Medical Assistant I

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Time Type:

Full time

Department:

South End Recovery Services

All Locations:

1601 Washington Street, 79 Paris Street

Position Summary:

The Recovery Services Medical Assistant I is a key member of a passionate care team that embraces harm reduction and recovery-oriented treatment. In this role, you will work closely with nurses and providers to support patients and help ensure that care is delivered with dignity, respect, and compassion.

This position combines hands-on patient care with essential support activities. Responsibilities include taking vital signs, collecting urine samples, recording accurate patient information, welcoming and orienting new patients to the program, scheduling intakes, and reaching out to those who miss appointments. As the first connection patients make, the Medical Assistant ensures they feel seen, valued, and supported the moment they walk through the door.

Because our program serves individuals living with substance use and behavioral health conditions, the Medical Assistant plays an active part in addressing both the physical and emotional needs of patients. The role also contributes to broader program initiatives, including grant documentation, compliance with state and regulatory guidelines, and ongoing quality improvement efforts.

At Recovery Services, harm reduction is more than a philosophy; it is the foundation of our work. As the Medical Assistant I, you will join a team passionate about meeting people where they are, removing barriers to care, and supporting patients on their unique paths toward health and recovery.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys a balance of clinical tasks and patient interaction, thrives in a team setting, and wants to make a direct impact on people’s lives. Every day offers the opportunity to learn, support patients through their recovery journey, and be part of a team that is deeply passionate about compassionate, patient-centered care.

The Medical Assistant is an essential member of our Recovery Services team, providing hands-on support to both patients and clinical staff in our harm reduction–focused OBAT program. This role combines clinical responsibilities, patient engagement, and teamwork in a setting where every interaction makes a difference.

As part of the nurse care model, the Medical Assistant extends the capacity of our nurses and providers by managing the daily details that keep patient care flowing smoothly. From welcoming patients to ensuring accurate documentation, the MA helps create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where patients can focus on recovery.

Key responsibilities include:

• Serving as the first point of contact for patients, greeting them warmly, and orienting new patients to the program.
• Supporting efficient patient flow and visit coordination so that nurses and prescribers can focus on medication management and clinical decision-making.
• Taking vital signs, collecting urine drug screens, and preparing patients for their visits.
• Prepare patients as they arrive: by interviewing patients and document basic medical history obtain vitals, complete POC tests (urine toxicology, pregnancy tests), collect chief compliant and any acute concerns and document in record.
• Prepare and provide patient education materials
• Ensure every patient leaves with a next appointment scheduled; complete same-day outreach for reschedules.
• Manage patient calls and EPIC messages: triage concerns, route to staff, and document all communication.
• Monitor clinic flow throughout the day: address bottlenecks, escalate issues as needed.
• Review and complete screening questionnaires
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records in the electronic medical record (EPIC).
• Assisting with scheduling, reminders, and outreach to patients who have missed appointments.
• Providing patients with harm reduction resources, educational materials, and essential supplies, always under the direction of nursing staff.
• Stock exam rooms: check supplies, confirm emergency supplies, check expiration dates on medications and testing kits.
• Collaborating closely with nurses, providers, and program leadership to ensure high-quality care and compliance with program standards.

Education

• High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Graduation from a Certified Medical Assistant Program
• BCLS certification (per department policy).
• Two years experience as a Medical Assistant preferred
• Experience (perferred), passion (a must) to work with people with Substance Use and/or Mental Health Disorders

Skills/Abilities:

• Meets medical assistant skill level with addition of demonstrated leadership ability.
• Comfortable using a computer, familiar with MS Word and Excel. EPIC preferred
• Bilingual in English and another language appropriate to the health center’s patient population preferred, but not required.
• Interpersonal and group communication skills
• Comply with OSHA guidelines, department protocols, BSAS regulations, Joint Commission and CMS standards, all HIPAA, privacy and 42 CFR Part 2 regulations.

Pay Range:

Starts at $22/hr up to $33/hr depending on experience

EEO & Accommodation Statement:

NeighborHealth is an equal employment/affirmative action employer. We ensure equal employment opportunities for all, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression or any other non-job-related characteristic. If you need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail toHRrecruit@NeighborHealth.com or call 617-568-4480 to let us know the nature of your request

Federal Trade Commission Statement:
According to the FTC, there has been a rise in employment offer scams. Our current job openings are listed on our website. We do not ask or require downloads of any applications, or “apps.” Job offers are not extended over text messages or social media platforms. We do not ask individuals to purchase equipment for or prior to employment.

E-Verify Program Participation Statement:

NeighborHealth participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program, E-Verify. As an E-Verify employer, all prospective employees must complete a background check before beginning employment.