What are the responsibilities and job description for the Medical Assistant position at PEOPLE'S HEALTH CENTERS?
About Company:
Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers provides quality health care and social services to thousands of uninsured and medically underserved. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for all residents of the community by providing healthcare that is comprehensive, equitable and trauma informed, including primary care, dental and behavioral health services rooted in compassion, hope, dignity, and cultural competency. PHC is committed to serving the impoverished, uninsured populations in St. Louis and St Louis County communities. With three (3) conveniently located health centers, three (3) behavioral health sites and a friendly welcoming staff, PHC aspires to serve all the health care and wellness needs of the entire family.
About the Role:
The Medical Assistant plays a critical role in supporting healthcare providers by ensuring the smooth operation of clinical and administrative tasks within a medical facility. This position involves direct patient interaction, including preparing patients for examinations, taking vital signs, and assisting with medical procedures such as phlebotomy and specimen collection. The Medical Assistant is responsible for maintaining a clean and sterile environment by properly sterilizing medical instruments and managing specimen processing accurately. Additionally, this role requires effective communication skills to answer phones, schedule appointments, and provide patients with clear instructions and support. Ultimately, the Medical Assistant contributes to delivering high-quality patient care and enhancing the overall efficiency of the healthcare team.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant training program.
- Certification in phlebotomy and knowledge of blood draw techniques.
- Basic understanding of medical instruments and sterilization procedures.
- Proficiency in taking and recording vital signs accurately.
- Strong communication skills for interacting with patients and healthcare staff.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certification as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA).
- Experience working alongside Nurse Practitioners or in a similar clinical setting.
- Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems.
- Additional training in specimen processing and laboratory procedures.
- Bilingual abilities to assist a diverse patient population.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare patients for examination by taking vital signs and recording medical histories.
- Assist healthcare providers, including Nurse Practitioners, during medical examinations and procedures.
- Perform phlebotomy and draw blood samples following proper protocols and safety standards.
- Process and label specimens accurately for laboratory testing and ensure timely delivery.
- Sterilize medical instruments and maintain cleanliness of examination rooms to comply with health regulations.
- Answer phones, schedule patient appointments, and manage patient flow within the clinic.
- Maintain accurate patient records and update electronic health systems as required.
- Provide patients with instructions regarding medications, treatments, and follow-up care.
Skills:
The required skills such as Medical Assisting, use of Medical Instruments, and Phlebotomy are essential for performing clinical tasks like drawing blood and taking vital signs accurately, which are critical for patient diagnosis and treatment. Specimen processing and sterilization skills ensure that all samples are handled safely and instruments are properly sanitized to prevent infection. Working knowledge of Nurse Practitioner support enables the Medical Assistant to anticipate clinical needs and assist efficiently during patient care. Answering phones and managing patient communications require strong interpersonal and organizational skills to maintain smooth clinic operations. Preferred skills like familiarity with electronic health records and bilingual communication enhance the ability to provide comprehensive and accessible care to a diverse patient base.