Certified Medical Assistant (Full-Time)

Bergen-Volunteer-Medical-Initiative; Hackensack (NJ); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Bergen-Volunteer-Medical-Initiative (BVMI) seeks a Certified Medical Assistant for a full-time role at our NJ healthcare center in Hackensack. The CMA will obtain specimens, perform EKGs, and support patient navigation and referrals.

This position collaborates with the Medical Director, Charge Nurse, and volunteer staff to ensure seamless patient care. Qualifications include CMA credential, phlebotomy and EKG experience, and bilingual Spanish/English abilities.

Qualifications

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential required.
• Proven experience in Phlebotomy and EKG administration.
• Must be bilingual (Spanish/English).
• Proficiency in using EMR and office software.
• Strong communication skills; able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Obtain lab specimens and perform EKGs in clinical sessions.
• Verify patient identity, manage specimens, and process lab requisitions.
• Front desk duties: schedule appointments, check-in/out patients, and coordinate referrals.
• Support patient navigation: track referrals and ensure follow-up with providers.

Skills

Phlebotomy

EKG administration

Bilingual Spanish/English

EMR proficiency

Multitasking

Communication skills

Education

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential

Tools

EMR software

Job description

Certified Medical Assistant
Full-Time (40 hours per week)

General Summary

The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is responsible for obtaining lab specimens from BVMI patients, volunteers, and/or employees as ordered. The CMA works collaboratively with the Medical Director, Charge Nurse, and volunteer medical staff to achieve optimal patient care and satisfaction. This role also supports patient navigation functions, helping coordinate referrals and follow-up care to ensure continuity for patients moving through the healthcare system.

Job Duties:

Clinical & Lab Duties

• Patient Verification: Verify identity prior to obtaining specimens by confirming name and birthdate against lab requisitions.
• Specimen Collection: Obtain and handle specimens using proper lab techniques; provide clear patient instructions for urine and other non-blood specimens.
• Order Management: Review lab requisitions for accuracy; enter orders into the lab computer; label, process, and store specimens appropriately.
• Clinical Diagnostics: Perform patient EKGs as ordered during clinical sessions.
• External Coordination: Prepare Quest requisitions when internal access is not possible; schedule specimen pickups and record confirmation numbers.
• Technical Reference: Consult the Quest Lab Reference Book or Charge Nurse for complex testing questions.

Front Desk & Patient Support

• Answer incoming calls, schedule appointments, and manage patient check-in and check-out.
• Consult with the Charge Nurse or NP on patient health concerns and relay information accurately to patients.
• Assist with medical interpretation to support patient communication as needed.

Patient Navigation Support

• Referral Tracking: Help document and track the status of outgoing referrals and specialist consultations to support continuity of care.
• Closing the Loop: Assist in ensuring specialist notes and test results are received, scanned into the EMR, and routed to the ordering provider.
• Patient Notification: Support reminder calls for outside appointments and reinforce the importance of follow-up care.
• Records Procurement: Assist in contacting outside medical records departments to obtain reports needed by BVMI providers.

Qualifications

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential required.
• Proven experience in Phlebotomy and EKG administration.
• Must be bilingual (Spanish/English).
• Proficiency in using computers, including Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and office software.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work with diverse cultures in a fast-paced environment.
• Punctual, dependable, and capable of multitasking.
• Experience with patient navigation, referral tracking, or case coordination a plus.
• Sterile Processing Technician experience or CRCST/CSPDT certification a plus.

Compensation:

$20 per hour

BVMI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

BVMI is guided by a "Culture of Caring" philosophy; its staff is committed to working with patients of diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds and a dedicated cadre of volunteer practitioners who provide care for our patients. The BVMI Healthcare Center is a NJ State licensed ambulatory care center providing free primary and preventive medical care to low-income, working, uninsured residents of Bergen County. More information about BVMI is available at www.bvmi.org.