Lead Medical Assistant

Chestnut Health Systems; Belleville (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Chestnut Health Systems is seeking a Lead Medical Assistant to support clinical operations across its Southern Region Community Family Health Centers. This role includes day-to-day leadership, staff training, and hands-on MA duties in clinic and mobile units.

The position requires travel to local sites, flexibility to work at different office locations, and drive of a mobile medical unit. CMA/CMOA/EMT certification and 1+ year MA experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of a Medical Assistant or Emergency Medical training program.
• Current CMA/CMOA or EMT certification.
• At least one year of Medical Assistant experience.
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive mobile unit.
• Willingness to travel locally and operate at multiple sites.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Basic computer skills and EMR familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and direction related to scheduling and patient care at assigned locations.
• Respond to staff and program inquiries and identify operational solutions.
• Serve as training lead; update materials and document readiness in Relias.
• Assess staff competency and readiness to perform duties independently.
• Complete documentation including screenings, notes, and funder paperwork.
• Support recovery-oriented, trauma-informed care and collaboration with teams.
• Maintain relationships with patients, families, providers, and partners.
• Perform MA duties in clinic and mobile units; review charts and prepare paperwork.
• Take vital signs, document health information, and manage phlebotomy tasks.
• Prepare exam rooms, assist with exams, and manage inventory.

Skills

Leadership

Staff training

Communication

Patient care

EMR proficiency

Time management

Education

Medical Assistant training program

Tools

Relias

EMR software

Job description

Overview

Chestnut Health Systems is seeking a Lead Medical Assistant to support clinical operations across its Southern Region Community Family Health Centers (CFHC). This position provides day-to-day leadership and staff training support while performing hands-on medical assistant duties. The Lead Medical Assistant helps coordinate scheduling and staff coverage, supports employee development, and assists with patient care in clinic and mobile medical unit settings. This role is ideal for an experienced Medical Assistant who enjoys supporting a team while remaining actively involved in patient care.

This position requires local travel, flexibility to work at different office locations, and a willingness to drive and operate a mobile medical unit.

Chestnut Health Systems™ is a leading provider of integrated health care services. Since 1973, Chestnut has grown to more than 800 committed, compassionate employees providing substance use, mental health, and primary care treatment to patients in Illinois and Missouri. We provide fully integrated care for all our patients by combining behavioral health care services with our community-based primary care health centers. Chestnut also conducts research and training throughout the U.S.A.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and direction related to scheduling, staff coverage, and patient care at assigned locations.
• Respond to staff, patient, and program inquiries and help identify solutions to operational needs.
• Serve as the training lead for assigned locations by supporting employee learning, updating training materials, evaluating staff readiness, and maintaining training documentation in Relias.
• Assess staff competency and readiness to independently perform assigned job responsibilities.
• Complete required documentation and data entry, including screenings, assessments, progress notes, opening requirements, and funder-related paperwork.
• Promote Chestnut's recovery-oriented and trauma-informed approach by supporting hope, respect, empowerment, health and wellness, and connectedness.
• Maintain positive working relationships with patients, families, healthcare providers, community organizations, and coworkers.
• Attend meetings and staffings, participate in program development, complete required training, and provide backup support to team members.
• Maintain required CPR and applicable CMA, CMOA, or EMT certifications.
• Perform medical assistant duties in clinic and mobile medical unit settings, including:
  • Review patient charts before appointments, identify care gaps, obtain outside records, and prepare necessary paperwork.
  • Room patients, complete appropriate screenings and performance measures, and assist with releases of information and other required forms.
  • Obtain and accurately document vital signs, recognizing normal and abnormal ranges.
  • Gather patient health histories, hospital histories, and current medication information and enter documentation into the electronic medical record (EMR).
  • Perform and document point-of-care testing in accordance with established procedures, manufacturer instructions, and required oversight.
  • Provide health education materials and basic patient instruction within the scope of the role and applicable supervision requirements.
  • Perform and document venipuncture and capillary blood collection while following established safety procedures.
  • Prepare patients and exam rooms for medical examinations while maintaining a safe and sanitary environment.
  • Apply and document sterile dressings according to provider direction and established procedures.
  • Assist with inventory management and stocking of examination rooms and laboratory supplies.
• Promote Chestnut's customer service standards in interactions with patients, coworkers, and community partners.
• Maintain the confidentiality and security of patient, financial, and organizational information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of a Medical Assistant or Emergency Medical training program.
• Current certification as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Certified Medical Office Assistant (CMOA), or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
• At least one year of experience as a Medical Assistant, in a similar role, or in leadership/project management.
• Valid driver's license and ability to be insured.
• Willingness and ability to drive and operate a mobile medical unit.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, email, videoconferencing, and electronic medical record (EMR) systems.
• Ability to provide staff guidance, support training activities, and help assess employee readiness.
• Ability to perform clinical duties accurately and safely, including vital signs, point-of-care testing, phlebotomy, and assisting with medical examinations.
• Ability to travel locally and work at different office, clinic, community, and mobile locations.