MEDICAL ASSISTANT

Job DetailsJob Location: SBHC (Westside Leadership Academy) - Gary, IN 46406

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVES

The Medical Assistant (MA) provides clinical and administrative support to ensure efficient patient flow and delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centered care. This role supports care delivery in alignment with standards set forth by The Joint Commission (TJC) and HRSA/FQHC requirements, including patient safety, quality improvement, population health, and care coordination. The MA collaborates with providers and interdisciplinary teams to support positive patient outcomes and compliance with regulatory standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Care & Patient Safety

Greet and room patients; obtain and accurately document vital signs, height, weight, and medical history in the EHR.
Ensure correct patient identification using at least two identifiers in accordance with patient safety goals.
Prepare exam rooms and maintain a clean, safe, and organized clinical environment following infection control standards.
Assist providers with exams, procedures, and treatments while maintaining patient dignity and safety.
Administer medications and immunizations per provider order and clinical protocols; document appropriately.
Perform laboratory procedures, including specimen collection, phlebotomy, and point-of-care testing, following safety and quality guidelines.
Recognize and report abnormal findings or changes in patient condition promptly.

Care Coordination & Population Health (HRSA/FQHC-Aligned)

Support care coordination activities, including scheduling, referrals, and follow-up care.
Assist in closing care gaps (e.g., preventive screenings, immunizations, chronic disease monitoring).
Participate in patient outreach efforts and population health initiatives as directed.
Reinforce provider care plans and ensure patient understanding of treatment and follow-up instructions.

Documentation & Compliance

Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation in the EHR in compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.
Adhere to HIPAA and confidentiality policies in all patient interactions and documentation.
Support compliance with OSHA, CLIA, and other applicable healthcare regulations.

Quality Improvement & Risk Management

Participate in quality improvement (QI) initiatives, audits, and performance improvement activities.
Support data collection for clinical quality measures (e.g., UDS measures for FQHCs).
Identify and report safety risks, incidents, or near misses in accordance with organizational policy.

Patient Experience & Cultural Competency

Provide compassionate, respectful, and culturally responsive care to diverse patient populations.
Educate patients on medications, disease processes, preventive care, and health maintenance.
Promote a positive patient experience through effective communication and professionalism.

Administrative Support

Schedule appointments, verify patient information, and assist with prior authorizations.
Maintain inventory of medical supplies and vaccines, ensuring proper storage and handling.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES-KSAs

Knowledge

Knowledge of medical terminology, clinical procedures, and primary care practices.
Understanding infection control standards, OSHA guidelines, and safety protocols.
Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems and clinical documentation requirements.
Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality standards.
Basic understanding of pharmacology, immunizations, and laboratory procedures.

Skills

Strong clinical skills, including vital signs measurement, phlebotomy, and specimen handling.
Effective verbal and written communication skills with diverse patient populations.
Proficiency in EHR systems and Microsoft Office applications.
Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks.
Ability to multitask efficiently in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and patient care.

Abilities

Ability to provide compassionate, patient-centered care with professionalism and empathy.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in handling sensitive information.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, workflows, and clinical demands.
Ability to follow instructions, policies, and procedures with minimal supervision.
Ability to problem-solve and respond effectively to patient and operational needs.

QualificationsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High school diploma or ESE
Graduate of an accredited Medical Assistant program required.
Current Medical Assistant certification (CMA, RMA, CCMA, or NCMA) preferred or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
Current CPR/BLS certification required.
Experience: Minimum of  one (1) year of experience in a primary care or outpatient clinical setting preferred.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Strong interpersonal skills with a patient-centered approach.
Experience working in a community health or federally qualified health center (FQHC) settings.
Ability to demonstrate cultural competency and ability to work with diverse populations.
Experience with care coordination, referrals, and prior authorizations.
Bilingual abilities are a plus.
Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) systems and Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to multitask and work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Commitment to maintaining professional ethics, cultural sensitivity, and confidentiality.

SUPERVISORY

Reports To: Primary Care Supervisor and/or Primary Care Manager
Supervises: None

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed in an outpatient clinical environment.
Must be able to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive tasks.
Must be able to lift and/or move patients or equipment as needed (up to 50% of the time).
May require exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and infectious materials; adherence to safety protocols is required.
Occasional travel to other Edgewater Health locations may be required.
Must be available to work flexible shifts, including evenings and weekends, based on operational needs.

OTHER DUTIES

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. The Medical Assistant may be required to perform other duties assigned to support organizational goals and evolving operational needs.