Certified Senior Medical Assistant - Orthopedics (Medical Center)

About the Role

The Senior Medical Assistant Certified (Sr. MA) functions as an expert in advanced examinations and treatments, performing delegated medical‑assistant tasks under the direct supervision of a Physician and/or Registered Nurse. The role supports high‑quality patient care, oversees scope of practice responsibilities such as Hand Hygiene Validator and EMR super‑user duties, assists with examinations, procedures, diagnostic studies, treatments, dressing changes, and performs general administrative duties in compliance with CLIA, HIPAA, NCQA, and company policies.

Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma or equivalent (GED, homeschool equivalency, or partial/full post‑secondary education).
• Experience: Minimum five years as a medical assistant in highly complex, chronic disease management or a specialty discipline.
• Licenses & Certifications (required): Certified Medical Assistant through AAMA, NAHP, NCCT, NHA, or Registered Medical Assistant; EMT and Basic Life Support (BLS) or Instructor certification (American Heart Association).
• Preferred certification: Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT – ACA).

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated competence to safely perform assigned duties, validated through ongoing assessments.
• Proficient oral, written, and reading skills in English, especially for patient safety communications.
• Effective, customer‑service‑focused communication with patients, physicians, families, and co‑workers.
• Knowledge of medical practice, examinations, diagnostic and treatment procedures, and related equipment.
• Ability to develop and maintain clinical quality assurance and accurate medical records.
• Problem‑solving attitude with sound reasoning and judgment.
• Provision of safe, patient‑centered, compassionate, and competent care.
• Strong computer skills for documentation and work‑related tasks.
• Commitment to continuous training, education, and maintenance of current certifications.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with patients, staff, and the public.
• Team‑oriented mindset and ability to work collaboratively.
• Understanding of patient populations and related clinical disease processes.
• Advanced assessment competencies appropriate to the level of practice.

Essential Functions

People

• Model and promote a positive work environment that supports interprofessional teamwork.
• Lead problem‑resolution initiatives within the unit.
• Facilitate teamwork by anticipating assistance needs and responding positively.
• Communicate and report pertinent patient information comprehensively.
• Teach peers critical thinking by explaining rationales and providing consistent follow‑up.
• Serve as a preceptor and clinical resource, guiding and mentoring colleagues.
• Provide structured feedback with concrete examples.

Service

• Deliver patient care under direct supervision of a Physician, RN, or clinic leadership.
• Complete pre‑visit planning workflow, securing necessary documentation.
• Obtain and document vital signs, chief complaints, medication reviews, and relevant histories.
• Record all care, diagnostics, treatments, and procedures in the EMR per policy.
• Follow up with patients to ensure compliance with recommendations, labs, imaging, and referrals.
• Promote patient activation of MyChart and coordinate care with hospitals, EDs, consulting physicians, and community resources.
• Model behaviors that improve patient‑satisfaction scores through peer accountability.

Quality & Safety

• Report patient observations, conditions, and problems to the provider.
• Recognize and appropriately report abnormal clinical findings.
• Maintain patient and family privacy while prioritizing safety.
• Perform routine tests (EKG, rapid strep, urinalysis, urine pregnancy) accurately.
• Sterilize instruments, prepare and maintain exam/treatment rooms, and manage supplies.

Finance

• Use resources efficiently and avoid waste.
• Stock exam rooms, conduct inventory, and order supplies as needed.
• Self‑motivate to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and minimize overtime.
• Model effective time management and coordinate colleagues to meet departmental demands.

Growth & Innovation

• Develop team members’ skills and continuously improve performance and outcomes.
• Participate in professional development and departmental educational activities.
• Offer innovative solutions through performance‑improvement initiatives.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date personal development plan.

Supplemental Requirements

• Work attire: Uniform – Yes; Scrubs – Yes; Business professional – No; Other (department approved) – Yes.
• On‑call: May be required during emergencies (e.g., disaster, severe weather).
• Travel: May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area; travel outside the area is not required.

FLSA Status: Non‑exempt.