & economically disadvantaged populations.
• Excellent customer service and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor.
• Ability to take initiative and remain professional at all times.
• Proven track record of working well as part of a team.
• Experience working with electronic medical records.

The County Health Department is seeking Medical Assistants to support the Primary Care & Family Health (PCFH) division by serving at one of five Federally Qualified Health Care Centers (FQHCs) across Santa Barbara County offering a wide variety of services for adults, teens, children and infants. At our Health Care Centers, the medical assistant will focus on patient engagement and assisting with administrative tasks to support client care. County Health is looking for candidates passionate about assisting underserved populations and making a positive impact to their communities through public health initiatives. To learn more about our Health Care Centers, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/2100/Health-Care-Centers

The Behavioral Wellness Department is seeking Medical Assistants to support Behavioral Wellness's mental health team. These positions will be assigned to serve the clinics in one of the three regions within Santa Barbara County. They will focus on patient engagement and assisting with administrative tasks to support client care. Behavioral Wellness is looking for candidates passionate about the mental health field, and who enjoy supporting their community. To learn more about the Mental Health team, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/bw-mental-health-services-for-adults

THE DEPARTMENTS:

County of Santa Barbara Health (County Health): Founded in 1925, our mission is to improve the health of our communities by preventing disease, promoting wellness and health equity, while ensuring access to needed health care, and maintaining a safe and healthy environment. Our vision of "healthy people, healthy community, healthy environment" is made possible through our team of over 500 professionals. With an annual budget of $118.8 million, we serve more than 440,000 residents across Santa Barbara County through a wide range of innovative public health programs and services.

The Department's range of responsibilities includes:

• Investigating disease outbreaks
• Conducting health education campaigns
• Inspecting food establishments
• Working with high risk mothers and children
• Operating health clinics for the underserved
• Staffing medical shelters during emergency evacuations
• Caring for our four-legged friends through our animal control program and many other programs and services.

For more information, please visit: www.countyofsb.org/ch-county-health

Department of Behavioral Wellness (BWell): Founded in 1962, it is our mission to promote the prevention of and recovery from mental illness and addiction among individuals, families and communities, by providing effective leadership and delivering state-of-the-art, culturally competent services. The Department provides treatment, rehabilitation, and support services to 10,000 clients with mental illness and substance use disorders annually through its professional staff of over 400, in addition to its many contracted Community-Based Organization (CBO) providers.

The Department's decisions and service delivery are guided by the following values:

• Quality services for persons of all ages with mental illness and/or substance abuse
• Integrity in individual and organizational actions
• Dignity, respect, and compassion for all persons
• Active involvement of clients and families in treatment, recovery, and policy development
• Diversity throughout our organization and cultural competency in service delivery
• A system of care and recovery that is clearly defined and promotes recovery and resiliency
• Emphasis on prevention and treatment
• Teamwork among department employees in an atmosphere that is respectful and creative
• Continuous quality improvement in service delivery and administration
• Wellness modeled for our clients at all levels; i.e., staff who regularly arrive at the workplace healthy, energetic and resilient
• Safety for everyone

For more information, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/bw-behavioral-wellness

Examples of Duties

In a Health Care Center Environment

• Identifies patients chief complaint and records observations in patients permanent medical record.
• Performs height, weight, vital signs, and vision tests and records them in the medical record.
• Helps patients to complete medical history forms and prepares patients for examinations and treatment by provider.
• Conducts and/or assists with tests and procedures as directed, such as EKGs, non-stress tests, spirometer, audiometer, venipunctures, skin punctures, strep screen, glucometer, chemical analyzer, and urine tests.
• Assists health service providers with treatments and examinations of patients such as wound care, pelvic exams, minor surgery, and IUD insertions.
• Assists in the identification of psychosocial needs and consults with the health service provider or makes referrals to appropriate agencies.
• Performs case management which may include monitoring care alerts, scheduling appointments for specialty tests, hospital admissions, and surgeries; following up on broken appointments to explain the need and value of returning for follow-up care, and arranging transportation.
• Provides discharge/exit instructions to patients, prepares referral forms, such as treatment authorization, insurance, disability, and employment physical forms, as directed; transcribes doctors orders and prepares appropriate requisitions and forms.
• Provides health education for patients or groups on such topics as nutrition counseling, diabetes counseling, well children counseling and other health related topics for pregnant women and infants.
• Cleans and sterilizes equipment and stocks clinics or vehicles used for home visits or outlying clinics.
• Takes direction from the assigned healthcare provider (physician or health care practitioner) as to tasks to perform in the engagement of patient care.

