Medical Assistant (Otolaryngology)

The Department Otolaryngology is seeking a Medical Assistant (MA) who will work in an outpatient setting and have responsibilities related to patient care and the clinic environment. The position is centralized and will work across specialty centers to ensure optimum flow and customer service within the clinic. Provides exemplary customer service to patients, physicians and internal customers to aid in meeting patient satisfaction goals of the department.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Obtains and records patient's vital signs: temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, weight, and height.
• Assist patients to the exam room and prepare patients for examination and/or diagnostic procedures.
• Prepares examination or treatment areas before, during, and after patient use; order, stock, and maintain exam rooms and clinic areas with standard levels of supplies (only when necessary).
• May assist with medical records preparation.
• Maintains and uses principles of aseptic technique and infection control when performing clinical duties and tasks.
• Operates clinical equipment as directed by a physician.
• May perform phlebotomy functions (only, when necessary, based on scheduled procedures).
• Collect and process specimens according to Standard Operating Policies and Procedures at a competent level and according to age and needs of the patient population served.
• Recognize emergency situations, implement emergency procedures according to clinic guidelines, and administer first aid, including CPR.
• Assist patients in wheelchairs and stretchers with transfers to and from exam tables, procedure tables, and scales utilizing proper body mechanics and safety measures.
• Receive, sort, and transport used clinical instruments and equipment from procedural areas; perform decontamination procedures using approved detergents.
• Follow detailed protocols for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing endoscopic equipment after each patient use, including inspection, documentation of each step, and preparation for reprocessing to ensure compliance with infection control standards; operate specialized reprocessing machines as required.
• Safely operate, monitor, and troubleshoot sterilization equipment (e.g., steam autoclaves, Medivators) to clean, sterilize, and package surgical instruments, tools, and medical devices, ensuring compliance with safety standards and procedures; maintain accurate records of sterilization cycles and instrument inspections.
• Inspect instruments for cleanliness, functionality, and signs of damage; report any issues per protocol.
• Assemble and package instrument trays and individual items according to count sheets and clinical use.
• May perform related and delegated tasks which include requests for prescription refills, taking and relaying messages, and running clinical errands.
• Ensures that soiled linens, needle containers, and potentially infectious waste are appropriately disposed of and removed from the clinic and exam area according to infection control guidelines.
• Independently resolves issues with daily room assignments and coordination of clinic flow; determines when to involve the clinic manager for matters beyond scope.
• Telemedicine triage as needed.
• Depending on clinic operational needs, the staff member may be required to assume the responsibilities of a primary full-time Medical Assistant or Patient Service Coordinator in the absence of regularly assigned personnel.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

• Understanding the use of an electronic medical records (EMR) or electronic health records (HER) system needed but not required.
• Understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.
• Familiarity with common medical procedures and protocols.
• Ability to provide compassionate and effective patient care.
• Skills in conducting patient assessments and recording vital signs.
• Proficiency in using medical equipment (e.g., blood pressure monitors, EKG machines).
• Ability to perform basic laboratory tests and prepare specimens for analysis.
• Knowledge of electronic health record (EHR) systems and patient management software.
• Skills in scheduling appointments, managing patient files, and processing insurance claims. (Helpful but not required. Will train.)
• Understanding of HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality requirements.
• Familiarity with safety and infection control standards.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
• Skills in providing patient education on treatment plans and medication use.
• Ability to assess situations quickly and make sound decisions.
• Skills in handling patient concerns and addressing issues promptly.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse healthcare team.
• Willingness to support colleagues and contribute to a positive work environment.
• Skills in prioritizing tasks and managing time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to multitask while maintaining attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn new procedures and adapt to changing clinical practices.
• Ability to handle various patient needs and situations with flexibility.

• High School Diploma or graduation equivalent.
• Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant training program required.
• Certification/Registration as a Medical Assistant (e.g. CMA, AAMA, RMA, AMT, NAHP) required. If not currently certified/registered, must become certified/registered within 120 days of date of hire.

• Current CPR certification by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross required.

• Must maintain MA and CPR certification/registration during duration of employment in this position.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

• Experience using EPIC preferred.

Classified Title: Medical Assistant
Role/Level/Range: ACRO40/E/02/CB
Starting Salary Range: $15.40 - $23.25 HRLY ($19.30-22.00/hour targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)
Employee group: Full Time
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm
FLSA Status:Non-Exempt
Location: JH at Bethesda
Department name: SOM Oto Clinic
Personnel area: School of Medicine