Temp Medical Assistant

Under the supervision of the Health Center Manager and Clinic Services Supervisor, the Medical Assistant delivers efficient, high-quality care to patients at Community Health Centers of the Central Coast. The role involves performing non-professional clinical duties, operating medical and laboratory equipment, assisting with patient care, and supporting clerical tasks to maintain effective workflow and operations.

Responsibilities

• Actively participate in assigned Patient Care Team duties and activities.
• Provide quality customer service using AIDET Standards.
• Administer medications via oral, parenteral, and topical routes as per Provider’s written orders.
• Perform preliminary intake of vitals and determine need for immunizations, lead screening, preventative exams, and other health maintenance recommendations.
• Perform in-house CLIA Waived laboratory tests (urinalysis, pregnancy tests, strep, etc.) following manufacturer instructions and quality controls.
• Assist with referral and tracking for routine visits, ancillary services, and external providers, noting tracking in medical records and appropriate software.
• Greet patients using two patient identifiers, escort them to examination rooms, and monitor patient waiting areas.
• Minimize emotional discomfort associated with office visits and provide comfort and encouragement for anxious patients.
• Maintain clean and safe patient areas, follow safety procedures, and report unsafe conditions.
• Ensure appropriate documentation of immunizations, intake, vitals, and medication reconciliation in the electronic medical record.
• Act as an interpreter between patient and provider when necessary.
• Clean and disinfect instruments and prepare them for sterilization per manufacturer and CHC guidelines.
• Answer telephones, take messages, complete tasks in inbox, and assist with patient needs.
• Attend meetings and trainings as required by the supervisor.
• Work with a high volume of patients and handle frequent changes or unexpected events.
• Adhere to safety policies and procedures, including infection control rules and regulations.
• Demonstrate knowledge of care appropriate to the age of patients served (infants, pediatrics, adolescents, adults, or geriatrics).
• Demonstrate knowledge of domestic violence, child, and dependent abuse protocols.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and competence with patients.
• Maintain and adhere to HIPAA, employee confidentiality, and privileged communications.
• Promote the principle of health care integration and the Patient Centered Medical Home.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Graduation from an accredited school in Medical Assisting or certification/registration (CMA/RMA) through a California Medical Board-approved organization. If not certified at hire, must pass test within one year of employment.
• Minimum one year of recent medical assisting work experience in the medical field preferred.
• Experience with electrocardiogram (EKG), vital signs, venipuncture, and injections preferred.
• Ability to read, interpret, and respond effectively to documents, safety rules, and sensitive inquiries.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Bilingual (English and another language) is desirable.
• Basic mathematical skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and interpreting bar graphs).
• Ability to apply sound judgment and follow written or oral instructions.
• Experience with word processing, spreadsheets, email, and keyboarding required; Microsoft Office skills required.
• Working knowledge of Electronic Health Records (EHR) required; competency in EHR system required.
• Possession of a current, valid, unrestricted California Driver’s License (Class C).
• Current CPR (BLS-C) card required; must obtain within the first 30 days of employment if not certified at hire.
• Must pass a criminal history background check and drug screen upon hire.
• Annual health examination, tuberculosis skin test clearance or chest x-ray, proof of immunity to MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis B, proof of Tdap vaccine, and proof of influenza vaccine or signed declination form (flu mask mandatory if declined).

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to sit; frequently required to stand and walk.
• Must use appropriate body mechanics techniques for patient transfers and assistance with walking, dressing, etc.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds of supplies.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced environment with frequent changes and potential exposure to moving mechanical parts or electrical shock risks.
• Moderate noise level.
• Flexible work schedule that may include evenings/weekends and travel as needed.

Pay

• Medical Assistant I: $22.50 - $24.81 per hour
• Medical Assistant II (Certified or Registered): $24.00 - $26.46 per hour
• Medical Assistant for San Luis Obispo or Cambria: $25.00 - $27.56 per hour