Medical Assistant

Salary : $56,665.44 - $67,483.52 Annually
Location : County of Santa Barbara - All locations, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 24-5123-02(O)
Department: Behavioral Wellness and Public Health
Opening Date: 03/20/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Notice of Change: The job bulletin below has been updated to include vacancies at additional locations.
SALARY
$25.95 - $30.90 Hourly
$53,967.68 - $64,269.92 Annually
Bilingual allowance, when applicable
The County of Santa Barbara is currently seeking dedicated and compassionate Medical Assistants to join our team. As a Medical Assistant, you will play a crucial role in providing high-quality care to our patients. This position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive services.
The Public Health Department is currently accepting applications to fill six (6) bilingual (English/Spanish) full-time Medical Assistant vacancies; one (1) vacancy at the Santa Maria Health Care Center , three (3) vacancies at the Lompoc Health Care Center , one (1) vacancy at the Santa Barbara Health Care Center and one (1) vacancy at the Franklin Health Care Center .
In addition to the above vacancies, we have one (1) Extra-Help** bilingual (English/Spanish) vacancy at the Carpinteria Health Care Center .We also have seven (7) full-time 1414* (Limited-Term) bilingual (English/Spanish) vacancies; four (4) at the Santa Maria Health Care Center , two (2) at the Franklin Health Care Center and one (1) at the Carpinteria Health Care Center.
The Behavioral Wellness Department is currently accepting applications to fill three (3) full-time Medical Assistant vacancies; one (1) in Santa Barbara, one (1) in Santa Maria, and one (1) in Lompoc. Travel may be required within the region assigned, and bilingual candidates (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required.
We are also accepting applications to establish an employment list for future Full-Time, Part-time, Extra Help and 1414* vacancies for Medical Assistant in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Lompoc and Carpinteria .
*Civil Service Rule 1414. Appointment to Fill Vacancy During Leave of Absence. 1414 vacancies may occur as a result of a leave of absence and the duration of the appointment shall be subject to the return of the individual who is on leave. A person who is appointed to a position under Civil Service Rule 1414 may be able to transition into a regular position in the classification without re-application or re-testing, depending on the performance of the appointee and the needs of the department.
**C ivil Service Rule 905. Extra Help Appointment. An extra help appointment is defined as an appointment made to a non-regular, non-permanent position established on a temporary basis to meet peak loads, unusual work situations, seasonal and recurrent work, intermittent assignments, or emergencies. These positions are exempt from the Provisions of the Civil Service Rules.
Please select the location(s) you would like to be considered for current and future vacancies. If you qualify for this position, pass the required selection steps and are in the area of selection, then your name may be sent to the hiring manager(s) of the vacancy location(s) where you have expressed that you are willing to work.
BENEFITS : The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits. Click on the Benefits Tab above or to view more information.
In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards for an advanced vacation accrual rate

THE POSITION: Under medical supervision, assists professionals in the delivery of health care services; and performs related duties as required.
The current vacancies in the Public Health Department require candidates to speak fluently in English and Spanish.
The Behavioral Wellness Department is seeking three (3) full-time Medical Assistants, bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required, to support Behavioral Wellness's mental health team. These positions will be assigned to serve the clinics in one of the three regions within Santa Barbara County. They will focus on patient engagement and assisting with administrative tasks to support client care. Behavioral Wellness is looking for candidates passionate about the mental health field, and who enjoy supporting their community.
The IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess:

• Experience working with underserved & economically disadvantaged populations.
• Excellent customer service and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor.
• Ability to take initiative and remain professional at all times.
• Proven track record of working well as part of a team.
• Experience working with electronic medical records.

THE DEPARTMENTS:
Public Health Department (PHD): Our mission is to improve the health of our communities by preventing disease, promoting wellness and ensuring access to needed health care, and our vision is healthier communities through leadership, partnership and science. With a staff of 500+ and a budget of approximately $83 million, Public Health serves a population of about 420,000 residents in Santa Barbara County.
The Department's range of responsibilities is vast and includes:

• Investigating disease outbreaks
• Conducting health education campaigns
• Inspecting food establishments
• Working with high risk mothers and children
• Operating health clinics for the underserved
• Staffing medical shelters during emergency evacuations
• Caring for our four-legged friends through our animal control program and many other programs and services.
• learn more about the Health Care Centers.

