Medical Office Assistant

Shishalh Nation; Sechelt; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

shíshálh Nation seeks a Medical Office Assistant to provide comprehensive administrative and reception support at the Primary Care Clinic. You will be the first point of contact for clients, help with scheduling, referrals and navigating health services, and maintain EMR records with confidentiality.

You bring a MOA certificate or equivalent, 1–2 years’ experience in healthcare, and a commitment to cultural safety and community wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Medical Office Assistant Certificate or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1–2 years’ experience in a healthcare or office environment preferred.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and/or organizations is a strong asset.
• Understanding of First Nations health perspectives, cultural safety, and the impacts of colonialism and intergenerational trauma.
• Familiarity with EMR systems and medical terminology.
• Knowledge of BC privacy legislation (FOIPPA) and confidentiality practices.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask in a busy clinic environment.
• Demonstrated professionalism, discretion and reliability.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Familiarity with local health and community services.
• Acceptable Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.
• Valid Driver's License and a Clean Driver's Abstract.

Responsibilities

• Welcome members and other clients in a friendly, respectful and culturally safe manner.
• Answer calls, respond to inquiries and relay messages promptly.
• Schedule and coordinate appointments (in-person, outreach and virtual care).
• Assist clients with forms, referrals and navigating health services.
• Maintain and update EMR accurately and confidentially.
• Process referrals, lab requests, specialist appointments and follow-ups.
• Support telehealth appointments and technology setup.
• Prepare examination rooms and ensure supplies are stocked.
• Order and monitor inventory of clinic and office supplies.
• Support reporting, tracking and health program documentation.
• Assist with patient flow and communication between providers.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Organization

Cultural safety awareness

Indigenous community experience

Education

Medical Office Assistant Certificate

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

The swiya of the shíshálh people lies between Queens Reach in Jervis Inlet and Howe Sound on the south coast of British Columbia. Historically there were four main settlements at kalpilin (Pender Harbour), ts’unay (Deserted Bay), xenichen (Jervis Inlet) and tewankw near Porpoise Bay.shíshálh Nation is committed to innovation in program and service delivery designed to assist our members and community to achieve greater independence, wellness and self-sufficiency. Foundational to our shared work is the protection, promotion and practice of shíshálh culture, language and laws within our swiya.

Under the general supervision of the Health Manager, the Medical Office Assistant (MOA) provides comprehensive administrative and reception support to ensure efficient day-to-day operations of the shíshálh Nation Primary Care Clinic. The role serves as the primary point of contact for clients and coordinates access to care by supporting scheduling, communication and clinic workflow.

The Candidate

• Welcome shíshálh Members and other clients in a friendly, respectful and culturally safe manner.
• Answer telephone calls, respond to inquiries and relay messages promptly.
• Schedule and coordinate appointments (in-person, outreach and virtual care).
• Assist clients with forms, referrals and navigating health services.
• Maintain strong, respectful relationships with community Members and families.
• Maintain and update Electronic Medical Records (EMR) accurately and confidentially.
• Process referrals, lab requests, specialist appointments and follow-ups.
• Manage incoming/outgoing mail, fax and electronic communications.
• Perform general office duties including filing, scanning and data entry.
• Support reporting, tracking, and health program documentation
• Assist with patient flow and communication between providers (physicians, nurses, allied health, Elders and traditional wellness providers).
• Prepare examination rooms and ensure supplies are stocked.
• Order and monitor inventory of clinic and office supplies.
• Support telehealth appointments and technology setup.
• Provide care and service grounded in cultural safety, humility and trauma-informed practice.
• Respect and support traditional healing practices and community wellness initiatives.
• Maintain awareness of shíshálh Nation programs, services and community events.
• Uphold the values and teachings of the shíshálh Nation in all interactions.
• Perform other tasks within the scope of the position and as assigned.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:

• Medical Office Assistant Certificate or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 1–2 years’ experience in a healthcare or office environment preferred.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and/or organizations is a strong asset.
• Understanding of First Nations health perspectives, cultural safety, and the impacts of colonialism and intergenerational trauma.
• Familiarity with EMR systems and medical terminology.
• Knowledge of BC privacy legislation (FOIPPA) and confidentiality practices.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask in a busy clinic environment.
• Demonstrated professionalism, discretion and reliability.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Familiarity with local health and community services.
• Acceptable Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.
• Valid Driver's License and a Clean Driver's Abstract.

The swiya of the shíshálh people lies between Queens Reach in Jervis Inlet and Howe Sound on the south coast of British Columbia. Historically there were four main settlements at kalpilin (Pender Harbour), ts’unay (Deserted Bay), xenichen (Jervis Inlet) and tewankw near Porpoise Bay.shíshálh Nation is committed to innovation in program and service delivery designed to assist our members and community to achieve greater independence, wellness and self-sufficiency. Foundational to our shared work is the protection, promotion and practice of shíshálh culture, language, and laws within our swiya.