Certified Medical Assistant III

Overview

Join the Vanguard Medical Group team in Farmingdale, NJ - Certified Medical Assistant III

About Us Vanguard Medical Group is an independent primary care group practice with 11 offices throughout Northern and Central New Jersey. Our commitment to providing evidence-based healthcare is driven by our dedication to achieving quality outcomes that improve the health and safety of our patients and the populations we serve. We also prioritize the well-being of our team, ensuring employees have a positive work-life balance, are engaged at VMG, and experience fulfillment at work.

Position Overview:

The Certified Medical Assistant III carries out patient care orders as directed by Medical Doctors, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners. This role follows established clinical workflows and participates in both clinical and administrative tasks to support efficient, high-quality care delivery. The CMA Level III is an advanced Medical Assistant role that serves as a resource to the care team. In addition to performing core Medical Assistant responsibilities, this position provides training, support, and coaching to new clinical support staff and Medical Assistants to help them successfully support clinicians, patients, and office workflows.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Support & Patient Care

• Prepare exam rooms and assist providers during exams, procedures, and treatments.
• Take and record vital signs, medical history, medication reconciliation, and chief complaint.
• Administer medications and injections per provider instruction and document in the EMR.
• Perform in-office testing (e.g., EKGs, urine dips, strep tests) and assist with phlebotomy as needed.
• Assist with minor procedures including sterilization of equipment, wound care, and dressing changes.
• Provide patient education as directed, including medication instructions and care plans.
• Recognize and escalate urgent patient needs or abnormal findings to the provider or appropriate clinical leader.
• Carry out patient care orders as directed by Medical Doctors, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners.

Chart Preparation & Visit Optimization

• Conduct pre-visit chart prep by reviewing prior notes, lab results, and specialist consults.
• Ensure open care gaps and outstanding quality metrics are identified and prepared prior to patient visits.
• Flag health maintenance and preventive care items for provider review.
• Help ensure visits are organized, efficient, and clinically prepared.

Team-Based & Coordinated Care

• Participate in daily huddles and communicate key information to ensure continuity of care.
• Collaborate with providers, nurses, medical receptionists, and other care team members to enhance workflows and the overall patient journey.
• Support population health initiatives through outreach, data tracking, and care coordination.

Patient Experience

• Deliver welcoming, compassionate, and responsive service to all patients.
• Respond to patient inquiries in a timely and empathetic manner.
• Reinforce patient education and ensure patients leave each visit with a clear understanding of their next steps.

Quality Metrics & Documentation

• Assist in capturing and documenting data needed for quality programs (e.g., HEDIS, Medicare Wellness, UDS).
• Support efforts to improve clinical quality and close care gaps.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough EMR documentation.

Administrative Duties

• Process referrals, prescription refills, and prior authorizations under provider guidance.
• Maintain exam room cleanliness, supply levels, and equipment readiness.
• Support front desk as needed with check-in, scheduling, and patient flow coordination.

Other Duties

• Participate in ongoing training and professional development.
• Provide on-the-job training and orientation for newly hired Medical Assistants and clinical support staff.
• Uphold patient confidentiality and practice HIPAA compliance at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Vanguard Medical Group leadership.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Graduate of an accredited Medical Assistant program.
• Medical Assistant Certification (CMA/RMA/CCMA) strongly preferred.
• Minimum 3+ years of experience in a medical office or ambulatory healthcare setting preferred.
• Strong knowledge of clinical workflows, patient care support, EMR documentation, and office operations.
• Proficient in the use of electronic medical records (EMR); Athena experience is a plus.
• Ability to perform in-office testing, injections, medication documentation, chart preparation, and patient education within scope of practice.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask, work in a fast-paced environment, and be a proactive team player.
• Professional, dependable, proactive, and committed to delivering high-quality patient care.

Core Competencies:

• Compassion: Demonstrates empathy and genuine care in every interaction.
• Attitude: Brings a positive, proactive, and solution-oriented mindset to work.
• Respect: Treats all patients and team members with professionalism and dignity.
• Excellence: Strives for accuracy, timeliness, and continuous improvement in all tasks.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• May require light lifting (up to 20 lbs.) for supplies or office materials.
• Must have visual and auditory acuity to operate computer systems and phones.

Compensation and Benefits:

The anticipated base hourly rate for this position ranges from $23.00 to $25.00 per hour, depending on the role and experience level. Additionally, this position may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus and other company-sponsored benefits.

Benefits include:

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision)
• Paid time off, including vacation/personal days, holidays, and sick time
• Opportunities for ongoing training, certification, and professional development

Please note that individual total compensation will be determined at the Company's sole discretion and may vary based on several factors, including but not limited to: location, skill level, years and depth of relevant experience, and education.

EEOC Statement:

Vanguard Medical Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

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