Medical Assistant (MA) / Scribe

Job Description

Position Summary

The Medical Assistant (MA) supports healthcare providers by performing clinical and administrative duties to ensure efficient, high-quality patient care in an outpatient Tribal health clinic setting. This role emphasizes culturally respectful, patient-centered care and adherence to Tribal, federal, and state healthcare regulations, including the Medical Assistant scope of practice.

The Medical Scribe is responsible for accurately documenting patient encounters in real time while accompanying healthcare providers during outpatient visits. The Medical Scribe assists providers by completing electronic medical record (EMR) documentation, allowing providers to focus on patient care and improving clinical efficiency. This position is scheduled on an as-needed basis and may provide coverage at multiple clinic locations.

Essential Duties

Medical Assistant

• Prepare patients for examinations, treatments, and procedures.


• Obtain and document vital signs, medical histories, chief complaints, and medication lists.


• Assist providers during examinations and minor procedures within the scope of practice.


• Perform phlebotomy, specimen collection, point-of-care testing, and EKGs as trained and authorized.


• Administer medications and injections as permitted under California law and clinic protocols.


• Maintain exam rooms, stock supplies, and ensure proper cleaning and infection control.


• Accurately document clinical information in the electronic health record (EHR).


• Comply with federal, state, and local legal requirements.


• Verify patient information and assist with patient flow.


• Support referrals, prior authorizations, and care coordination as assigned.


• Answer phones, respond to patient messages, and provide follow-up instructions.


• Maintain patient confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA privacy policies.


• Assist with quality improvement, population health, and grant-related data collection as needed.


• Follows and adheres to the Employee Handbook, as well as MMHC policies and procedures.


• Support the clinic’s mission, vision, and community health goals.


• Other duties, as assigned.

Medical Scribe

• Accompany providers during patient visits and document encounters in the electronic health record (EHR) in real time.


• Accurately record the patient's history, review of systems, physical examination findings, assessment, treatment plans, procedures, and provider instructions as directed.


• Enter orders for provider review and signature when permitted by organizational policy.


• Document laboratory results, imaging reports, referrals, and follow-up recommendations as instructed by the provider.


• Assist providers in locating prior records, test results, and other pertinent patient information within the EHR.


• Prepare charts before clinic sessions by reviewing previous documentation, pending orders, and available diagnostic results.


• Ensure documentation is complete, accurate, timely, and compliant with organizational standards.


• Maintain familiarity with medical terminology, abbreviations, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.


• Protect patient confidentiality and comply with all HIPAA regulations, Tribal privacy requirements, and organizational policies.


• Communicate professionally with providers, nursing staff, medical assistants, front office staff, and other departments.


• Assist with provider workflow and other administrative duties as assigned that are consistent with the role of a medical scribe.


• Float between providers and clinic locations as needed.


• Attend required meetings, training, and mandatory education.

Education and Skills

• High school diploma or GED.


• Completion of an accredited Medical Assistant training program.


• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

• Completion of a medical scribe training program or coursework in medical terminology or 1 year of experience in a scribe role preferred.


• Excellent knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.


• Strong typing and computer skills (minimum 60 words per minute preferred).


• Ability to accurately document patient encounters in real time.


• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to always maintain confidentiality and professionalism.


• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced clinical environment.


• Ability to establish positive working relationships with providers and staff.


• Ability to adapt quickly to different providers’ documentation styles.


• Knowledge of the California Medical Assistant scope of practice.

• Experience working in an outpatient clinic or community health setting.


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.


• Ability to work effectively in a team-based care model.


• Commitment to patient confidentiality and ethical conduct.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the clinic for extended periods.


• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.


• Ability to assist patients with mobility as needed.


• Manual dexterity sufficient to perform clinical tasks such as injections and phlebotomy.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced outpatient healthcare setting.


• Frequent interaction with patients, providers, and clinic staff.


• Exposure to communicable diseases and other hazards common to healthcare environments; appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided.

Reasonable accommodations will be given to qualified disabled applicants pursuant to Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,29 U.S. Code 791, Title 29, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).