Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

Who is Alpharus Health?

Alpharus Health is a national nonprofit behavioral health provider dedicated to helping people build healthier lives. For nearly 60 years, we have provided substance use and mental health treatment that helps individuals, families, and communities find healing, hope, and lasting wellbeing. Our mission is simple: We help people build healthier lives. By combining clinical expertise with a person-centered approach, we help people build the skills, resilience, and support systems needed to create meaningful, lasting change. 

Why join us?

Consider joining our team, where your impact can be truly meaningful. Our organization focuses on delivering high quality clinical services as a recognized leader in evidence-based treatment proven to get results. By joining our team, you'll be working for an organization that values you and aims to be an employer of choice. You can expect to be part of a vibrant culture that emphasizes teamwork and professional growth. When you join us, you have the opportunity to find both personal and professional fulfillment by aligning your career with your values.

Location: 3828 W. Taylor Chicago, IL 60624

• View facility details here!

Work Schedule: Schedule includes 3:00 PM–11:30 PM every other weekend and every other major holidays; follows a regular 5-day rolling workweek.

Certified Medical Assistants are responsible for: 

• Checks and monitors client vital signs including temperature, pulse, respiration rate, blood pressure and blood sugar levels; and documents readings as appropriate. 
• Prepares and administers medication as ordered and under the supervision of the doctor; observes medical reactions and reports any changes or concerns to physician and/or nursing staff.
• Prepares and administers medication and vaccinations as prescribed and under supervision of a physician and documents same in the medication administration record. 
• Reviews and creates physician orders from physician sourced documents; places orders per instructions, such as vital signs requests, lab orders, or dietary instructions. 
• Collects client sick call requests and discusses or notifies MD or RN. Performs data entry into system.
• Responsible for checking and monitoring client vital signs including temperature, pulse, respiration rates, blood pressure and sugar levels; records client’s readings and other information pertinent to the clients medical needs and care.
• Assists physicians, psychiatrists, dietitians and other providers with exams, preparing exam room; and maintains their daily schedules.
• Observes client’s physical, mental, and emotional conditions and reports any changes or concerns to nursing staff.
• Performs searches of clients and client property following any period of absence from the unit in accordance with agency policy.
• Enters lab orders into the electronic medical record and monitors and reports incoming results to physician or nursing staff. 
• Collects specimens, blood draws, and perform minor procedures under direct supervision of MD if needed.
• Performs additional duties as assigned, such as monitoring, storing and reordering supplies, changing biohazard bags, answering telephones, photocopying, scanning and filin documents and forms.

Requirements: 

• Completion of Medical Assistant training program from an accredited institution.
• Current CPR certification
• Computer skills, ability to follow protocols and attention to detail
• Working knowledge of theories, principles, and basic nursing concepts in order to effectively contribute to client’s medical care
• Ability to read, write, understand and follow written instructions
• Strong  verbal and written communication skills to include report writing
• Conflict resolution skills to implement solutions and resolve conflict
• Ability to collaborate with others
• Ability to work irregular hours, over weekends and holidays
• Must be a critical thinker to assess situations and develop and executes action plans
• Must be well-organized to work well under pressure

Physical Requirements: 

• Normal or corrected vision and some color vision, necessary to read thermometers, blood pressure gauges, dipstick analysis results, and so forth to see and evaluate presented symptoms and injuries
• Communication abilities necessary to gather and exchange information with clients and staff in person or by telephone, provide care instructions, and schedule appointments
• Ability to respond to telephone, pages and intercoms
• Manual dexterity necessary to manipulate instruments and syringes, apply bandages or sterile wipes, and accept and pass instruments and specimens; and touch sensitivity necessary to detect pulse, palpate body areas, and perform treatments with minimal client discomfort
• Depending on program assigned, ability to drive vehicle to various locations
• Ability to use a keyboard and video display terminal to receive, retrieve, and/or audit information and data on a regular basis
• Ability to stoop and bend, ability to reach and grab with arms and hands, and ability to walk and move about for up to two hours at a time
• Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Compensation: 

• Range is between $19.27 - $28.12 per hour
• This position offers shift differential on top of the hourly rate.
• Starting rates are determined based on yaers of experience, qualifications, and relevant skills.
• Alpharus Health conducts annual performance reviews, with merit increase eligibility determined by employee performance and organizational financial performance. 

Benefits at Alpharus:

Health and Wellness:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
• Employee wellness program promoting health and fitness and offering cash-saving premiums
• Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial Wellbeing:

• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% employer match 
• Short-term and Long-term Disability and Life and AD&D Insurance paid for by Alpharus
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Flexibility and Time Off:

• 18 paid time off days per year – accrual rates increase with years of service
• 9 paid company holidays
• Work-life-balance

Personal Development:

• Training & Development Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement - up to $5,250 per calendar year
• eLearning access to online courses that provide CEU’s and job-related training
• Clinical Supervision: Formal and informal guidance

Alpharus Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets. Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.