Medical Assistant

Position Overview:

As a Medical Assistant, you serve as a primary point of contact and advocate for patients, delivering both clinical and administrative support in a fast-paced, team-based environment. This role is essential to advancing our mission of providing accessible, comprehensive healthcare to the community. The Medical Assistant supports physicians, midlevel providers, and leadership by assisting with patient care, as well as performing clinical, laboratory, and technical duties in accordance with El Centro Family Health policies and procedures. This position may also require travel to various clinic locations to meet operational needs.

What You Will Do:

• Accurately document vital signs, symptoms, and patient histories in the EHR system in compliance with PCMH and Meaningful Use (MU) standards.
• Monitor patient conditions and promptly report any unusual findings or behaviors to licensed providers, following established medical policies and standing orders.
• Provide patient and family education as directed by providers, referring complex clinical inquiries to appropriate licensed staff.
• Perform CLIA-waived laboratory testing, including quality control, equipment calibration, and troubleshooting in accordance with lab standards.
• Conduct venipuncture, capillary blood draws, and therapeutic phlebotomy; instruct patients on proper specimen collection and ensure accurate labeling and preservation.
• Prepare, package, and send specimens to reference laboratories, track results, and ensure timely delivery to providers.
• Review patient charts prior to visits and assist in organizing daily schedules to support efficient clinic workflow.
• Maintain adequate inventory of medical and laboratory supplies through proper monitoring, storage, and replenishment.
• Ensure a safe clinical environment by adhering to OSHA, CDC, and organizational infection control and safety guidelines.
• Participate in cross-training, quality improvement activities, and additional responsibilities to support team and clinic operations.
• Obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within three months of hire.
• Obtain Medical Assistant certification within 18 months of hire.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Willingness to travel to any El Centro clinic as needed, with a valid driver's license and unrestricted automobile insurance in accordance with New Mexico law.
• Demonstrated ability to perform essential clinical duties, including taking vital signs, administering vaccines, performing therapeutic phlebotomy, conducting electrocardiograms (EKGs), and assisting with sterile and clean procedures.
• Working knowledge of outpatient primary care practices, nursing protocols, and standard office technology, including computer and telephone systems.
• Strong judgment, professionalism, and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality while fostering positive patient and staff interactions.
• Ability to manage tasks with strong attention to detail, adapt to changing priorities, and maintain a flexible schedule to meet deadlines and training requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least one year of experience in a healthcare environment.
• At least one year of clinical experience.
• Medical Assistant certification.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, including reading and writing skills.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to balance, bend, lift, carry, and pull up to 20 lbs.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods, typically longer than four hours.
• Flexibility to work a varied schedule, including evenings, weekends, or as needed.
• Manual dexterity and ability to use hands and fingers for feeling, grasping, and operating office equipment.
• Adequate hearing ability for communication and monitoring office environments.
• Good vision for reading documents, operating office equipment, and observing surroundings.
• Capability to stoop, crouch, crawl, or kneel as necessary for office tasks.
• Ability to talk clearly and effectively for communication.
• Ability to walk and move around the office environment.
• This position involves possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious materials.

Exposures:

• Airborne Pathogens
• Blood borne Pathogens-Category I
• Chemicals
• Electrical current; machine vibration; moving parts.
• Muscular and muscular strain
• Noise
• Odors, fumes, toxicants, explosive materials, and chemicals
• Temperature
• Vision and hearing strain

What We Offer:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• 7 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Time
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 100% Employer-Paid Basic Life Insurance
• Voluntary Employee Supplemental Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Education Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Who We Are:

As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and 501(c)(3) nonprofit, El Centro Family Health is dedicated to providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare to the people of Northern New Mexico. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community by delivering primary care and health education through a network of clinics and collaborative programs. At El Centro, we are committed to offering vital health services in a compassionate, supportive, and patient-centered environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

El Centro Family Health is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace for all.