Medical Assistant

Job Details: Job Location: Echo Park Health Center - Los Angeles, CA 90026, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: None, Salary Range: $26.49 - $31.85 Hourly, Travel Percentage: Local Travel Site to Site, Job Shift: Day, Job Category: Health Care, The Medical Assistant supports high-quality patient care at Gracelight Community Health (“Gracelight”) by performing clinical and administrative duties that keep patient flow moving and providers supported, and promotes the integration of health center programs to sustain Gracelight’s certification as a Level III Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH). The MA reports to the Nurse Manager and performs clinical tasks within the California medical assistant scope of practice, under the authorization and supervision of licensed providers and in accordance with Gracelight protocols and standing orders. This role is based at an assigned health center and may support other locations as needed. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Prepares patients for visits, including rooming, vital signs, chief complaint, medication review, and screening questionnaires in the electronic health record; takes appropriate action for abnormal vital signs per established protocols. Prepares, cleans, stocks, and turns over exam rooms; maintains clinical work areas, supply inventory, and instrument cleaning and sterilization in accordance with infection control standards. Assists providers during examinations and procedures and maintains efficient patient flow throughout the session. Administers injections and immunizations and performs other clinical tasks as authorized within the California medical assistant scope of practice, under provider supervision and per Gracelight standing orders and competency verification. Performs, under the direction of the provider and standardized orders, electrocardiograms, ear lavages, vision tests, and skin tests. Performs CLIA-waived point-of-care testing and specimen collection, including phlebotomy where trained and authorized; labels, processes, and routes specimens correctly. Documents accurately and timely in the electronic health record; completes tasks, telephone encounters, and follow-up items assigned through the EHR in-basket. Supports referrals, prior authorizations, scheduling, and outreach calls for recalls, gaps in care, and missed appointments. Labels vaccines, medications, and supplies with open date, initials, job title, and expiration date; monitors and documents refrigerator temperatures and supports vaccine program requirements, including VFC where applicable. Participates in daily huddles, team meetings, quality improvement activities, and PCMH functions, including reporting and performance measurement. Provides interpretation support where qualified per Gracelight language access policies; maintains patient privacy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA. Maintains compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, HRSA Health Center Program requirements, and Gracelight policies and procedures. Works at any Gracelight location as needed to meet patient care needs, is available to work all business hours, including evenings and weekends. Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications: Completion of a medical assistant training program from an accredited institution, or equivalent work experience and medical assistant certification, required. Current BLS/CPR certification required and must be maintained throughout employment. Medical Assistant certification (CCMA, CMA, RMA, or equivalent) preferred. Phlebotomy certificate preferred. Two (2) years of healthcare experience preferred; experience in a community health center, FQHC, or outpatient primary care setting preferred. Working knowledge of clinical procedures within the medical assistant scope of practice, infection control, and patient safety practices; proficiency with electronic health records and standard computer applications. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to work with a diverse patient population and care team. Bilingual in English/Spanish, English/Tagalog, English/Armenian, or English/Korean preferred. Flexibility to work at any/all Gracelight locations required; must be able to reliably travel between sites within designated work hours as needed. A personal cell phone with reliable service and a data plan is required for business purposes; a stipend is provided per Gracelight policy. Condition of employment: must meet and receive a criminal records clearance as required by licensing regulations, and Gracelight policy, and must not be excluded from participation in federal health care programs (verified through OIG/SAM screening). TB clearance and immunizations per health center policy.