For more information, please visit:
Department of Behavioral Wellness (BWell): Founded in 1962, it is our mission to promote the prevention of and recovery from mental illness and addiction among individuals, families and communities, by providing effective leadership and delivering state-of-the-art, culturally competent services. The Department provides treatment, rehabilitation, and support services to 10,000 clients with mental illness and substance use disorders annually through its professional staff of over 400, in addition to its many contracted Community-Based Organization (CBO) providers.
The Department's decisions and service delivery are guided by the following values:

• Quality services for persons of all ages with mental illness and/or substance abuse
• Integrity in individual and organizational actions
• Dignity, respect, and compassion for all persons
• Active involvement of clients and families in treatment, recovery, and policy development
• Diversity throughout our organization and cultural competency in service delivery
• A system of care and recovery that is clearly defined and promotes recovery and resiliency
• Emphasis on prevention and treatment
• Teamwork among department employees in an atmosphere that is respectful and creative
• Continuous quality improvement in service delivery and administration
• Wellness modeled for our clients at all levels; i.e., staff who regularly arrive at the workplace healthy, energetic and resilient
• Safety for everyone

For more information, please visit:
Examples of Duties
In a Health Care Center Environment

1. Identifies patient's chief complaint and records observations in patient's permanent medical record.
2. Performs height, weight, vital signs, and vision tests and records them in the medical record.
3. Helps patients to complete medical history forms and prepares patients for examinations and treatment by provider.
4. Conducts and/or assists with tests and procedures as directed, such as EKGs, non-stress tests, spirometer, audiometer, venipunctures, skin punctures, strep screen, glucometer, chemical analyzer, and urine tests.
5. Assists health service providers with treatments and examinations of patients such as wound care, pelvic exams, minor surgery, and IUD insertions.
6. Assists in the identification of psychosocial needs and consults with the health service provider or makes referrals to appropriate agencies.
7. Performs case management which may include monitoring care alerts, scheduling appointments for specialty tests, hospital admissions, and surgeries; following up on broken appointments to explain the need and value of returning for follow-up care, and arranging transportation.
8. Provides discharge/exit instructions to patients, prepares referral forms, such as treatment authorization, insurance, disability, and employment physical forms, as directed; transcribes doctors' orders and prepares appropriate requisitions and forms.
9. Provides health education for patients or groups on such topics as nutrition counseling, diabetes counseling, well children counseling and other health related topics for pregnant women and infants.
10. Cleans and sterilizes equipment and stocks clinics or vehicles used for home visits or outlying clinics.
11. Takes direction from the assigned healthcare provider (physician or health care practitioner) as to tasks to perform in the engagement of patient care.

In a Field-Based Environment

1. Identifies patient's chief complaint and records observations in designated records and data systems.
2. Performs and records data on height, weight, vital signs, and visual screening tests.
3. As directed, conducts and/or assists with clinical services such as tuberculin skin tests (TSTs), venipuncture, and audiometry and visual screening tests.
4. Conducts field visits with Public Health Nurses and/or may make independent home visits under the general direction and supervision of a Public Health Nurse.
5. In coordination with Public Health Nurses, assists with communicable disease investigations for Sexually Transmitted Disease, Tuberculosis, and other communicable diseases.
6. Collects specimens; labels and delivers specimens as directed by Public Health Nurse.
7. As part of the public health team, assumes a key role in communicable disease case management activities.
8. Provides health education for patients or groups on such topics as communicable diseases and health care for school-age children, infants, and pregnant women.
9. Links patients to community resources and medical providers based on patient needs.

Employment Standards

• Possession of a Medical Assistant Certificate issued by an accredited institution.