In a Field-Based Environment

• Identifies patients chief complaint and records observations in designated records and data systems.
• Performs and records data on height, weight, vital signs, and visual screening tests.
• As directed, conducts and/or assists with clinical services such as tuberculin skin tests (TSTs), venipuncture, and audiometry and visual screening tests.
• Conducts field visits with Public Health Nurses and/or may make independent home visits under the general direction and supervision of a Public Health Nurse.
• In coordination with Public Health Nurses, assists with communicable disease investigations for Sexually Transmitted Disease, Tuberculosis, and other communicable diseases.
• Collects specimens; labels and delivers specimens as directed by Public Health Nurse.
• As part of the public health team, assumes a key role in communicable disease case management activities.
• Provides health education for patients or groups on such topics as communicable diseases and health care for school-age children, infants, and pregnant women.
• Links patients to community resources and medical providers based on patient needs.

Employment Standards

Possession of a Medical Assistant Certificate issued by an accredited institution.

Additional Qualifications: Possession of a valid California Class C Drivers License may be required for some positions in this class.

Knowledge of: basic medical terminology, basic arithmetic, safe venipuncture techniques, and safe work practices in a health care center or community-based setting.

Ability to: work independently; conduct basic medical tests, such as vision and audiometry; understand the needs and problems facing culturally, economically, or socially disadvantaged persons; establish and maintain good relations with people from a wide range of social and ethnic groups; maintain confidentiality of patient information; understand and follow oral and written instructions; observe, report, and accurately record relevant information in patient records; follow established protocols for conducting medical tests and procedures; communicate medical and health information to patients understandably; show sensitivity and empathy toward patients; write legibly; elicit sensitive medical information from patients; and use computerized medical office systems.

Desirable Qualifications: Possession of a phlebotomy certificate is highly desired and hiring preference will be given to candidates possessing this certificate in the Field-Based Environment or in a Health Care Center Environment depending on the specific needs of each Health Care Center. A California Department of Public Health phlebotomy certificate is highly desirable for field-based positions.

Bilingual - Speaking Requirements: Some vacancies may require the ability to converse fluently in English and Spanish. Applicants interested in being considered for bilingual positions must self-certify on their application that they are fluent in English and Spanish. Hiring departments may test applicants to verify their fluency. If an applicant does not demonstrate sufficient fluency, their name may be withheld from certification for bilingual vacancies or removed from the employment list, in accordance with Civil Service Rules.

NOTE: Possession of a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certificate issued by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) may be highly desirable for certain positions and hiring preference may be given to candidates possessing this certificate.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
• Supplemental Questionnaire Rating. Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the responses to these questions. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 17 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Rating to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule 6. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the examination, rank on the employment list, and duration of the employment list.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE POINTS: Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.

To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) select the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 and/or disability letter (if applicable) to the Human Resources Department on or before the examination date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of accommodation needed from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

County of Santa Barbara Health (County Health) requires all employees working in direct contact with patients or clients in a high-risk environment to comply with the County Health Employee Immunizations policy. This can be accomplished by providing documentation of immunizations, submitting laboratory immune titers demonstrating adequate immunity, or obtaining required vaccinations. A list of requirements, based on the specific program, will be sent at the time an offer letter is presented to the selected candidate(s) and initial documentation will be required at this time.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. The appointee may be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a longstanding practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 09/01/2026; at 4:59 p.m. PST; postmarks not accepted. Applications and job postings can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Farrah Medrano, County Health Talent Acquisition Lead - PHDRecruiter@sbcphd.org.

Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: https://www.sbcers.org/ and http://www.santabarbara457.com

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4012/Health-Benefits

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
• Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/4013/24636/WorkLife-Benefits

Compensation Summary

• To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/3085/SEIU-Local-620
• This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.

01

To be considered for this position, your application must CLEARLY state how you meet each of the requirements under EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS on the Job Posting or you will not be considered for this position. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard do you meet and clearly state on your application?

• Possession of a Medical Assistant Certificate issued by an accredited institution.
• None of the above. I DO NOT meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

02

Specific certifications may provide candidates with hiring preference for this job classification. Please list all certifications you possess on your application under the Certificates and Licenses section and attach a copy to your application.

• I understand.

03

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

When completing your application and supplemental questionnaire, please pay close attention to the selections you make in the following areas: • Types of positions youre willing to accept (e.g. regular, temporary, seasonal) • Types of work (e.g., part-time, full-time) • Locations where youre willing to work (e.g. Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc) • Bilingual skills (e.g. Spanish speak) • Departments youre interested in working

Why does this matter? If you successfully pass the Supplemental Questionnaire Rating, you are placed on the large employment list. Your rank is based on your exam score, preference points (if applicable), and the number of candidates on the list. When a department has a vacancy, we will filter the employment list based on the specific needs of the hiring department, and the work preferences selected on your application. For example, if County Health has a full-time opening in Santa Barbara, only the top 10 ranked candidates who selected County Health, Santa Barbara, and full-time work will be sent to the department for further consideration. This is your only opportunity to make these work type selections-double-check your preferences before submitting your application.

