Lead Certified Medical Assistant

Lead Certified Medical Assistant

Join the Vanguard Medical Group Team in Cranford, NJ Lead Certified Medical Assistant

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.

The Lead Certified Medical Assistant is a highly experienced and dependable clinical team member who supports providers, enhances clinical operations, and provides guidance to a clinical sub-team with minimal supervision. In addition to performing all standard MA duties, this role oversees daily workflows, mentors staff, ensures compliance, and contributes to quality improvement initiatives. The Lead Medical Assistant is ideal for someone who can anticipate needs, balance patient care with staff support, and foster an environment of teamwork and accountability.

Schedule: This is a full-time role, that requires approximately 2-3 evening shifts per month and 1 Saturday shift per month.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.
• Ensure proper training, delegation, and oversight of clinical staff performing patient care tasks.

• 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.
• Monitor staff adherence to pre-visit protocols and provide coaching as needed.

• 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.
• Oversee clinical staff assignments, monitor effectiveness, and adjust workflows as needed.
• Serve as a point of escalation for staff questions or operational issues.

• 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.
• Investigate, document, and assist with resolution of patient complaints.
• Model professional communication and customer service standards for the clinical team.

• 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.
• Ensure staff compliance with OSHA, CLIA, HIPAA, and other regulatory standards; provide training and updates as needed.

• 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.
• Track and balance inventory needs across sites; coordinate ordering and distribution of supplies.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and performance management of clinical staff.

• Mentor and train Medical Assistants, providing guidance, coaching, and feedback for professional growth.
• Promote a positive work environment, encouraging teamwork and accountability.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development.
• 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.
• Current Medical Assistant certification (CMA, RMA, or equivalent) required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Medical Assistant in a primary care or specialty setting.
• EMR proficiency required; Athena experience preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, and conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with experience mentoring or coordinating staff.

Core Competencies:

• Compassion: Demonstrates empathy and genuine care in every interaction.
• Leadership: Guides by example, fosters teamwork, and supports staff development.
• 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 $25.00 to $27.00 per hour, depending on experience. Additionally, this position may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus and other company-sponsored benefits.

• 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.