Bilingual Medical Assistant I

Agrilife; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas A&M AgriLife seeks a dedicated medical assistant to support clinical research in Texas. You will collect data, perform vital signs, and manage specimen collection per SOPs while ensuring participant confidentiality.

The role requires bilingual English/Spanish communication and experience with phlebotomy. Responsibilities include data entry in REDCap and EMR systems, assisting with health assessments, and collaborating with the MHAC Clinical Manager to maintain high study standards across

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years of related experience preferred.
• Minimum one year experience with phlebotomy.
• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through an accredited program required.
• Fluency in English and Spanish (verbal and written).
• Ability to translate between English and Spanish accurately.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a medical assistant and collect research data.
• Perform and document vital signs, anthropometrics, and body composition assessments.
• Collect and process biological specimens (blood, urine, saliva, stool, breastmilk, hair/nails).
• Prepare and label specimens, maintain chain-of-custody, and ensure proper storage/transport.
• Update participant data in electronic records and assist with questionnaires.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Strong communication

Data entry proficiency

EMR systems

Microsoft 365

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

Phlebotomy experience

Tools

REDCap

EMR systems

Microsoft 365

Job description

* Serves as a medical assistant and performs research data collection on a daily basis.* Performs and documents vital signs, anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference), and body composition assessments (e.g., Bod Pod, Pea Pod, InBody 770) according to study protocols (training to be provided on more specialized pieces of equipment).* Performs and assists with biological specimen collection and processing, including blood (both phlebotomy and fingerstick samples), urine, saliva, stool, breastmilk, and hair/nail samples, following BSL-2 safety standards.* Prepares and labels biological specimens, maintain chain-of-custody documentation, and ensure accurate sample storage and transport.* Administers study questionnaires and assists participants in completing digital health assessments.* Assists with documentation of pertinent findings and communicates with the study team, as appropriate.* Updates participant data information and results in electronic software records.* Follows all Standard Operating Procedures for each clinical procedure.* Maintains research participant privacy and confidentiality.* The position requires frequent direct communication with research participants whose primary language may be English or Spanish, including participant engagement, administration of study questionnaires, explanation of study procedures, collection of participant information, and documentation of study-related information. The position also requires the ability to accurately interpret verbal communications and translate written materials and information between English and Spanish as necessary to support research participants and the requirements of the study.* Helps identify equipment and supply needs, as applicable, for facilitation of clinical research protocols.* Ensures the cleanliness of exam and data collection rooms are maintained at the highest standards to prevent spread of infection.* Ensures clinical supplies are properly stocked and available as needed for patient care.* Keeps inventory and ensures proper care and maintenance of all medical supplies and equipment, abiding by expiration dates, temperature and storage requirements, and orders/replenishes supplies as needed.* Ensures Point of Care testing performed are compliant with the CLIA Waiver Certificate requirements and keeps the proper required documentation.* Abides by the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for clinical and non-clinical procedures conducted.* Supports data entry and verification in electronic data capture systems and research databases (e.g., REDCap).* Monitors participants for adverse events and promptly report to the PI or Clinical Manager.* Escalates non-routine issues, questions and/or concerns to the MHAC Clinical Manager.* Works closely with the MHAC Clinical Manager to ensure abnormal research participant results are promptly identified and referred for appropriate follow-up when necessary.* Maintains all appropriate certifications, and training necessary for the role (CITI training, CPR, AED, Bloodborne Pathogens, etc.).* Ensures that all activities performed are compliant with the rules and regulations set forth by the TAMU system, state, and federal regulations.* Works collaboratively with multiple departments across the TAMU system to ensure safety and compliance with human research studies (IRB, EH&S, etc.).* Maintains HIPAA compliance, when applicable.* High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.* Two years of related experience.* Minimum one year experience with phlebotomy.* Fluency in English and Spanish (verbal and written).* Ability to interpret and translate accurately between English and Spanish.* Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.* Strong verbal and written communication skills.* Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.* Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the position.* Experience in clinical or public health research, including specimen collection and data management.* Familiarity with CLIA-waived testing, BSL-2 procedures, and mobile health operations.* Proficiency in REDCap, Microsoft Office Suite, and electronic medical record (EMR) systems.* Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through an accredited program (e.g., AAMA, AMT, or NHA).* Strong interpersonal, leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills.* Maintains attention to detail and utilizes sound judgment.* Maintains professional demeanor in all activities.* Ability to function as a strong collaborator on a multidisciplinary team.* Ability to take initiative, work independently, and manage priorities and tasks as assigned.* Strong customer service skills required to work effectively with people from many backgrounds.* Knowledge of Microsoft 365 application.* Requires working evening and weekend hours, as needed for research visits.* Requires travel on the MHAC to various counties within Texas.* Ability to lift or move light and moderate objects.As the largest comprehensive agriculture and life sciences program nationally, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies within the Texas A&M University System With over 5,000 employees, and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, the environment, and the economy of Texas and the nation through education, research, extension and service.If your goal is the pursuit of excellence and your vision is to make a difference in this world, we invite you to explore our opportunities to discover what a career at Texas A&M AgriLife has to offer you.