• I have read the following statement and accept the conditions.

04

Veteran's Preference Points: Is your DD214 and/or disability letter attached? (Eligibility is five years from the most recent qualifying veteran's experience. There is no time limit for veterans with 30% or more disability.)

• Yes, I have attached my DD214 to be considered for Veteran's Points
• No, I do not qualify for Veteran's Points

05

Below is a list of departments that utilize this job classification. Please select which department(s) you would like to be considered to work for. Please keep in mind that during the life of the employment list, some of these departments may not have vacancies that arise. This is your only opportunity to make your selection. Please note that the current vacancies are in the County of Santa Barbara Health department.

• County of Santa Barbara Health (County Health): www.countyofsb.org/CHD
• Department of Behavioral Wellness (BWell): www.countyofsb.org/BWELL

06

The current Medical Assistant vacancies with the County Health department REQUIRES bilingual English/ Spanish - Speak fluency. Medical Assistant vacancies with the Behavioral Wellness Department prefers bilingual English/Spanish - Speak, Read, Write fluency, but bilingual is not required. Please indicate your level of bilingual fluency below. NOTE: The hiring department may test you on your fluency.

• Spanish-Speak
• Spanish-Speak and Read
• Spanish-Speak, Read, and Write
• I am NOT Bilingual in Spanish

07

The locations of the current vacancies are in Santa Barbara and South County (Santa Barbara & Carpinteria); however, the Departments are also accepting applications to establish a list for future full-time, part-time, extra help and 1414 vacancies throughout the County of Santa Barbara.

Please make sure you check the proper location(s) and work type(s) on your application that you want to be considered for all current and future vacancies. If you meet employment standards, successfully pass the examination and are in the area of selection, your application may only be sent to hiring managers for locations where you indicate you are willing to accept work.

• I understand.

08

The following questions are a Civil Service Examination. The Civil Service Examination for this recruitment is a Supplemental Questionnaire Rating. Please read each question carefully as this examination will determine your placement on the employment list. Responses to these questions will be used as a weighted, scored selection device. Evaluators will not have access to your application (including work history and education), application supporting materials (e.g. resumes, cover letters, transcripts), or any previous responses in your supplemental questionnaire. They will only have the information provided in each of your responses below. For information on protest procedures, refer to Civil Service Rules 612 and 613: https://www.countyofsb.org/1444/Civil-Service-Rules

• I understand the only information I provide in the response boxes below will be evaluated and used to determine my score and rank on the employment list.

09

Examination Question: Please select your experience working as a medical assistant in any of the healthcare centers listed below that regularly provides services to underserved and economically disadvantaged populations such as patients experiencing homelessness and/or mental health issues. Select all that apply.

• County Health Care Center
• Federally Qualified Health Care Center (FQHC)
• Community-Based Health Care Center
• Other Outpatient Health Care Center setting
• I DO NOT have experience working in any of the health care settings listed above.

10

Examination Question: How many years of experience do you have working in a health care center that regularly provides services to the underserved and economically disadvantaged populations such as: homeless patients, patients with mental health issues, and economically disadvantaged? NOTE: Full details of this experience/position(s), should be on your completed application.

• 3 years or more of experience
• 2 years up to 3 years of experience
• 1 year up to 2 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I DO NOT have experience working in a healthcare center that provides services to the underserved or economically disadvantaged.

11

Examination Question: Please identify the clinical skills you have utilized in a work environment as a medical assistant. Please do not include skills you only utilized while in school. Select all that apply.

• History taking
• Vital signs
• Case management/clinical documentation in electronic databases
• Venipuncture
• Laboratory specimen collection
• Referral and linkages to medical or community resources
• Providing health information/education to patients
• I DO NOT have experience utilizing the clinical skills listed above.

12

Examination Question: Do you have experience with Electronic Medical Records (EMR)? If so, how many years?

• 3 years or more of experience
• 2 years up to 3 years of experience
• 1 year up to 2 years of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I DO NOT have experience using Electronic Medical Records.

13

Examination Question: Please identify what functions you have performed in your experience with Electronic Medical Records. NOTE: Full details of this experience/position(s) should be on your completed application. Select all that apply.

• Entering Vitals
• Patient History
• Point of care testing results
• Referrals
• Documental phone calls to patients/medical staff
• Medication administration
• Case management notes
• I DO NOT have experience performing the functions listed above in Electronic Medical Records.

Required Question

Employer County of Santa Barbara

Address 1226 Anacapa Street

Santa Barbara, California, 93101

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty