Medical Assistant

THRIVE Wellness and Recovery, Inc.; City of Watertown (NY); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

THRIVE Wellness and Recovery, Inc. is seeking a Medical Assistant to support providers, nursing staff, and care coordination in a patient-centered setting.

The role includes clinical and administrative duties, preparing patients, collecting specimens, and maintaining accurate EHRs while upholding HIPAA and regulatory guidelines. Both full-time and part-time shifts are available in a recovery-focused program.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Preferred CMA/RMA/NCMA or equivalent certification.
• Experience in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, primary care, or outpatient medical settings preferred.
• Current BLS/CPR certification required or within six months of hire.
• Must maintain valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Obtain and document patient vital signs and medical history updates.
• Prepare patients for examinations and medication management appointments.
• Assist clinicians with patient care activities across primary and behavioral health teams.
• Collect urine drug screens and lab specimens per agency protocols.
• Maintain HIPAA-compliant electronic health records and documentation.
• Coordinate appointments, referrals, and patient communications.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) or equivalent

Job description

Schedule

Full-Time: Monday-Friday 6:30am-3:30pm, occasional Saturday 6:30am-1pm

Part-Time: 20 hours during the hours of Monday-Friday 6:30am-3:30pm, and Saturday 6:30am-1pm

Job Type

Full-time, Part-time

Description

The Medical Assistant supports the delivery of quality, patient-centered medical services by assisting licensed healthcare providers and nursing staff with clinical, administrative, and patient care coordination activities. Responsibilities include obtaining and documenting patient health information, preparing patients for examinations and medication management appointments, collecting and processing laboratory specimens, maintaining accurate electronic health records, and coordinating appointments and referrals. The Medical Assistant helps ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, infection control standards, patient confidentiality, and organizational policies while promoting a respectful, compassionate, and recovery-oriented environment. This role contributes to efficient clinical operations, patient engagement, safety, and continuity of care in collaboration with the interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Obtain and document patient vital signs, height, weight, allergies, medical history updates, and other pertinent clinical information.
• Prepare patients for medical examinations and medication management appointments.
• Assist physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nursing staff with patient care activities.
• Collect and process urine drug screens, oral fluid testing, and other laboratory specimens in accordance with agency protocols.
• Maintain chain-of-custody procedures for toxicology testing.
• Perform point-of-care testing as authorized and trained.
• Observe patients for adverse reactions and promptly notify licensed clinical staff of concerns.
• Assist with medication inventory management and storage monitoring as assigned.

Patient Care Coordination

• Schedule and coordinate medical appointments, intake examinations, annual physicals, and follow-up visits.
• Assist patients in obtaining referrals for specialty care, laboratory testing, and community resources.
• Support patient engagement and retention efforts through compassionate and professional interactions.

Documentation and Medical Records

• Accurately document patient encounters and clinical information within the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Ensure timely completion of required forms and clinical documentation.
• Maintain patient records in compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and agency confidentiality requirements.
• Scan, upload, and organize medical records, laboratory results, and external healthcare documentation.
• Assist with chart audits and quality improvement initiatives.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Answer phones and respond to patient inquiries professionally and courteously.
• Verify patient demographic and insurance information.
• Maintain appointment schedules and provider calendars.
• Assist with prior authorizations, medical forms, and correspondence as assigned.

Compliance and Safety

• Adhere to all applicable OASAS, SAMHSA, DEA, OSHA, Department of Health, and organizational policies and procedures.
• Practice standard precautions and infection control measures.
• Report incidents, patient safety concerns, and workplace hazards according to agency policy.
• Participate in emergency response activities, drills, and staff training.
• Maintain required certifications and competencies.

Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with nurses, providers, counselors, case managers, peer advocates, and administrative staff.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings as assigned.
• Support organizational goals related to quality care, patient satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.
• Foster a culture of recovery, respect, dignity, and inclusion.

Management has the right to add or change the duties of this position at any time.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION And/or EXPERIENCE

Required: High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred: One (1) year of healthcare experience. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA), or equivalent certification. Experience in substance use disorder treatment, behavioral health, primary care, or outpatient medical settings.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Required: Must maintain valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record. Current BLS/CPR certification required or obtained within six months of hire.

Salary Description

$19-$21/hr