Medical Assistant I/II - Valley Fever Research Team - Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred

Position: Medical Assistant I/II - Valley Fever Research Team - Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred

Kern Medical strives to recruit the highest quality candidates, resulting in a high-performance workforce that consistently delivers quality patient care.

In 2020, the Valley Fever Institute opened its new state-of-the-art research and treatment facility. Designed as a patient-centered specialty care clinic, the Valley Fever Institute incorporates patient care, treatment, support services, education, and research at a single location. Many of the treatments offered at the Valley Fever Clinic are not readily available in most parts of the country, because of this, we have patients referred to us not only locally, but regionally, nationally, and internationally for specialized care.

Our research at the Valley Fever Institute is centered on treatments and diagnostics to provide improved outcomes for patients. We have extensive experience with clinical trials and research spanning more than 40 years as we have the largest population of patients with Valley Fever, which is needed to trial medications and treatments. Current research efforts include work to better understand why 40 percent of individuals become ill when they inhale a Valley Fever Spore, 60 percent of these patients are able to fight off the infection without ever knowing they were sick, and approximately one percent of infected individuals develop severe or life-threatening disease.

Career Opportunities within Kern Medical include many benefits such as:

• New Hire Premium: 6% of base rate of pay, matched up to 6% if contributed to Deferred Compensation Plan.
• A Comprehensive Benefits Package: includes Holidays, Vacation, Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance.

Compensation

The estimated pay for this position is $18.1146 to $23.3013. The rates shown include a 6% premium pay (base= $-$ plus 6%). This reflects only a portion of the total compensation package for this position. Additional compensation may be available for this role through differentials, incentives, and bonuses. In addition, this position may be eligible for participation and company contributions into the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan.

Definition:

Under direct supervision of either a licensed physician or podiatrist, OR a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or nurse midwife, under the physician’s or podiatrist’s written instruction, performs routine, basic medical assistant tasks related to the care and treatment of patients in an outpatient clinic setting.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

The Medical Assistant I is the entry level of the Medical Assistant flexible classification series. Incumbents in this class perform basic Medical Assistant duties, in an out-patient clinic setting, which requires interaction with patients, patients’ families, and members of the public. Promotion to Medical Assistant II is considered on a merit basis, subject to recommendation of the department head and approval by the Director of Personnel.

MA I and MA II Essential Functions:

• Escorts patients to exam rooms; prepares patients for exam and treatment; takes and records vital signs and other necessary measurements; records chief complaint and allergies;
• Administers immunizations and medications; and performs office testing and treatments, as ordered by the provider; and collects, prepares, and transports specimens for laboratory testing;
• Applies and removes bandages and wound dressings; removes sutures and/or staples from superficial incisions or lacerations;
• Assists provider with exams, procedures, and minor surgeries; and acts as chaperon, as needed;
• Uses universal blood and body fluid precautions at all times and personal protective equipment as needed;
• Applies orthopedic appliances;
• Performs ear lavage;
• Acts as liaison between provider and patient;
• Answers incoming telephone calls, documents all telephone encounters in the medical record;
• Prepares and processes necessary forms for referrals and eligibility;
• Cleans and disinfects equipment, exam rooms, and storage areas;
• Orders supplies and stocks patient care areas;
• Submits requisitions for needed maintenance and repairs;
• Obtains and organizes patient medical records; including lab, x-ray, referral, and other needed reports;
• Performs urine pregnancy testing;

Other Functions:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

MA II Other Functions (in addition):

• May serve as lead, to include training and mentoring of staff.

Employment Standards:

MA I:

High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent and successful completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program.

 MA II: 

High School Diploma, GED or equivalent, and graduation from an accredited medical assisting program AND three (3) years of medical assisting experience in a medical office setting to include medical office procedures and treatments.

Must possess and maintain the following clean and clear certifications:

• Certified Medical Assistant, through the American Association of Medical Assistants, American Medical Technologists, or California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants.

MA I and MA II Additional Requirements:

 Possess and maintain a current, clean, and clear American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card. Appointees not possessing the American Heart Association Responder or Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at time of hire must successfully complete appropriate training and qualify for the RQI Responder certification within 60 days of employment. As a continued condition of employment, employee must maintain RQI Responder certification and competency.

Some assignments may require: Basic Dysrhythmia certification.

APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS AND/OR CERTIFICATE VERIFYING THE COMPLETION OF AN ACCREDITED MEDICAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM.

MA I and MA II Knowledge of: 

A variety of techniques, methods, procedures, and equipment utilized in patient care; medical terminology and metric measurement.

MA I Ability to: 

Utilize patient care techniques, methods, procedures, and equipment; maintain effective relations with medical staff and the public; follow written and oral instructions; react competently in emergency situations; read and record medical terminology and metric measurement; maintain medical records.

MA II Ability to: 

Utilize patient care techniques, methods, procedures, and equipment; maintain effective relations with medical staff and the public; follow written and oral instructions; react competently in emergency situations; read and record medical terminology and metric measurement; maintain medical records; work with minimum supervision; and train and mentor staff.

Supplemental:

• Employees must maintain all health requirements designated by Kern Medical;
• Depending on assignment incumbents may be required to possess and maintain specific certificates of competency as a condition of employment;
• A background check may be required for this classification.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) applicants are encouraged to apply.  Please attach a Bilingual (English/Spanish) Certificate issued by Bakersfield College to your application if you wish to be considered for bilingual employment.  Employees who occupy positions designated as bilingual are paid dependent upon the required level of proficiency.  Use the following link for information about obtaining a Bilingual Certificate(s):  Bilingual Certificate(s) information

All Kern Medical employees are designated “Disaster Service Workers”. In the event of a disaster or civil disorder, all Kern Medical employees are to remain at work or to report to work in a safe and practicable manner. 

If position responsibilities require driving a personal vehicle, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s License and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.

If position responsibilities require driving a vehicle owned, leased or rented by Kern Medical, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s license, a signed authorization for Release of Drivers Record Information and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.