Medical Assistant

Job Title: Medical Assistant

Department: Medical

Reports To: Health Center Manager/Clinic Services Supervisor

FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt

Wage Range:

• Medical Assistant I: $22.50 - $24.81 per hour
• Medical Assistant II (Certified or Registered): $24.00 – $26.46 per hour
• Medical Assistant for San Luis Obispo or Cambria: $25.00 - $27.56 per hour

Under the supervision of the Health Center Manager (HCM) and Clinic Services Supervisor (CSS), the Medical Assistant (MA) plays a key role in delivering efficient, high‑quality care to patients at Community Health Centers of the Central Coast (CHCCC). Depending on the site and specialty, the MA performs non‑professional clinical duties, operates medical and laboratory equipment, and assists with patient care, including physically demanding tasks.

The MA also supports the team with clerical duties and helps maintain effective workflow and operations.

• Actively participates in assigned Patient Care Team duties and activities.
• Provides quality customer service using AIDET Standards.
• Administers medications via oral, parenteral, and topical routes as per Provider’s written orders; if unfamiliar with a medication, consults the nursing drug handbook and confirms with Provider or RN.
• Performs preliminary intake of vitals and determines needs for immunizations, lead screening, preventative exams, and other health‑maintenance recommendations for specific age groups.
• Conducts in‑house CLIA‑Waived laboratory tests (urinalysis, pregnancy tests, strep, etc.), following manufacturer instructions and ensuring daily quality controls.
• Assists with referral and tracking for routine visits, ancillary services, and external providers; records tracking in the medical record and appropriate software.
• Greets patients using two identifiers, escorts them to examination rooms, and monitors waiting areas to minimize wait times and maximize provider utilization.
• Provides comfort and encouragement for patients experiencing anxiety, thereby reducing emotional discomfort during office visits.
• Maintains clean and safe patient areas; follows safety procedures and reports unsafe conditions.
• Ensures appropriate documentation of immunizations, intake, vitals, and medication reconciliation in the electronic medical record.
• Acts as an interpreter when necessary, using proper and formal grammar between patient and provider.
• Cleans and disinfects instruments and prepares them for sterilization in accordance with manufacturer and CHC guidelines.
• Answers telephone calls, takes messages, completes inbox tasks, and assists patients, ensuring all messages are answered daily.
• Attends meetings and trainings as required by the supervisor.
• Works efficiently with a high volume of patients and internal/external customers, adapting to frequent changes and unexpected events.
• Demonstrates adherence to safety policies and infection‑control regulations.
• Provides age‑appropriate care for infants, pediatrics, adolescents, adults, or geriatrics.
• Applies knowledge of domestic violence, child, and dependent abuse protocols.
• Shows cultural sensitivity and competence when interacting with patients.
• Maintains HIPAA compliance, confidentiality, and privileged communications.
• Promotes the principles of health‑care integration and the Patient‑Centered Medical Home model.

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Education and/or

Experience:

High school diploma or GED required. Graduation from an accredited medical‑assisting program or certification/registration (CMA/RMA) through a California Medical Board‑approved organization. If lacking CMA or RMA at hire, must pass the test within one year. Minimum one year recent medical‑assisting experience preferred, with EKG, vital signs, venipuncture, and injection experience valued.

Language

Skills:

Ability to read, write, and speak medical documents; respond effectively to inquiries or complaints; write reports and correspondences; speak in front of patients and staff. Bilingual in English and another language desirable.

Mathematical

Skills:

Proficiency in basic arithmetic, calculating rate, ratio, and percent; ability to…