What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certified Medical Assistant position at Cascadia Health?

Certified Medical Assistant (Primary Care)

Job Overview

Location / Schedule : This position is based at the Garlington Health Center in NE Portland, OR, and requires frequent travel to other health centers within the Portland metro area. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8 : 30 a.m. to 5 : 00 p.m.

Position : Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

Program : Primary Care

Cascadia's Mission and Vision :

Mission : Cascadia Health delivers whole health care - integrated mental health and addiction services, primary care, and housing - to promote hope and support the well-being of the communities we serve.

Vision : We envision a community where everyone benefits from whole health care, experiences well-being, and has a self-directed, connected life.

Position Description : The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care in a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and integrated primary care environment. The CMA is responsible for maintaining patient flow, assisting providers with clinical tasks, ensuring infection control protocols are followed, and contributing to a safe and welcoming clinic environment. The CMA also performs clinical and administrative duties within their scope of practice and adheres to organizational policies and protocols.

Essential Responsibilities

Clinical Support :

Greet patients, escort them to examination rooms, and prepare them for examinations or procedures, ensuring they feel comfortable and informed. Rooming includes welcoming patients, verifying their information, completing screenings, documenting in the EHR, and preparing the room to ensure a smooth and efficient visit while maintaining a high standard of quality.
Accurately measure and record vital signs, including height, weight, MAP, blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, temperature, and pain level.
Perform point-of-care testing (e.g., capillary and urine collection, nasal and throat swabs) and CLIA-waived lab procedures as ordered by providers.
Conduct venipuncture, collect laboratory specimens, prepare specimens for transport, and log results appropriately.
Administer medications and vaccinations (intramuscular and subcutaneous) under provider direction and within scope.
Assist providers with clinical procedures, including wound care, dressing changes, suture and staple removal, and basic diagnostic tests (e.g., EKG).
Relay information to patients as directed by providers, ensuring they understand care plans and follow-up steps.
Other duties as assigned.

Administrative Duties :

Manage in-basket tasks effectively, including addressing patient messages, refills, and provider communication in a timely manner.

This position requires both synchronous (real-time, floor-based clinical work) and asynchronous (administrative tasks such as processing prior authorizations, managing in-

basket tasks, answering patient calls, and handling faxes) work to ensure smooth clinic operations.

Accurately document all patient interactions and clinical data in the electronic health record (EHR) in a timely manner.

Communicate effectively with providers, patients, and other team members to relay messages, coordinate care, and address patient inquiries.

Process medication refill requests according to protocol, ensuring timely communication with providers and patients.

Maintain a clean and well-stocked clinical environment, ensuring exam rooms, supplies, and equipment are prepared for daily operations.

Compliance and Quality Assurance :

Follow infection control protocols, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment use, and proper sterilization of instruments using an autoclave.

Monitor and document the operational status of clinic equipment, including daily checks of the AED and other essential devices.

Support compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, and organizational standards.

Participate in quality improvement initiatives, staff meetings, and mandatory training to support professional development and clinic excellence

Qualifications

Education : Required : Graduate of an accredited Medical Assistant program AND Current certification as a Medical Assistant through an accredited organization (e.g., AAMA, NCCT).

Experience :

Preferred : Six months of experience as a Medical Assistant in a clinical setting; two years in a clinical setting.

Experience with electronic health records, especially Epic.

Additional Requirements :

Current CPR certification (must remain valid).

Ability to travel between clinic sites as needed.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a patient-centered, trauma-informed approach.

Proficiency in clinical and administrative tasks within the CMA scope of practice.

Ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with mental health and substance use challenges.

Effective problem-solving, time management, and organizational skills.

Basic computer literacy, including data entry, report generation, and navigation of EHR systems.

Working Conditions

Environmental : Work is performed in a primary care clinic that integrates mental health and addiction services.

Operational Hours : Monday through Friday, 8 : 30 a.m. to 5 : 00 p.m.

Mental Demands : The Medical Assistant must handle a diverse and variable workflow, effectively manage time, and prioritize activities to meet clinic and patient needs. The role requires the ability to navigate unpredictable situations, adjust to disruptions in planned tasks, and address evolving and complex circumstances . Flexibility, critical thinking, and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential to supporting the dynamic day-to-day functions of clinical programs.

Physical Demands : Requires standing, walking, and occasional lifting or moving of equipment or patients.

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, contact us at 503-963-7654.

This position is represented by a labor union.

Benefits

We offer generous benefits for our full-time and part-time employees (20 hours pro-rated) including :

Generous Paid Time Off Package Full-time employees earn 6 weeks of PTO in their first year!

Medical and Dental Coverage (begins 1st of the month following 30 days after hire date)

VSP Vision Discount Plan

403(B) Retirement Savings (Pre and post-tax plans with up to 8% employer matching contribution!)

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Medical, dependent care, and transportation options)

Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance

Paid Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave

Length of Service Award

Voluntary Life Insurance

Supplemental Insurance

Student loan forgiveness options

Wellness Benefits :

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Bicycle Reimbursement

Discounted Fitness Memberships

Trauma Support Team

Starting Rate Range in USD ($)

27.48

28.71 Learn More

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