Certified Medical Assistant (Primary Care) - Full-time

Certified Medical Assistant (Primary Care - Float)

Job Overview

Location/Schedule: This position is based at the Plaza Health Center in SE Portland, OR, and requires the potential to work at other health centers within the Portland metro area. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Position: Certified Medical Assistant

Program: Primary Care

Starting Wage Ranges:

• Non-Certified Medical Assistant: $23.64 – $24.37 per hour

• Certified Medical Assistant: $28.39 – $29.57 per hour

Cascadia’s Mission and Vision:

Mission: Cascadia Health delivers whole health care – integrated mental health and addiction services, primary care, and housing – to promote hope and support the well-being of the communities we serve.

Vision: We envision a community where everyone benefits from whole health care, experiences well-being, and has a self-directed, connected life.

Position Description: The Medical Assistant (MA) ensures efficient patient flow through the clinic while adhering to safety standards, including infection control measures, protective devices, and universal precautions. The MA prepares examination rooms, keeping them clean, organized, properly stocked, and sterilizes instruments using the autoclave. This position works within the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system and assists providers in maintaining accurate records.

This position must understand, appreciate, and respect the diversity and cultural differences within our Cascadia community. As such, it is expected that this position promotes integrated care, our vision of trauma-informed and person-first approaches, and helps create a work environment of inclusion, safety, and acceptance.

Essential Responsibilities

This position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary.

General:

• Dispose of contaminated supplies and set up medical laboratory equipment as needed escort patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the provider.

• Assess patient needs, provide medical information per provider orders, and coordinate with the Patient Advocate/Scheduler to facilitate urgent or emergent appointments.

• Support providers during patient exams and treatments by handing instruments and materials or performing delegated tasks.

• Obtain patient assessments, including height, intake and output, BMI, chief complaint, present illness, emotional status, social history, and vital signs (blood pressure, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, pulse, temperature, and pain level). Communicate findings to the provider and assist in developing appropriate interventions.

• Use verbal and non-verbal communication with patients and families, recognizing and documenting observations, symptoms, and changes in condition.

• Call in and secure prior authorizations from insurance companies.

• Regularly check AED machine for operability.

• Accurately relay messages between patients and providers, including medication refill requests and treatment inquiries. Enter refill requisitions into EHR per protocol, route to the appropriate provider, and follow up as needed.

• Perform diagnostic procedures as ordered, including vital signs, physical screenings, venipuncture, and specimen collection (including phlebotomy). Log and prepare specimens for testing, document findings, remove sutures, and manage wound dressings. Report abnormal lab results to the provider.

• Administer HIV, pregnancy, and other point-of-care tests, along with CLIA-waived lab functions.

• Conduct and record vision and hearing screenings.

• Maintain and stock examination rooms, ensuring cleanliness and proper supply levels. Clean, package, and sterilize instruments using the autoclave.

• Operate EKG, spirometer (if certified), glucometer, and other diagnostic equipment under provider supervision.

• Provide patients with educational materials based on assessments or pre-operative instructions and address their questions.

• Administer intramuscular, subcutaneous, and intradermal injections as directed.

• Assist with wound care, dressing changes, cast/splint application and removal, and suture removal under provider supervision.

• Support patients in self-administering medications, including nebulizers, oral, and PAP medications.

• Assist with scheduling appointments and front desk duties as needed.

• Process specialty referrals, patient outreach, medical records scanning, and inventory management.

• Perform additional duties as assigned

Regulatory & Compliance:

• Comply with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures under which the program and company operates.

• Assist in crisis situations as appropriate; follow protocols and procedures in coordination with the treatment team.

• Respect and honor client rights and responsibilities and demonstrate professional boundaries and ethics.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation that ensures compliance with all agency policies and procedures and local, state, and federal regulations, and billing requirements.

• Understand safety regulations and evacuation procedures; participate in regular safety drills in compliance with program policies and procedures.

• Complete assigned employee training in compliance with program and company requirements.

• Provide guidance, support, and training to other staff in alignment with company mission and values.

• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and company meetings.

Qualifications

Education:

Required:

• High School diploma or equivalent

• Basic Life Support Certification within 30 days of hire.

Preferred:

• Graduate of an accredited Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) program.

Experience:

Preferred:

• Six months to one year of prior experience as a medical assistant

• Experience with Electronic Health Records, Epic Experience working with individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills.

• Understanding of medical terminology

• Effective communication and active listening skills.

• Demonstrated effective interpersonal and customer service skills.

• Philosophy and values consistent with a patient-centered care model.

• Ability to work proactively and effectively in a team as well as independently.

• Ability to work in a high paced environment

• Proficiency in using computer hardware and software necessary for job functions.

Other:

• Ability to travel to various Cascadia sites and community locations as needed.

Working Conditions

Environmental: Work is performed in one or more of the following: clinical office, acute care settings and community setting including client residences, correctional facilities, shelters, hospitals, public places and other social service sites. Meal periods and breaks are subject to interruption. Universal Precautions and remaining alert to the environment are critical to address the potential for violent behavior, exposure to disease, biohazards, noise, and contaminants.

Mental Demands: The work assigned is diverse and involves addressing new and unusual circumstances. The work regularly involves a degree of unpredictability and disruption of planned tasks requiring a flexible time management approach. In addition, this position requires exercising sound judgment.

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, contact us at 503-963-7654.

This position is represented by a labor union.

Benefits

We offer generous benefits for our full-time and part-time employees (20 hours + pro-rated) including:

• Generous Paid Time Off Package Full-time employees earn 6 weeks of PTO in their first year!
• Medical and Dental Coverage (begins 1st of the month following 30 days after hire date)
• VSP Vision Discount Plan
• 403(B) Retirement Savings (Pre and post-tax plans with up to 8% employer matching contribution!)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Medical, dependent care, and transportation options)
• Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Paid Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave
• Length of Service Award
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance
• Student loan forgiveness options

Wellness Benefits:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bicycle Reimbursement
• Discounted Fitness Memberships
• Trauma Support Team

Starting Rate Range in USD ($)

28.3

-

29.57