Medical Assistant I

MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES
Our mission is to provide quality, comprehensive healthcare and supportive services to our community. Our vision is “Improving the Health and Well-Being of Our Community.” Our core values are Integrity, Compassion, and Excellence. Employees are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission, policies, goals, and philosophy of Harbor Community Health Centers.

JOB SUMMARY
The Medical Assistant Level I (MA I) supports medical providers in the safe and appropriate delivery of patient care. As an entry-level position, the MA I performs assigned clinical and administrative duties within their scope of practice and in accordance with HarborCHC policies and procedures. Duties are performed under the supervision of a licensed professional following successful completion of required training and competency validation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily to be successful in this role. The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the position.

Medical Assistant Level I:

• Prepare the exam room for the clinician; clean and stock rooms in between patients.
• Prepare patients for the health care visit by directing and/or accompanying them to the examination room; providing gowns and drapes; helping them position themselves for examination and/or treatment; and arranging examination room instruments, supplies, and equipment.
• Verify patient information by interviewing the patient, reviewing and/or recording medical history, taking vital signs, and confirming the purpose of the visit or treatment.
• Support patient care delivery by assisting providers during examinations; preparing laboratory specimens; performing basic laboratory tests; disposing of contaminated supplies; administering medications as ordered; process medication refill requests as directed and authorized by the licensed provider; communicating prescriptions to pharmacies as directed and authorized by the provider; removing sutures; and changing dressings.
• Reinforce provider-approved patient education and instructions regarding medications, diet, treatment plans, and follow-up care within the medical assistant's scope of practice.
• Perform diagnostic and laboratory tests, including but not limited to audiometry, EKG, spirometry, urine dips, Accu-Chek, urine HCG, and HemoCue hemoglobin, following documented training and competency validation and in accordance with HarborCHC policy.
• Perform venipuncture, finger sticks, and heel sticks following documented training and competency validation and in accordance with HarborCHC policy and applicable safety requirements.
• Prepare specimens in the pre-analytical stage of testing, including computer entry, documentation, and follow-through.
• Administer injections and immunizations as ordered, following documented training and competency validation and in accordance with HarborCHC policy; complete lab and x-ray requisitions and other services ordered by the clinician.
• Document all immunizations in accordance with HarborCHC policies and applicable requirements.
• Keep equipment operating by following operating instructions; troubleshoot breakdowns; maintain supplies; perform preventive maintenance; and call for repairs.
• Perform age-appropriate screenings as ordered or directed by the clinician and in accordance with HarborCHC policy.
• Perform end-of-shift tasks for room closure and equipment.
• Answer patient calls and route messages to the appropriate provider in the EMR.
• Preview provider schedule; ensure medical records and other documents are available for provider review; review and highlight gaps in care.
• Follow organization standards for Universal Precautions when working with potentially infectious materials (blood or body fluids).
• Work as part of a care team to coordinate and prioritize patient care.
• Alert the designated person to needed supplies/equipment.
• Report safety hazards, incidents, HIPAA violations, or other risk management issues to the supervisor.
• Assist patient and/or guardian with completing required forms (CHDP, registration, screening, etc.).
• Provide patients with clinical summaries, lab orders, treatment plans, and referrals as needed.
• Assist patient/guardian with scheduling appointments as needed.
• Complete required training (universal precautions, bloodborne pathogens, risk management, safety drills, customer service, cultural sensitivity, etc.) on a timely basis.
• Maintain patient confidence and protect operations by always adhering to HIPAA laws.
• Attend all mandatory meetings and other meetings as requested.
• Participate in customer service-related issues and adhere to the organization's customer service values.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support HarborCHC’s mission and values.

SCOPE OF PRACTICE & COMPETENCY
The Medical Assistant Level I performs only those clinical duties permitted within the medical assistant's applicable scope of practice and for which the employee has received appropriate training and demonstrated competency. Clinical duties are performed under the appropriate supervision of a licensed healthcare professional and in accordance with HarborCHC policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education, Training, and Certification:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of a medical assistant training program that meets applicable California training requirements.
• Documentation of required training and demonstrated competency for assigned clinical duties.
• Current BLS certification.

Experience:

• Medical Assistant experience in a medical/clinical setting is preferred; recent graduates of an approved medical assistant program will be considered.
• FQHC, outpatient primary care, or ambulatory care experience is a plus.
• Current HarborCHC employees under consideration for promotion must be in good standing, have a positive performance review, and have no active corrective action plans for at least six (6) months.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current medical assistant certification from a recognized certifying organization.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Familiarity with electronic health records; eClinicalWorks experience preferred.
• Experience working in a community health center, outpatient primary care clinic, or similar healthcare setting.

EXPECTATIONS

• Adheres to all HarborCHC policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates HarborCHC’s core values of Integrity, Compassion, and Excellence in all work-related interactions.
• Maintains a strong commitment to HarborCHC’s mission, goals, and philosophy.
• Maintains a positive, respectful, and professional attitude.
• Communicates regularly with their immediate supervisor regarding departmental and organizational matters.
• Reports to work consistently and is prepared to perform assigned duties.
• Meets established productivity standards and performs duties based on operational needs.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of patients, employees, and organizational information.
• Demonstrates accountability in all duties and responsibilities.
• Performing job functions in a professional and courteous manner, including responding to phone calls, messages, and emails in a timely manner.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical requirements described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or operate objects, tools, or equipment; reach with hands and arms; and communicate verbally and hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

HOURS OF OPERATIONS
HarborCHC Hours of Operation: 

• Monday–Thursday, 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
• Friday & Saturday: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

HR PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be able to travel between HarborCHC clinic locations as needed based on operational needs.
• Must successfully complete all required post-offer background screening and verification requirements.
• Must comply with applicable HarborCHC pre-employment and employment requirements.
• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; additional duties may be assigned as needed.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
HarborCHC does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race; religion; color; sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions); sexual orientation; national origin; ancestry; physical or mental disability; medical condition; genetic information or characteristics; marital or registered domestic partner status; age; reproductive health decision-making; military or veteran status; use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace; or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This policy applies to individuals who have, are perceived to have, or are associated with a person who has or is perceived to have a legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

DISCLAIMER
The above statements define this position as it currently exists and are intended to describe the general responsibilities and requirements of the position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or requirements and do not limit the assignment of additional duties at the discretion of the supervisor. HarborCHC is an at-will employer.

HarborCHC may change an employee’s duties, compensation, or hours, or may transfer, reassign, promote, demote, suspend, or otherwise change the terms and conditions of employment, other than the at-will relationship, with or without cause or prior notice.