Medical Office Assistant

Buncombe County Government; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Buncombe County Government is hiring a Medical Office Assistant to split time between the WIC Clinic and the Health Clinic. This in-person, full-time role reports to the WIC Supervisor and runs Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Bilingual candidates and those with WIC or phlebotomy experience are encouraged to apply. The position emphasizes front desk duties, medical history collection, lab processing, and coordination of patient-related activities within a supportive team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and completion of a 1-year formal training in medical office assisting, or 1 year clerical/health related experience.
• CNA preferred.
• Immunization proof per ACIP within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Manage front desk at WIC clinic: check in clients, schedule appointments, verify info, and assist with billing.
• Perform blood draws and collect vitals; document in EMR per HIPAA requirements.
• Monitor daily schedule and follow-up tasks.
• Escort patients to exam rooms; conduct interviews and document measurements.
• Maintain stocked exam rooms and sterilization; proper disposal of contaminated supplies.
• Collaborate with team to ensure access to support services and outreach to maximize program participation.

Skills

HIPAA knowledge

Microsoft Office

Excellent communication

Empathy

Education

High school diploma or GED

1-year medical office training

1-year clerical/health experience

Tools

EMR system

Job description

This job posting expires at 11:59PM on November 19, 2026. No applications can be submitted after 11:59PM on November 19, 2026.

Job Title: Medical Office Assistant

Department: Health - Clinical Services

External Hiring Range: $21.04 - $25.32

Compensation Grade: 2004

Posted Internally and Externally

Are you someone who enjoys working with individuals, families, and young children in a clinical or office environment?

Buncombe County is seeking a Medical Office Assistant to split their time between the WIC Clinic and the Health Clinic. This position reports to the WIC Supervisor, Melinda Robinson, and is an in-person, on-site role. This is a full-time, benefited position with hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Candidates who are bilingual, have WIC experience, and/or phlebotomy experience are preferred and encouraged to apply.

At Buncombe County Health and Human Services, we are dedicated to improving our community by promoting health, safety, and opportunity. As a Medical Office Assistant on our team, you will contribute to a meaningful mission focused on making our community healthier and stronger. Join us in this rewarding effort, where your knowledge, compassion, and commitment will have a significant impact on the lives of those we serve.

Job responsibilities may include but are not limited to: managing the front desk at the WIC clinic, checking in clients, obtaining anthropometric measurements, scheduling appointments, answering phone calls, coordinating the PREP clinic, rooming clients and collecting medical histories, drawing and processing lab work, and providing case management for clients.

Purpose of the Position:

The purpose of this position is to provide a wide variety of general medical office administrative support and clinical support functions, including coordinating patient-related activities.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire):

High school diploma or GED, and completion of a one (1) year formal training course in medical office assisting at a community college or technical institute or one (1) year of clerical and health/dental related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Per NC Local Health Department Accreditation requirements, employees in this role must present their diploma, degree, or transcript to their supervisor/department upon hire.

Additional Training and Experience:

CNA preferred

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation:

None

All Buncombe County Health and Human Services Public Health Clinical Services Staff must provide proof of immunity against Mumps, Pertussis, Rubella, Rubeola (measles), and Varicella within 30 days of their hire date. This proof of immunity must meet the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for healthcare personnel. When necessary, documentation from a healthcare provider (MD, DO, NP, or PA) of a valid medical contraindication to a required immunization can be submitted within 30 days of hire.

Physical Requirements:

The work is primarily sedentary with light work requiring exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: crouching, feeling, fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking. Working conditions are normal for an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions of the position:

• Perform clinic front desk duties, including but not limited to answering telephone calls, obtaining and verifying patient information, scheduling appointments, checking patients in and out, ensuring completion of all necessary documents, coordinating and facilitating billing for services, and providing assistance, support, and referrals to patients.
• Perform blood draws, collect vitals and anthropometric measurements and document in the electronic medical record system utilizing HIPAA regulations and confidentiality requirements when handling client information and communication.
• Monitor daily schedule for follow-up tasks.
• Escort patients to exam rooms, conduct patient interviews, measure vital signs, including weight, blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and document all information in chart. Ensure patient information is accurate in all systems and update/create as needed.
• Keep exam rooms stocked with adequate medical supplies, maintain instruments, prepare sterilization as required; Properly dispose of contaminated supplies.
• Work with an integrated team to ensure access to good support services.
• Conduct program outreach within the community to assure all potential and active participants are aware of and have access to program services.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Abilities:

• Knowledge of administrative office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations regarding handling of client charts and client-related communications.
• Knowledge of common health and safety precautions in working in local health departments.
• Knowledge of computer systems including Microsoft operating system and applications.
• Ability to organize, effectively process and maintain records and files in a confidential manner.
• Ability to work with staff and patients, under supervision, as set up by departmental policies.
• Ability to use sound judgment and empathy in dealing with patients.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.