LEAD MEDICAL ASSISTANT

Job Specifications

Class Code:	NW8
Analyst:	TC

Date Originated: 05/21

Date Revised:

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, provides direction in assigning, directing, and reviewing the work of Medical Assistants and medical office support staff; provides difficult or specialized medical office support and technical support services to physicians or other licensed medical professionals; performs direct patient care and treatment; and performs other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the lead worker level in the Medical Assistant Series and is responsible for assigning work and approving schedules for Medical Assistants.  This classification will handle difficult or specialized medical office support and perform direct patient care.  This class is distinguished from the lower class of Medical Assistant in that incumbents in the latter class are responsible for providing direct patient care.  This class is distinguished from the next higher classes of Public Health Nurse, Clinic Nurse, Detention LVN and RN in that these classes are responsible for providing professional skilled nursing services and required license through the State Board of Nursing. 

TYPICAL TASKS

• Provide lead direction, training and review work of Medical Assistants and other medical office support staff;
• Organize and assign work, set priorities and follow up to ensure coordination and completion of assigned work;
• Schedule Medical Assistants and other medical office support staff breaks;
• Assist with clinic scheduling, problem solving patient wait times, and other areas of concern to increase efficient and quality services;
• Work collaboratively with clinic staff on programs to improve patient outcomes and assists in organizing and participating in quality improvement activities;
• Assist with daily, weekly and monthly quality assurance reviews;
• Attend regular Electronic Health Records training sessions and assist in distributing new information to Medical Assistants;
• Work with Medical Assistants regarding the use of Electronic Health Records, referrals, documentation, and short-cuts, and illustrate ease of use;
• Perform administrative tasks, projects and clinical care as assigned;
• Coordinate the inventory, ordering, and stocking of medical supplies, forms and equipment;
• Focus on specialty meetings for agency updates and upcoming related clinic events;
• Collaborate on agenda and logistic for all staff meetings;
• Monitors and performs back office routine tests;
• Provide back up support for Medical Assistants, which includes all functions of a Medical Assistant.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of:

• Clinic operations to include patient scheduling and provider needs;
• Medical terminology particularly basic anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology;
• Oral and written communications.

Working knowledge of:

• Techniques in leading staff;
• Medical Office procedures and organization including presentation of data from files for proper billing of individuals and insurance providers;
• Record keeping principles and practices.

Ability to:

• Plan, assign, direct and review the work of others;
• Train others in work procedures;
• Analyze and resolve varied medical office administrative problems;
• Organize, prioritize, and coordinate work activities;
• Read and interpret rules, policies and procedures;
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with those contacted in the court of work;
• Reading, understanding, and maintaining medical charts, medical test results and treatment instructions;
• Use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines;
• Maintain confidentiality of information;
• Operate document scanner to enter materials into the Electronic Medical Records system;
• Communicate orally and in writing with staff, leadership, patients, medical providers, and others using professional courtesy and clear language;
• Assist providers and patients during medical examinations;
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions;
• Accurately record and organize documentation.

Training and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

One year of experience performing duties equivalent to a Medical Assistant for the County of Santa Cruz or other healthcare organization.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

License Requirements:

• Possession and maintenance of a valid Professional Medical Assistant Certificate issued by one of the following:   1) American Association of Medical Assistants, 2) The American Medical Technologists, 3) The California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants 4) Multiskilled Medical Certification Institute Inc. or 5) National Health Career Association.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C Driver License, or the ability to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.

Background Investigation: Fingerprinting and a background investigation is required. 

Other Special Requirements: In accordance with the Medical Practice Act of the Business and Professions Code, incumbents must be at least 18 years of age.

Special Working Conditions: Exposure to: Allergens such as latex and soaps from frequent hand washing. Crying hysterical children and potentially hostile clients. Airborne and blood borne infections which might cause chronic disease or death. Odors such as unwashed clients, vomit, feces, urine and draining abscesses, fumes from cleaning supplies and solvents.

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES : None.

Bargaining Unit: 41

EEOC Job Category: 03

Occupational Grouping: 44
Workers Comp Code: 0290