Additional Qualifications: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required for some positions in this class.
Knowledge of: basic medical terminology, basic arithmetic, safe venipuncture techniques, and safe work practices in a health care center or community-based setting.
Ability to: work independently; conduct basic medical tests, such as vision and audiometry; understand the needs and problems facing culturally, economically, or socially disadvantaged persons; establish and maintain good relations with people from a wide range of social and ethnic groups; maintain confidentiality of patient information; understand and follow oral and written instructions; observe, report, and accurately record relevant information in patient records; follow established protocols for conducting medical tests and procedures; communicate medical and health information to patients understandably; show sensitivity and empathy toward patients; write legibly; elicit sensitive medical information from patients; and use computerized medical office systems.
Desirable Qualifications: Possession of a phlebotomy certificate is highly desired and hiring preference will be given to candidates possessing this certificate in the Field-Based Environment or in a Health Care Center Environment depending on the specific needs of each Health Care Center A California Department of Public Health phlebotomy certificate is highly desirable for field-based positions.
NOTE: Possession of a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certificate issued by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) may be highly desirable for certain positions and hiring preference may be given to candidates possessing this certificate.
Supplemental Information
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS :

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
2. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Applications that meet the employment standards will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the information provided on their supplemental questionnaire.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.
Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability. To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) check the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 to the Human Resources Department on or before the closing date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS : The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider, or learning institution.
Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.
Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. The appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.
The Public Health Department (PHD) requires all employees working in direct contact with patients or clients in a high-risk environment to comply with the PHD Employee Immunizations policy. This can be accomplished by providing documentation of immunizations, submitting laboratory immune titers demonstrating adequate immunity, or obtaining required vaccinations. A list of requirements, based on the specific program, will be sent at the time an offer letter is presented to the selected candidate(s) and initial documentation will be required at this time .
Additionally, for the Behavioral Wellness Department, a Live Scan and Background Check: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, the selected candidate's appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a Live Scan and background check which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. A Live Scan is electronic fingerprint scanning that is certified by the State Department of Justice. Further instructions about when and how to complete the Live Scan will be included in the offer letter. Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.
Disaster Service Workers : Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT
The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.
We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.
We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.
We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE : This recruitment will be posted until all positions are filled Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at
Farrah Medrano, Talent Acquisition Lead
Public Health Department,
Retirement Plans

• Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
• Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
• Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
• For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: and

Health Benefits

• Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
• On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
• Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
• Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
• For more information on our health benefits, please visit:

Paid Time Off

• Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
• Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
• Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
• For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)

Miscellaneous Benefits

• County Paid Term Life Insurance
• County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
• Childcare and Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance may apply
• Flexible work schedule may apply
• For more information on all of these benefits, please visit:

Compensation Summary

• To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit:

*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
01
I acknowledge that it is my responsibility as an applicant to provide sufficient information on my application to demonstrate that my education and experience meet the employment standards (minimum qualifications) for this position as detailed in the job bulletin. I further acknowledge that if the County determines I do not meet the employment standards there will be no opportunity for me to provide additional information regarding my application after the closing date listed on the job bulletin. Therefore, I understand that before submitting a job application, it is important that I review the job bulletin thoroughly and ensure that my application clearly reflects how my education and experience meets the employment standards at the time I submit my application.

• I understand.

02
As part of the application process, a completed supplemental questionnaire must be submitted along with the standard application form. Resumes will be accepted, but NOT in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.

• I understand.

03
The Human Resources Department communicates with all applicants through e-mail. Please make sure your e-mail address is entered correctly, it is current, and that you check spam filters continuously during the recruitment and selection process to ensure you do not miss required deadlines.

• I understand.

04
Veteran's Preference Points: Is your DD214 attached? (Eligibility is five years from the most recent qualifying veteran's experience. There is no time limit for veterans with 30% or more disability.)

• Yes, I have attached my DD214 to be considered for Veteran's Points.
• No, I do not qualify for Veteran's Points.

05
The locations of the current vacancies are in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and Lompoc; however, the Departments are also accepting applications to establish a list for future full-time, part-time, extra help and 1414 vacancies throughout the County of Santa Barbara.
Please make sure you check the proper location(s) and work type(s) on your application that you want to be considered for all current and future vacancies. If you meet employment standards, successfully pass the examination and are in the area of selection, your application may only be sent to hiring managers for locations where you indicate you are willing to accept work.

• I understand.

06
The current Medical Assistant vacancies with the Public Health Department REQUIRES bilingual English/ Spanish - Speak fluency . The current Medical Assistant vacancies with the Behavioral Wellness Department prefers bilingual English/Spanish - Speak, Read, Write fluency, but bilingual is not required. Please indicate your level of bilingual fluency below.NOTE: The hiring department may test you on your fluency.

• Spanish-Speak
• Spanish-Speak and Read
• Spanish-Speak, Read, and Write
• I am NOT Bilingual in Spanish

07
Your application must CLEARLY state how you meet the EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS for this position or you will not be considered. If you are unsure, go back and review your application before continuing. Which Employment Standard did you clearly state on your application?

• I have a Medical Assistant certificate issued by an accredited institution and have attached the certificate to my application.
• I DO NOT meet the employment standards for this position and will not be considered for this role.

08
Below is a list of departments that utilize this job classification. Please select which department(s) you would like to be considered to work for. Please keep in mind that during the life of the employment list, some of these departments may not have vacancies that arise. This is your only opportunity to make your selection.

• Public Health Department (PHD):
• Behavioral Wellness Department (BWell):
• I would like to be considered for ALL departments

09
Specific certifications may provide candidates with hiring preference for this job classification. Please list all certifications you possess on your application under the Certificates and Licenses section and attach a copy to your application.

• I understand

10
The following supplemental questions are an EXAMINATION that will determine your ranking on the employment list. Please read and answer them carefully. I understand my responses to the following supplemental questions will be SCORED and used as a weighed, scored selection device that will determine my ranking on the employment list for this job. For information on protest procedures for the supplemental questionnaire, please see Civil Service Rules 612 and 613:

• I understand.

11
Do you possess a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT I or II) certificate issued by the California Department of Public Health or a phlebotomy certificate that is issued by an agency other than the California Department of Public Health?
NOTE: If so, you must list your CPT and or phlebotomy certificate number in the Certificates and Licenses section of your application and attach a copy of your certificate.

• Yes, I have a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT I or II) certificate issued by the California Department of Public Health. I have attached it and listed it under the Certificates and Licenses section.
• Yes, I possess a phlebotomy certificate that is issued by an agency other than the California Department of Public Health and have included the information on my application and attached a copy.
• No, I DO NOT have a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT I or II) certificate issued by the California Department of Public Health nor do I have a phlebotomy certificate issued by an agency other than the Public Health.

12
Please select your experience working as a medical assistant in any of the healthcare centers listed below that regularly provide services to underserved and economically disadvantaged populations such as patients experiencing homelessness, and/or mental health issues.
Select all that apply.

• County of Santa Barbara Health Care Center
• Federally Qualified Health Care Center other than a County of Santa Barbara Health Care Center
• Community-Based Health Care Center
• Other Outpatient Health Care Center setting
• None of the above

13
How many years of experience do you have working in a health care center that regularly provides services to the underserved and economically disadvantaged populations such as: homeless patients, patients with mental health issues, and the economically disadvantaged? NOTE: Full details of this experience/position(s) should be on your completed application.

• More than 3 years of experience
• Less than 3 years but more than 2 years of experience
• Less than 2 years but more than 1 year of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I DO NOT have experience working in a health care center that provides services to the underserved or economically disadvantaged.

14
Please identify the clinical skills you have utilized in a work environment as a Medical Assistant. Please do not include skills utilized while in school.
(Select all that apply.)

• History taking
• Vital signs
• Case management/clinical documentation in electronic databases
• Venipuncture
• Laboratory specimen collection
• Referral and linkages to medical or community resources
• Providing health information/education to patients
• I DO NOT have experience utilizing the clinical skills listed above.

15
Do you have experience with Electronic Medical Records (EMR)? If so, how many years?

• More than 3 years of experience
• Less than 3 years but more than 2 years of experience
• Less than 2 years but more than 1 year of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• I DO NOT have experience using Electronic Medical Records.

16
Please identify what functions you have performed in your experience with Electronic Medical Records.
NOTE: Full details of this experience/position(s) should be on your completed application. Select all that apply.

• Entering vitals
• Patient history
• Point of care testing results
• Referrals
• Documenting phone calls to patients/medical staff
• Medication administration
• Case management notes
• I DO NOT have experience performing the functions listed above in Electronic Medical Records.

Required Question