Santa Clara Valley Medical Center

Description

Under clinical supervision of a Registered Nurse or a licensed Physician/Podiatrist, performs specialized and complex and routine medical assistant tasks related to the care and treatment of patients in an ambulatory care setting.

Custody Health Services is currently recruiting for thirty (30) Medical Assistant - Extra Help positions.

NOTE: Applicants who meet the employment standards will be invited to take an online examination tentatively scheduled for the week of July 27, 2026.

Custody Health Services (CHS) provides medical, mental health, and dental services to patients in custody at the four County detention facilities: Main Jail, Elmwood, Juvenile Hall, and James Ranch. On-site routine and urgent/emergent medical services are provided at both Main Jail and Elmwood adult jail facilities in Santa Clara County. Health care of incarcerated patients includes care of acute and chronic illness as well as preventative and specialty care. CHS also operates a 40-bed acute psychiatric inpatient housing unit at the Main Jail facility for incarcerated adults who require acute inpatient services for stabilization. Juvenile Custody Health Services provides integrated medical services including comprehensive pediatric medical, mental health, and dental care to justice-involved youth housed in Juvenile Hall and James Ranch.

Selected candidate(s) must be able to work in a correctional facility, which requires passing a background check for security clearance.

Typical Tasks

• Prepares patients for examination by having them properly draped, obtaining vital signs, verifying referral information, and taking detailed history when indicated;
• Maintains examination rooms and nurses station including ordering supplies, transporting specimens, washing and packaging instruments, and changing solutions; keeps Emergency Tray updated and supplies stocked in proper locations;
• Instructs patients in simple procedures/tests, hygiene, exercise, diet, and other basic instructions given by the physician; dispenses appropriate educational materials so that patient has better understanding of the procedure/diagnosis;
• Completes charge sheets and insures that they are given to the appropriate clerk for processing; maintains medical record control and insures that record is reviewed and returned to medical records department;
• Assists with office procedures including monitoring of patient flow, telephone screening, maintaining sample drug list, and ordering supplies;
• Assists medical care providers as needed with routine and specialized procedures, administration of medication, and performance of tests;
• Performs simple procedures/treatments/tests per physician instructions;
• Processes physician orders, including laboratory, x-ray, EKG, and schedules all same day tests and appointments; prepares all forms and requisitions as needed by physician or other medical provider;
• Follows through to make sure laboratory and x-ray reports are received; receives and relays those reports to patients after being instructed to do so by reviewing physicians;
• Attends educational seminars or other professional activities as described by AAMA to maintain professional standards;
• Draws blood samples (with Phlebotomy Certification);
• Performs other related work and comparable duties as required.

Employment Standards

Certification as a Medical Assistant or training and experience required by California law to qualify as a Medical Assistant and sufficient training, education or experience to show practical application of, and success in the following knowledge and abilities.

Experience Note: The successful applicant would normally have a high school diploma or the equivalent and a minimum of one year of experience in an outpatient medical assisting position which has provided training and experience in performing most typical tasks of this position. Completion of an accredited training program (i.e. Regional Occupational Center/Community College) and possession of a Certificate as a Medical Assistant may be substituted for the one year of experience.

Knowledge of:

• Basic nursing practices and medical assisting skills and the various types of materials and equipment related to outpatient care and their application;
• Relevant medical terminology;
• Principles of asepsis;
• Verbal and written English communication;
• Basic patient observation skills and record keeping practices;
• Methods of performing skin tests, tonometry, booth audio metrics, hand-held audio metrics, visual acuities, visual field screening, typanometrics, and other basis tests which may be performed in the outpatient setting by Medical Assistants;
• Methods of conducting or assisting patients (per medical care provider's instructions) with basic tests and treatments performed at an ambulatory care clinic;
• Methods and materials for teaching patients (per medical care provider's instructions) laboratory and radiology preparation, exercise, hygiene, use of medication and dietary information, and other topics as needed;
• Content of laboratory and x-ray reports sufficient to relay information after they are reviewed by the physician;
• Operation of laboratory and x-ray reports sufficient to relay information after they are reviewed by the physician;
• Operation, maintenance and simple calibration of specialized equipment related to the performance of tests and procedures in the ambulatory care setting.

Ability to:

• Perform a variety of routine and complex direct patient care services and assist medical service providers in both simple and more difficult treatments;
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions from physicians, nurses, and other team members;
• Communicate effectively with others verbally and in writing in English;
• Instruct and assist patients effectively;
• Maintain complex and accurate records/charts;
• Process physician's orders, prepare forms and requisitions as needed;
• Perform routine clerical support work;
• Perform routine housekeeping/stocking duties in relation to exam rooms, doctor's offices, and other patient care areas;
• Measure for crutches and teach use of crutches;
• Work quickly and accurately following instructions with minimal direct supervision; give clear, concise instructions when necessary;
• Maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, patients, and others;
• Screen patients and collect data by observing patient and reporting to appropriate medical personnel;
• Stand and walk for long periods and exercise a moderate amount of physical exertion (including stooping and lifting) and manual dexterity in the handling of patients and equipment;
• Operate and maintain ambulatory care related equipment;
• Learn new procedures and information within reasonable period of time;
• Orient other employees effectively in clinic layout, and basic practices and procedures;
• Organize and prioritize workload assignments; follow-through with assignments;
• Maintain a patient, understanding, tolerant attitude under stressful conditions including illness, death and other unpleasant aspects of working in a medical setting.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more here.

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits

The County offers robust retirement plans including a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (similar to the private sector’s 401(k) plan) and the CalPERS pension plan. In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family’s long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account

The Health Flexible Spending Account (HFSA) empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)

The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the Employee Childcare Assistance Plan, an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D

The County offers life and disability benefits including Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Long-Term Disability insurance, California State Disability Insurance, and Integration with Leave. These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness

The Employee Wellness Program offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement

A generous Learning and Employee Development program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.