Medical Assistant

Reports To: Nurse Manager

Location: Caroline Clinic, Cathedral Clinic, Reed Family Clinic

Overview
The Medical Assistant plays a critical role in supporting both the clinical and front office operations of Healthcare for the Homeless – Houston (HHH). This position provides direct support to licensed medical providers and serves as a welcoming first point of contact for patients accessing care. The Medical Assistant is responsible for assisting with patient intake, registration, basic eligibility screening, clinical tasks, and care coordination for individuals experiencing homelessness. This role is instrumental in ensuring a trauma-informed, patient-centered, and efficient care environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Support

• Prepares exam rooms and patients for visits using correct infection control procedures.
• Collects and documents vital signs, medical history, and chief complaint.
• Assists with medical exams and minor procedures.
• Performs phlebotomy and point-of-care (CLIA-waived) testing in accordance with protocols.
• Administers immunizations and clinic-administered medications as ordered by a licensed provider
• Cleans and sterilizes equipment and re-usable instruments following infection control standards.
• Coordinates patient flow to minimize wait times and support timely provider care.
• Accurately and timely documents clinical information and services provided in the Electronic Health Record (EHR), including nurse visits and all tests and clinic-administered medications. Maintains a clean, organized, and well-stocked clinical and front desk area, adhering to clinic protocols.
• Monitors inventory of medical and administrative supplies; alerts supervisor of supply needs.
• Participates in daily team huddles and contributes to process improvement and quality initiatives.
• Adheres to all HHH policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, including HIPAA, OSHA, HRSA, and FTCA compliance.
• Attends annual trainings and participates in all appropriate clinic-based check offs

Front Desk and Patient Navigation

• Greets all patients in a welcoming, trauma-informed manner and assists with clinic check-in.
• Performs patient registration and verifies demographic information in the EHR.
• Conducts basic eligibility screening for sliding fee scale, insurance status, and other payer sources; collects required documentation or refers to eligibility staff as needed.
• Schedules and confirms patient appointments, referrals, and diagnostic services.
• Answers incoming calls and messages, relays clinical information appropriately, and provides general guidance about services.
• Responds to patient and medical provider phone and patient portal messages
• Helps patients navigate the care system by providing information on available services, locations, and next steps for care.
• Facilitates care coordination through closed-loop communication and timely patient intervention.

Support HHH Mission

• Demonstrates a commitment to HHH’s mission of promoting health, hope, and dignity for individuals experiencing homelessness through equitable and compassionate care.
• Upholds trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and patient-centered principles in all interactions, contributing to an inclusive and supportive environment for patients and team members.
• Actively contributes to a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation in service of our goal to eliminate health disparities and advance systems-level change.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program and an update to date CMA.
• At least 2 years of experience in a medical assistant or similar patient-facing healthcare role.
• Current CPR/BLS certification.
• Experience with phlebotomy, EHR use, and front desk responsibilities such as patient registration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) or with individuals experiencing homelessness or other vulnerable populations.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care and harm reduction principles.
• Proficiency in Epic or similar electronic medical record systems.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, Vietnamese, or another commonly spoken language is a plus.
• HHH values lived experience as an essential form of expertise. Individuals who have experienced homelessness, housing instability, or other barriers to healthcare access are strongly encouraged to apply.