Medical Assistant

Medical Assistant

Job Overview

Location/Schedule: This position is based at the Garlington Health Center in Portland, OR, and requires frequent travel to other health centers within the Portland metro area. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Position: Medical Assistant

Program: Primary Care

Starting Wage Ranges:

• Non-Certified Medical Assistant: $22.95 – $23.66 per hour
• Certified Medical Assistant: $27.56 – $28.71 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: