Kern Medical has been a community cornerstone since its founding in 1867. Today, we are an acute care teaching center with 222 beds, offering the only advanced trauma care between Fresno and Los Angeles. Kern Medical cares for 15,500 inpatients and 125,000 clinic patients a year.

Career Opportunities within Kern Medical include many benefits, such as:

• New Hire Premium: +6% of the base rate of pay, matched up to 6% if contributed to Deferred Compensation Plan.
• Shift Differential Pay: 7.5% for hours worked from 7:00 P.M. to 7:30 A.M.
• Security Clearance Pay: an additional $2.00 per hour is added to your base pay.
• A Comprehensive Benefits Package: includes Holidays, Paid Time Off, Retirement, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.

Position: Medical Assistant I/II - Correctional Medicine

Compensation

The estimated pay for this position is $17.5444 to $22.5678. The rates shown include a 6% premium pay (base= $-$ plus 6%). This reflects only a portion of the total compensation package for this position. Additional compensation may be available for this role through differentials, incentives, and bonuses. In addition, this position may be eligible for participation and company contributions into the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan.

Correctional Medicine Candidates:
Background investigation is required of candidates who wish to be considered for Correctional Medicine assignments. Felony convictions are disqualifying, and some misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying.

Job Description

Under direct supervision of either a licensed physician or podiatrist, or a physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or nurse midwife, under the physician's or podiatrist's written instruction, performs routine, basic medical assistant tasks related to the care and treatment of patients incarcerated within a Kern County correction facility.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

The Medical Assistant I/II Correctional Medicine is the entry-level of the Medical Assistant flexible classification series who are employed by Kern Medical Center and assigned to an Adult correctional medicine facility. This classification can be distinguished from the Hospital Medical Assistant I/II series by assignment in a locked detention facility with (1) clients of various cultural, physical, behavioral, and psychological profiles; (2) extended exposure to odors, fumes, noises, behaviors and medical conditions associated with detention facilities; and (3) the constant threat or risk of verbal abuse and injury.

Promotion to Medical Assistant II is considered on a merit basis, subject to the recommendation of the department head and approval by the Director of Human Resources.

Essential Functions:

• Escorts patients to exam rooms; prepare for exam and treatment; takes and records vital signs and other necessary measurements; records chief complaint and allergies;
• Administers immunizations and medications; performs office testing and treatments, as ordered by the provider; and collects, prepares, and transports specimens for laboratory testing;
• Applies and removes bandages and wound dressings; removes sutures and/or staples from superficial incisions or lacerations;
• Assists provider with exams, procedures, and minor surgeries; and acts as chaperon, as needed;
• Uses universal blood and body fluid precautions at all times and personal protective equipment as needed;
• Applies orthopedic appliances;
• Performs ear lavage;
• Acts as liaison between provider and patient;
• Answers incoming telephone calls and documents all telephone encounters in the medical record;
• Prepares and processes necessary forms for referrals and eligibility;
• Cleans and disinfects equipment, exam rooms, and storage areas;
• Orders supplies and stocks patient care areas;
• Submits requisitions for needed maintenance and repairs;
• Obtains and organizes patient medical records, including lab, x-ray, referral, and other needed reports;
• Performs urine pregnancy testing;
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains confidentiality as prescribed in regulation (Title 15, HIPAA, and the Penal Code).

Employment Standards:

Medical Assistant I -

High School Diploma, G.E.D. or equivalent and successful completion of an accredited Medical Assistant program.

Medical Assistant II -

High School Diploma, GED or equivalent, and graduation from an accredited medical assisting program AND three (3) years of medical assisting experience in a medical office setting, including medical office procedures and treatments.

APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS AND/OR CERTIFICATES VERIFYING THE COMPLETION OF AN ACCREDITED MEDICAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM.

Additional Requirements:

Possess and maintain a current, clean, and clear American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card. Appointees not possessing the BLS card must successfully complete appropriate training and qualify for the BLS card within sixty (60) days of appointment, or employment will be terminated.

Incumbents must obtain and maintain a clean and clear certification, as a Certified Medical Assistant, through the American Association of Medical Assistants, American Medical Technologists, or California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants within one (1) year of appointment or employment will be terminated.

Some assignments may require Basic Dysrhythmia certification.

Knowledge of: A variety of techniques, methods, procedures, and equipment utilized in patient care; medical terminology and metric measurement.

Ability to: Utilize patient care techniques, methods, procedures, and equipment; maintain effective relations with medical staff and the public; follow written and oral instructions; react competently in emergency situations; read and record medical terminology and metric measurement; maintain medical records.

Character:

• Applicants will be required to pass an extensive background check and be fingerprinted, as they must possess and maintain clearance to be employed in Kern County correction facilities. Felony convictions will be disqualifying, and convictions for misdemeanors and traffic offenses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

SUPPLEMENTAL:

• Employees must maintain all health requirements designated by Kern Medical;
• Depending on assignment, incumbents may be required to possess and maintain specific certificates of competency as a condition of employment;

All Kern Medical employees are designated “Disaster Service Workers.” In the event of a disaster or civil disorder, all Kern Medical employees are to remain at work or report to work safely and practically.

Licenses & Certifications

• Medical Asst - AMT
• Medical Asst - CCBMA
• Medical Asst - AAMA
• AHA Basic Life Support