Medical Assistant

Lowell Community Health Center's Metta Health Center - Lowell, MA

Full-time - Entry Level

Lowell, MA

About the position

The Medical Assistant at Metta Health Center plays a crucial role in providing direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered or Licensed Practical Nurse and the Lead Medical Assistant. This position requires a clinically knowledgeable individual who is well-versed in medical practices, protocols, and procedures. The Medical Assistant will work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to ensure an integrated approach to patient care, maintaining constant communication among team members. The role involves greeting and escorting patients, measuring vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting with various medical procedures. The Medical Assistant is also responsible for maintaining infection control practices, managing medical supplies, and ensuring a clean and organized clinic environment. This position is essential in supporting the healthcare team and enhancing the overall patient experience at the health center.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct and non-direct patient care based on practical and on-the-job training.
• Greets and escorts patients to assigned room or area.
• Measures vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, oxygen saturation, height, and weight and records information on patient chart.
• Prepares the patient for exam and communicates with patients, visitors, and co-workers in a professional and courteous manner.
• Assists with selected procedures, such as pap smears, ear irrigation, vision/hearing tests, simple dressing changes, 12-lead EKG, specimen collection, and CPR if indicated.
• Helps patients resolve simple issues if necessary and performs other duties as assigned.
• Performs non-direct patient care activities such as supply inventory and stocking medical supplies in exam rooms.
• Takes accurate and complete telephone messages for providers and answers calls according to telephone protocols.
• Performs refrigerator temperature checks with a daily checklist.
• Assists in retrieving medical records if needed and keeps the nursing station and clinic neat and clean.
• Maintains infection control practices at all times, especially with patients requiring isolation/reverse precautions.
• Maintains universal precautions in handling blood/body fluids and TB precautions according to clinic policy.
• Routinely inventories and stocks medical supplies and materials in exam rooms.
• Performs phlebotomy and capillary blood testing as ordered.
• Interprets for providers if requested.

Requirements

• High School diploma.
• Medical Assistant Certificate or Nursing Assistant Certificate.
• Current CPR certification.
• At least one year in an ambulatory or outpatient setting is desirable or a graduate of an approved medical assisting program.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse cultures.
• Understanding of Cambodian and Southeast Asian health beliefs and practices.
• Bilingual in Khmer or Laotian and English preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a multicultural healthcare environment.
• Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the patient population.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.