Medical Assistant

ROLE: This individual is responsible for assisting medical providers with patient care and performing laboratory functions.

DUTIES:

• Prepare patients for examination, record vital signs, age, race, current complaint, medications, aller­gies, and immuniza­tions for pediatric clients.
• Prepare for next day visits through pre-vision planning process.
• Assist providers with patient exams, treatment and minor surgery.
• Administer certain medications, injections and immunizations under the supervision of the Medical Provider or RN.
• Explain nature of diagnostic tests and/or treatment to patient at medical providers request; instruct patients regarding preparation for tests ordered by provider.
• Obtain patient's signature on consent forms or permission to perform in-office procedures.
• Assist in collection of specimens and prepare them for trans­portation to laboratory or perform simple routine laboratory procedures as appropriate.
• Phlebotomy skills, allowing for safe drawing of blood samples for testing and analysis when needed.
• Maintain laboratory log book; record each patient's lab test(s) and results; send lab results report cards to pa­tients in timely manner; note abnormal lab test results and ensure provider follow-up.
• Restock exam rooms with supplies daily; monitor and maintain invento­ry of medical, laboratory and laundry supplies as needed; dis­pose of contami­nated and disposable items.
• Be knowledgeable of family planning information to provide in­struction to patients as requested by nurse.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and committees.
• Other duties and responsibilities as requested.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Confidence, professional judgment, and grace under pressure.
• Works well both independently and as part of a team.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexibility--nimble in response to an evolving workload.
• Ability to exhibit good rapport with clients of varying ethnic backgrounds and socio-economic status.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Able to read, understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff.
• Commitment to the SCHS mission and staff values.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of an accredited Medical Assistant program, CMA certification preferred, but not required.
• At least one year of related experience.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish or Somali) preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This position operates in a professional medical clinic environment. The role routinely uses standard office equipment.

Physical demands include:

• Must be able to operate typical office equipment such as computers, fax machines, copiers, and telephones, as well as instruments commonly found in a medical clinic (e.g., diagnostic tools, medical devices).
• Requires effective verbal and written communication skills to interact with team members, clients, or patients and to complete necessary documentation.
• Discern physical cues on patients, such as changes in appearance or condition.
• This position may require regular interaction with individuals who have communicable illnesses, which may pose a risk of exposure to infectious diseases.
• Maintain a stationary position for extended periods while performing essential job duties.
• Frequent movement throughout the clinic, including moving between different areas to perform essential duties.
• Move items within the clinic (e.g., medical supplies, equipment) weighing up to 10 lbs.
• Assist patients of varying body sizes on or off exam tables.
• Position oneself to retrieve items or perform certain tasks.
• Ascend/descend stairs, ladders to retrieve items.
• Must be able to recognize and respond to potential signs of health issues or alcohol impairment through appropriate sensory or observational means.
• Because this position provides direct patient care and requires in-person interaction with patients, staff, equipment, and protected health information, the essential functions of the role must be performed on-site within the clinical environment during scheduled work hours.
• This position requires the ability to maintain assigned patient schedules and clinical coverage, including timely arrival for scheduled shifts and continuity of patient-facing services, to support safe and effective clinic operations.

Reasonable accommodation can be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the role.