Medical - Medical Assistant (Full-Time)

Medical Assistant

The Medical Assistant (MA) is a vital member of the clinical care team at the San Diego Community Health Center (SDCHC), a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered, and culturally competent healthcare to diverse and underserved communities. The MA supports providers and licensed staff by performing both administrative and clinical tasks that facilitate the smooth operation of the clinic and contribute to positive patient outcomes.

This position requires strict adherence to compliance standards, including but not limited to HRSA, OSHA, HIPAA, The Joint Commission, and SDAIHC policies and procedures. The ideal candidate is organized, compassionate, adaptable, and committed to serving vulnerable populations with dignity and respect.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Clinical Support:

1. Prepare exam rooms and ensure equipment and supplies are sanitized, stocked, and functional.
2. Positions, drapes, and places appropriate trays/ instruments for given appointment types.
3. Accurately measure and record vital signs, height, weight, and other intake data in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
4. Assist with examinations, in-office procedures, specimen collection, and minor procedures as directed.
5. Administer immunizations, medications, and injections under provider orders and in compliance with scope of practice.
6. Conduct CLIA-waived and POC testing (e.g., glucose, hemoglobin, hbA1C, urine analysis, urine pregnancy, COVID, flu, and rapid HIV testing) and label specimens for lab processing and POC testing control checks and calibrations as directed.
7. Perform ear lavage, EKGs, visual acuity tests, audiometry, and other diagnostic screenings as needed.
8. Observe and report changes in patient condition promptly to licensed staff.
9. Under supervision of licensed staff and under orders of Medical Provider, perform wound care (cleaning, dressing, dressing changes).
10. Maintain clean and fully stocked exam rooms, assure proper disposal of contaminated supplies, and participate in inventory management.
11. Maintain strict hand hygiene.
12. Ensure proper disposal of biohazard waste and adherence to infection control standards.
13. Able to work in laboratory and perform successful blood draws, use appropriate tubes for labs, and send lab orders/specimen samples appropriately. If do not have venipuncture experience or certification at start, agreeable to complete minimum of 10 hours of training on the job and progress to ability to perform venipuncture as needed.

Patient Interaction & Communication:

1. Provide compassionate, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive care to all patients.
2. Support care coordination, patient education, and navigation for follow-up and referrals.
3. Maintain patient confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
4. Assist with interpretation services, if bilingual, to facilitate provider-patient communication.

Administrative Duties:

1. Schedule and confirm appointments, diagnostic tests, and follow-up care as instructed.
2. Prepare and update medical records, consent forms, and patient intake documents in the EHR.
3. Complete patient encounter documentation, data entry, and associated tasks in accordance with SDAIHC protocols.
4. Participate in daily huddles, weekly and monthly team meetings, and quality improvement initiatives.
5. Monitor and maintain inventory of medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) – communicate to Lead MA, Clinic RN, or medical clinic leadership promptly when supplies or facilities are in need of repair or assessment, and when supplies are low.

Qualifications:

1. High School Diploma or GED required.
2. Medical Assistant Certification from an approved school/institution or equivalent documented training or education.

Preferred:

1. National certification (CMA, RMA, NCMA, or CCMA) preferred.
2. Minimum one (1) year of experience in an outpatient or community health setting preferred.
3. Prior experience in an FQHC, tribal health program, or working with diverse, underserved populations is highly desirable.

Special Conditions of Employment:

1. CPR/ BLS certification: Maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA), the American Red Cross, or an equivalent organization. Certification must include an in-person, hands-on skills assessment. Online-only certifications are not accepted.
2. Annual background checks: Consent to annual background checks as a condition of continued employment, to ensure compliance with organizational standards and eligibility requirements.
3. For-Cause Drug Screening: Comply with drug screening requirements when initiated by the organization for cause, to support a safe, compliant, and drug-free workplace.
4. Ongoing Compliance Requirements: Maintain up-to-date compliance with all required annual renewals, including professional licenses, certifications, physical examinations, TB testing, and mandatory regulatory trainings as assigned by the San Diego American Indian Health Center (SDAIHC).

Core Competencies:

1. Commitment to high quality, evidence-based, patient-centered, team-based care.
2. Knowledge of infection control, OSHA, HIPAA, and safety standards.
3. Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
4. Demonstrated ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
5. Competency in using EHR systems (ECW or similar preferred).
6. Professional demeanor, adaptability, and dependability.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

1. Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 25 pounds.
2. Regular exposure to clinical environments, including biological hazards and communicable diseases.
3. It requires use of PPE and compliance with infection control procedures.
4. May be required to work extended hours or weekends during special events, health fairs, or emergency response activities.

San Diego American Indian Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, religion, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability or any other protected class, political affiliation, or belief. Preference is given to qualified American Indian/Alaskan Natives in accordance with the American Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code Section 472, 473 and 473a). In other than the above, the San Diego American Indian Health Center, is an equal opportunity employer.