Medical Assistant I

At Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, we welcome diversity; we encourage, uplift, and are honored to serve people who have been historically underrepresented and underserved. Our mission is to provide high-quality, culturally appropriate healthcare to low-income residents of Washington and Yamhill Counties, with a special emphasis on seasonal and migrant farm workers and others with barriers to receiving healthcare. We strive to provide an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we employ and serve.

About the Role

The Medical Assistant I (MAI) works as a member of a multi-disciplinary team, performing delegated clinical and administrative duties within the supervising provider's scope of practice consistent with the MA's education, training, and demonstrated competency.

Responsibilities

• Patient Flow Duties:
  • Review daily schedule and verify availability of supplies and working equipment for the day.
  • Prepare patient chart prior to appointment time.
  • Direct patient flow and room turnover in assigned areas.
  • Communicate with patients and families and keep them informed of schedule delays.
  • Maintain cleanliness, inventory, and preparedness of assigned exam rooms.
  • Assist patients needing help with ambulation or those dependent on a wheelchair or walker.
  • Communicate changes to patient's schedule with the provider and team members.
  • Coordinate interpreter services as needed.
  • Ensure patients and families understand visit flow and expectations.
  • Provide interpretation as requested.
  • Schedule appointments as ordered by provider.
• Direct Patient Care:
  • Perform vital signs, diagnostic tests, and laboratory tests including waived lab tests, venipuncture, and specimen processing.
  • Accurately document medical information in patients' records (flow sheets, progress notes, immunization records, growth charts, refill logs, etc.), lab logs, and quality control logs.
  • Determine immunization status and administer immunizations as needed.
  • Administer medication as ordered by providers.
  • Label prepackaged medication as directed by providers.
  • Determine type of appointment needed and prepare patient appropriately.
  • Assist providers with procedures.
  • Dispense information to patients as instructed by providers.
  • Call/fax refill requests to the pharmacy as ordered by providers.
• In-Direct Patient Care:
  • Check sharps containers daily, replacing when full.
  • Stock information pamphlets and forms in the clinic daily.
  • Stock exam rooms, nurse's station, vaccine administration station, and lab daily.
  • Organize and maintain clean and soiled utility rooms and storage areas.
  • Disinfect and sterilize equipment.
  • Maintain proper quality monitoring/control program for sterilization system.
  • Assist the front desk as needed to expedite patient check-in.
  • Clean and disinfect exam tables, counters, and equipment such as scales, toys, and blood pressure cuffs per VGMHC Infection Control Guidelines.
  • Assemble equipment and prepare trays for minor procedures.
  • Track patients' records as directed by provider.
• Clinic Expectations:
  • Report off to covering team member when leaving the floor for break, lunch, or off duty.
  • Problem-solve issues in a team environment.
  • Assist other staff as requested.
  • Implement agreed-upon changes in functions, policies, and procedures.
  • Establish appropriate patient/clinic flow priorities and follow through to completion.
  • Ensure confidentiality of patients and staff.
  • Demonstrate cultural competency.
  • Participate in ongoing professional development and competency assessment, including attending educational classes, staff meetings, orienting new staff, and cross-training.
  • Perform other duties as requested by supervisor.
  • Handle protected health information (PHI) in a manner consistent with HIPAA.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of Medical Assistant training program and certification.
• One year of previous medical assistant experience preferred.
• Basic Life Support (BLS)/Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification required, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.
• Bilingual/bicultural proficiency in Spanish and English preferred.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to multi-task and set priorities in an ever-changing environment while maintaining a calm, professional demeanor.
• Knowledge and skills to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served by the clinic.
• Recognize own limitations and seek guidance/assistance appropriately.
• Ability to rotate to other clinics as needed within the guidelines of the union contract.
• Must meet immunization requirements as stated in VGMHC's immunization policy and state and federal guidelines.

Skills

• Accountability: Role model VG's mission, vision, and shared values.
• Customer-Focus: Listen to the voice of the customer and strive to exceed their expectations.
• Teamwork: Assist others when help is needed.
• Initiative: Be innovative, apply fresh ideas, and continuously improve work processes.
• Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality and respect the privacy of others.
• Ethical: Demonstrate integrity, honesty, and stewardship in all encounters at work.
• Respect: Demonstrate consideration and appreciation for co-workers and patients.
• Communication: Convey thoughts and ideas effectively and understand the perspectives of others.

Physical Requirements

• Standing: 25% of the time
• Walking: 45% of the time
• Sitting: 25% of the time
• Lifting/Carrying: 5% of the time (must be able to lift/carry 40 lbs. of supplies)

Work in a well-lighted, ventilated environment with exposure to bloodborne pathogens and potentially hazardous chemicals.

Equipment Used

• Office equipment (computer, telephone, fax, copier)
• Medical equipment (autoclave, non-stress test, fetal Doppler, EKG, pulse oximeter, audiometer, nebulizer, O2 tank, liquid nitrogen, glucometer, hemoglobin A1C, cholesterol screening equipment, hemoglobin screening equipment, ultrasound machine, immunization supplies)