LEAD MEDICAL ASSISTANT

Indian Health Center of Santa Clara Valley; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health center is seeking a Lead Medical Assistant to support clinical operations and enhance patient care. Responsibilities include team leadership, training, and quality monitoring while fostering a positive work environment. Candidates with a strong clinical background and experience in community health will be prioritized.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in family medicine or community health clinic.
• Fluent in English/Spanish is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the team of medical assistants, providing model care for patients.
• Supervise and mentor the MA team to enhance skills and performance.
• Participate in hiring and providing direct clinical support.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Customer Service

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Medical assistant certification

Tools

EMR systems

Microsoft Office (especially Excel)

Job description

The Lead Medical Assistant (MA) will be instrumental in assisting the Director of Clinical Services, Back Office Supervisor, and Clinic Manager in the clinic's day-to-day operations related to medical support and patient care. This position requires strong clinical skills and expertise in relevant systems and processes. The Lead MA will model, train, and promote high-functioning clinical support staff across all experience levels.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Assist in hiring qualified, competent, and patient-centered Medical Assistants by participating in the interview process.
2. Lead the team daily, providing a model of positive, compassionate care for patients and service for providers.
3. Supervise a team of medical assistants through training, scheduling, mentoring, and competency assessments.
4. Perform chart audits to identify areas for improvement, supporting clinical staff and informing evaluations, workflow development, and quality monitoring.
5. Participate in medical meetings and committees to foster professional relationships and represent the clinic positively.
6. Mentor and train the MA team to improve performance and skills.
7. Support clinical needs by providing direct assistance to providers during staff absences.
8. Help develop the MA schedule on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
9. Foster respectful and collaborative relationships among staff to meet organizational goals.
10. Model excellent customer service and assist in resolving patient concerns promptly.
11. Support clinical staff in achieving excellence and maintaining a positive work environment.
12. Ensure patient care is patient-centered and aligns with organizational mission, seeking continuous improvement.
13. Act as a subject matter expert on MA roles, duties, scope, and workflows, serving as a resource in the absence of supervisors.
14. Exercise independent judgment and problem-solving skills.
15. Perform all functions outlined in the MA job description and competency checklist.
16. Promote a culture of 'Speaking Up' and ensure compliance with organizational standards.
17. Maintain confidentiality per policies, HIPAA, and relevant laws.
18. Perform other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND REQUIREMENTS

• Competent Medical Assistant with skills per the Director of Clinical Services MA competency checklist.
• Intermediate or advanced computer skills, including EMR systems and Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Commitment to continuous personal and professional development.
• Ability to foster teamwork and camaraderie.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Dedicated to high-quality, compassionate patient care.
• Motivational skills to retain staff.
• Ability to handle multiple projects with interruptions.
• High school diploma or equivalent; medical assistant certification or successful externship completion.
• Fluent in English/Spanish; computer skills a plus.
• At least 2 years of experience in family medicine residency, pediatric and family medicine practice, or community health clinic.
• Excellent organizational and customer service skills.
• Ability to follow instructions and learn procedures quickly.
• Calmness under pressure with high accuracy.
• Flexibility, initiative, and reliability.
• Knowledge of working with American Indian and minority populations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work independently or as part of a diverse team.
• Proficiency in multitasking in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk extensively.
• Manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
• Lift up to 35 pounds.
• Frequent stooping, squatting, or bending.
• Corrected vision and hearing within normal range.

Working Conditions:

Exposure to communicable diseases and bloodborne pathogens. Fast-paced, potentially stressful environment. Normal hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with flexibility as needed. Must be adaptable to task changes and limited discretion in judgment. Preference given to qualified American Indians/Alaskan Natives in accordance with the Indian Preference Act. The organization is an equal opportunity employer including minorities, women, and disabled individuals.