SPECIALTY MEDICAL ASSISTANT

SUMMARY:

The Specialty Medical Assistant (SMA) provides clinical and administrative support to specialty providers, including Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, and Podiatrists, within a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) setting. This role supports high-quality, patient-centered care for diverse and underserved populations, ensures efficient clinic flow, and assists with specialty-specific procedures while maintaining compliance with FQHC, HRSA, and regulatory requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Support

• Prepare patients for specialty visits by obtaining and documenting vital signs, chief complaints, medical history, and treatment room readiness.
• Assist Podiatrists during examinations and procedures according to scope of practice.
• Prepare and clean treatment rooms before and after patient visits; ensure proper infection control and OSHA compliance.
• Assist with specialty procedures, including but not limited to:
  • Podiatry procedures (nail care, wound preparation, dressing changes, instrument handling)
• Perform authorized clinical tasks such as:
  • Wound care
  • Application of dressings
  • Performs A1Cs to diabetic patients
• Monitor patients post-procedure and report any adverse reactions to the provider.

Documentation & EMR

• Accurately document patient interactions, treatments, and clinical data in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Ensure specialty templates and referrals are completed, scanned, and properly routed.
• Assist providers with chart preparation and closure following visits.

Care Coordination & Patient Support

• Educate patients on treatment plans, after-visit instructions, and home care as directed by the provider.
• Coordinate specialty referrals, follow-up appointments, and diagnostic testing.
• Assists in communicating with primary care, behavioral health, and enabling services to support integrated care.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Maintain specialty clinic schedules and support patient flow.
• Manage inventory, supplies, and specialty equipment; restock and request supplies as needed.
• Assist with prior authorizations, referrals, and durable medical equipment (DME) documentation when applicable.
• Ensure compliance with HRSA, Joint Commission (if applicable), and FQHC policies.

Compliance & Quality

• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
• Follow infection control, workplace safety, and quality improvement standards.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program
• Medical Assistant certification (CMA, RMA, or equivalent) preferred or required per state/FQHC policy
• Current BLS/CPR certification
• Experience working in specialty or outpatient clinical settings preferred
• Knowledge of EHR systems and basic computer skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an FQHC or community health center
• Familiarity with chiropractic, acupuncture, or podiatry services
• Bilingual (English/Spanish or other prevalent community language)

Skills & Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Cultural humility and commitment to serving underserved populations
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced specialty clinic environment
• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation
• Team-oriented with a patient-centered approach

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, bend, and move throughout the clinic day
• Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds
• Manual dexterity for assisting with procedures and equipment

Work Environment

• Outpatient community health center / FQHC specialty clinic
• May involve exposure to bloodborne pathogens and medical equipment

The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job unless providing such accommodations would result in undue hardship for the SBNC.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by most people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or it is a logical assignment to the position. The employee is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department.

Salary Range: $24 - $26