Certified Medical Assistant (Bilingual Spanish/English)

Kinston Community Health Center is seeking a dedicated and reliable Certified Medical Assistant (Bilingual Spanish/English) to join our team. In this role, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a consistent Monday-Friday schedule, 3 weeks of PTO, 10+ paid holidays, and a 4% 401(k) match.

A Certified Medical Assistant provides support to patients, physicians, nurses, and other medical staff by performing administrative and clinical duties under the direction of the provider. Administrative duties may include scheduling, rescheduling appointments, and maintaining medical records. Clinical duties may include, preparing the treatment room for patient exams, recording patient medical history, and cleaning and sterilizing medical equipment. KCHC will provide training on the Electronic Health Record system.

Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalency; Associates degree preferred
• Completion of an accredited medical assistance certification program required
• Associate's degree in Medical Assisting preferred

Certifications & Licenses:

• Certified Medical Assistant with AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants) required
• CPR certification preferred or certification attained within the first 6 months of employment.

Experience:

• 1+ years; combined education/experience in a healthcare setting as a substitute for minimum experience.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal departments and community partners.
• Knowledge of Electronic Health Record.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding patient records while utilizing a team-based, collaborative approach to care.
• Schedule appointments, make patient calls, conduct home visits, and assist with transportation as needed.
• Accurately measure and record patients' vital signs.
• Conduct effective patient interviews, including obtaining medical history and chief complaints.
• Prepare patients for examinations and perform routine screening tests both in the clinic and on the mobile health unit, in accordance with clinical protocols.
• Support provider efficiency by performing delegated tasks such as scheduling, returning patient phone calls, and completing documentation or paperwork as directed.
• Accurately prepare and administer medications and injections under appropriate practitioner authorization.
• Engage patients, families, and caregivers in understanding, setting, and monitoring self-management care plans in ways that are culturally and linguistically appropriate.
• Demonstrate professionalism, personal responsibility, and respect toward patients, families, and coworkers through behavior and appearance.
• Ensure compliance with all OSHA and HIPAA guidelines in clinical settings.
• Properly dispose of biohazard and contaminated waste in accordance with OSHA standards.
• Maintain active BLS certification and perform CPR effectively when required.
• Keep patient exam rooms clean, organized, and stocked with appropriate supplies and equipment.
• Collect and prepare specimens to ensure accurate laboratory testing.
• Sterilize instruments properly as needed to maintain clinical safety.
• Apply principles of comprehensive, community-based, patient-centered care coordination that is developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Must be able and comfortable working in a variety of settings including, but not limited to clinical environments and office spaces.
• Must be able to work nights and weekends as departmental needs arise.

Travel Requirements

• None

Core Competencies

• Communication: Demonstrates strong verbal, written, and digital communication skills; able to clearly explain complex information.
• Judgment & Decision-Making: Provides thoughtful input into operational and program decisions.
• Accountability & Self-Management: Works independently and efficiently, managing multiple responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Builds effective working relationships across teams, departments, and the community.
• Problem-Solving & Initiative: Applies critical thinking and initiative to resolve issues and improve service delivery.

Service Delivery Expectations

• Demonstrates compassion and respect in all interactions, treating patients, community members, and colleagues with dignity and cultural sensitivity.
• Supports the organization's mission to improve the health of our communities by helping ensure services, information, and resources are accessible to those we serve.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with diverse populations while actively listening and responding to community needs.
• Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information with professionalism and integrity.
• Upholds organizational standards, policies, and procedures while promoting high-quality service and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates accountability and stewardship by managing time effectively, prioritizing responsibilities, and meeting deadlines.
• Shows awareness of the community served and supports initiatives that improve access to care and health education.
• Projects a professional image and collaborates with colleagues, providing guidance or leadership when coordinating activities or supporting team efforts.
• Maintains compliance with HIPAA and patient confidentiality requirements.
• Follows workplace safety standards and infection control policies when present in clinical environments.

Physical Demands

• Standing/Walking: Frequent standing and walking for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Lifting/Carrying: Ability to lift, move, or position patients and equipment up to 50 pounds; assist with patient transfers.
• Bending/Reaching: Regular bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching to provide patient care.
• Manual Dexterity: Use of hands and fingers for medical procedures, equipment operation, documentation, and computer entry.
• Vision/Hearing: Ability to see and hear clearly to assess patients, read charts, operate equipment, and respond to alarms or calls.
• Mobility: Ability to move quickly in emergency situations and navigate patient care areas safely.
• Endurance: Tolerance for stressful and physically demanding work environments; ability to work 8 hour shifts.
• Communication: Clear verbal and written communication with patients, families, and staff.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Supervisory & Leadership Responsibilities

• No direct supervision, but may lead activities related to their work.

Compliance Responsibilities

As part of Kinston Community Health Center's commitment to ethical practices and regulatory compliance, all employees are expected to:

• Act in accordance with the KCHC Employee Handbook, policies and procedures, and all applicable federal and state laws.
• Promptly report any known or suspected violations of compliance/safety standards.

These responsibilities are essential to maintaining a culture of integrity and accountability across the organization.

Background Requirements

• Must successfully pass required background checks in accordance with organizational policy.
• Must comply with all organizational credentialing and screening requirements.