What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certified Medical Assistant position at Narragansett Indian Health Center?
Certified Medical Assistant (Full-Time)
Narragansett Indian Health Center (NIHC)
Charlestown, RI
The Narragansett Indian Health Center (NIHC) has an immediate opening for a Certified Medical Assistant to join our multidisciplinary ambulatory care team.
About NIHC
NIHC is an ambulatory Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that has provided compassionate, high-quality healthcare for more than 30 years. We serve members of the Narragansett Indian Tribe, other federally recognized American Indians and Alaska Natives, and eligible non-beneficiary patients across the lifespan—from newborns to geriatric patients.
We are committed to culturally appropriate, culturally sensitive, and patient-centered care, tailored to the needs of our community.
Essential Functions
The Certified Medical Assistant supports clinical operations and patient care under the supervision of licensed providers and nursing leadership. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Clinical & Patient Care
- Prioritize and manage patient flow throughout the clinical process
- Room patients; obtain and document vital signs, height, weight, chief complaint, medical history, and test results in the EHR
- Prepare examination rooms and ensure cleanliness and readiness
- Perform office-based tests and treatments under clinical supervision (e.g., vision, hearing, lifting tests)
- Perform phlebotomy and prepare laboratory specimens for testing
- Use universal precautions and appropriate PPE at all times
- Assist providers during examinations and respond to clinical requests
- Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, and provider instructions to patients
- Perform required behavioral health and other screenings during patient rooming
Documentation & Compliance
- Accurately document all required clinical and administrative information in the EHR
- Handle protected health information (PHI) in full compliance with HIPAA
- Maintain referral tracking and documentation; review referral expectations with patients
- Complete pre-authorizations and prior authorizations
- Prepare and submit reports as required
- Adhere to all NIHC policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
Administrative & Care Coordination
- Greet, screen, schedule, and communicate with patients in person and by phone
- Verify and update patient demographics and insurance coverage
- Schedule offsite services, hospital appointments, and ancillary testing
- Obtain medical records, lab and imaging reports, and consultation notes
- Assist patients with care coordination and problem-solving related to healthcare access
- Refer patients and families to in-house services (Behavioral Health, Community Health, PRC, pharmacy, medical staff)
- Manage inventory and submit supply and equipment requests
- Attend required trainings and meetings
Qualifications & Experience
Required
- Medical Assistant certification from an accredited institution
- Recent experience as a Certified Medical Assistant
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a healthcare setting
- CPR certification
- Strong knowledge of medical terminology
- Experience with Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
- Experience with office-based medical procedures and treatments
- Strong computer skills and ability to use medical software
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, work as part of a team, and maintain attention to detail
- Basic math and problem-solving skills
Strongly Preferred
- Phlebotomy certification and recent lab draw experience
- Experience working in a community health center or FQHC
- Knowledge of referral processes and insurance systems
Position Details
- Job Type: Full-Time
- Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (40 hours/week) with 1-hour lunch
- Work Location: On-site (Charlestown, RI)
- Supervisor: Clinic Nurse Supervisor (RN)
- Remote Work: Not typically available
Benefits
- 401(k) with employer matching
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Term Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off (vacation, personal, sick leave, holidays, bereavement, snow days/closures)
- Professional Development Assistance (as required or approved by employer)
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Preference
NIHC is a tribal FQHC owned and operated by the Narragansett Indian Tribe (NIT).
Knowledge of the history, culture, and health needs of Native American and Alaska Native communities is preferred.
NIT practices Indian Preference Hiring and is an AA/EEO employer. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation, fingerprinting, and drug screening.
Federal Drug-Free Workplace Notice
The federal government regulates drugs under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 811). Marijuana remains classified as a Schedule I substance under federal law. As a result, any marijuana use—medical or recreational—will disqualify an applicant from employment with NIT/NIHC.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $23.50 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Free parking
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- On-the-job training
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- Are you currently a Certified Medical Assistant from an accredited program?
- This position requires phlebotomy. Are you able to successfully perform blood draws independently?
- Are you comfortable working in a federally regulated clinic with strict HIPAA and documentation requirements?
- Are you able to pass a background check, fingerprinting, and federal drug screening?
Experience:
- Medical Assistant: 2 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20 - $24