What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Assistant (Clinics) – Bilingual Required position at Catawba County?
Position Description
Catawba County Public Health is recruiting a compassionate and detail-oriented Program Assistant to support patient care across Public Health programs. This role combines English-Spanish interpretation and administrative coordination to ensure efficient, high-quality service for our patients. The ideal candidate will be fluent in both English and Spanish, enabling clear and culturally responsive communication with patients and staff.
The Program Assistant performs a variety of front-line, patient-facing duties, including coordinating appointments, maintaining accurate patient records, and serving as an interpreter for Spanish-speaking clients. This position is an integral part of the care team and directly contributes to the department’s mission of promoting and protecting the health of our community.
Qualified candidates must be fluent in English and Spanish. Bilingual extra duty pay is provided.
Responsibilities
- Provide bilingual (English/Spanish) interpretation and support to patients and staff during exams, procedures, and consultations
- Assist clients via phone and in-person with accessing Public Health services, explaining treatment plans, and scheduling follow-up visits
- Create and maintain patient records within the electronic medical record (EMR) system; enter and verify demographic and insurance information
- Schedule, confirm, and manage appointments, including reminder calls and cancellations
- Collect payments and maintain accurate financial and eligibility documentation
- Track and order supplies, clean and disinfect exam rooms and equipment, and document maintenance logs
- Support clinic staff by conducting social determinants of health surveys, assisting with patient engagement activities, and providing cultural context to improve service delivery
- Participate in emergency preparedness and safety trainings, drills, and call-down procedures as required
Qualifications
- Associate’s degree in Human Services, Medical Office, or Business Administration, 1 year of clerical experience, preferably in a public health or medical office, and bilingual fluency in English and Spanish; OR
- High school diploma or GED equivalent, 3 years of clerical experience, preferably in a public health or medical office, and bilingual fluency in English and Spanish
Additional Requirements
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse populations
- Knowledge of medical terminology, clinical procedures, and HIPAA confidentiality requirements
- Accuracy and attention to detail in data entry, recordkeeping, and eligibility verification
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, patient-focused environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and electronic medical records
- This is considered light work, lifting up to 20 pounds frequently, which could include supplies, medical records, etc.
Preferences:
- Experience working in a clinical or public health environment
- Medical translation or interpreter training
- CNA or MOA certification
Catawba County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Catawba County Benefits
As of 7/1/2024:
You will find that Catawba County has one of the best benefits packages around. Our Human Resources staff are dedicated to keeping in touch with trends in benefits on both a local and national level, listening to employees' suggestions regarding benefits, and continually reviewing to ensure our benefits package is of good quality and meets the needs of both our employees and our organization. Available benefits include:
Health Care
- Health: For a small bi-weekly premium, employees may choose between a traditional (co-pay) health plan and a high deductible health plan coupled with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Coverage may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren), or family.
- Dental Insurance: At no cost to full-time employees, the County covers preventive, routine, and non-routine care. Coverage for the same benefits may also be purchased for spouse, child(ren) and family. In addition, a $2,000 benefit toward orthodontia coverage is provided for children up to age 19.
- Vision Care: Coverage is available, at group rates, for employee and dependents, with 2 plan options to choose from.
- Supplemental critical care and accident insurance plans: These optional coverage plans are available at a nominal cost.
- Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax accounts which can be used to pay for qualified out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision expenses.
Employee Wellness
- Employee Health Clinic (EHC): An employee medical clinic, available to all County employees, which operates 40 hours a week. Services provided include acute care, first aid, evaluation and care for workers' compensation injuries, pre-employment screenings, health education, and behavioral health referrals. Services offered both in person and through telehealth. Acute care available to employee’s children ages 5-17 regardless of health insurance coverage and for employee’s adult children (ages 18-26) or employee’s spouse if covered on the county’s health insurance.
- Wellness: The County recognizes the importance of our health and well-being. We maintain a very proactive and effective Wellness Program, including reimbursement and discounts for gym membership, incentives for physical activity, on-site nutrition counseling, free exercise opportunities, wellness education and more.
- Employee Assistance Program: Counseling services are available to all County employees and immediate family members in the home. Services are provided in a private and confidential setting (in-person or virtually). The County provides coverage for the first six visits.
Work Life Balance
- Annual Leave: Full-time employees earn from 10-21 days annually based on years of service. Service credit from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County.
- Sick Leave: Full-time employees earn one day (8 hours) of sick leave per month. Sick leave from other NC and Local Governments in the retirement system may be transferred to the County.
- Holiday Leave: Throughout the year, 11 days of paid leave are provided in recognition of holidays.
- Flexible work schedules.
- Time off for activities that support our local schools.
- Continuing educational assistance.
- Discount tickets to recreational venues.
- Employee appreciation days/activities.
- Tax-free flexible spending account to pay for dependent care.
Financial Security
- Local Governmental Employees Retirement System: For employees assigned to work 20 hours per week or more in a benefitted position, participation in this program is automatic. Employees contribute 6% of their salary, which is tax deferred. After (5) years of creditable service, you become fully vested in the retirement system. Employees may also take advantage of individual and group retirement counseling through the Human Resources department.
- 401K: The County provides a 2% contribution plus an additional 1% match (up to 3% total contribution by the County). Our sworn law enforcement officers receive a flat 5% contribution to their 401k.
- Other Tax Deferred Programs: Other tax-sheltering programs are available through IRS Code 125 (Cafeteria Plan), and a 457 supplemental retirement plan (Deferred Compensation).
- Longevity Pay: After 5 years of creditable service, employees receive an annual longevity payment that is paid every year thereafter. This lump sum payment rewards employees for their length of service to Catawba County. The amount is based on years of service.
- Life Insurance: Death benefit equal to one times employee’s annual salary with a minimum coverage amount of $25,000. Optional supplemental life insurance coverage is also available for both employee and dependents through payroll deduction at group rates.
- Short Term Disability: Available at no cost to employees, benefits are available after a 55-day waiting period.
- Long Term Disability: Available through payroll deduction at group rates.
- Eligibility for membership and financial services at State Employees Credit Union (SECU)/Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU).
Salary : $25,000