Behavioral Health Medical Assistant (Bilingual) – San Diego, CA

Location: San Diego, CA 

Job Type: Temporary 

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM 

Pay Rate: $28.89–$35.84 per hour

Job Overview

We are seeking a Behavioral Health Medical Assistant 2 to assist behavioral health providers with patient examinations, treatments, and clinical procedures. This role combines clinical and administrative responsibilities across Psychiatry, Therapy, and Substance Use Disorder/Addiction Medicine services. The ideal candidate is bilingual in English and Spanish, Tagalog, or Arabic and has experience supporting patient care in a medical setting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patient charts and coordinate with providers to plan for scheduled appointments.
• Perform clerical duties, including data entry, answering phone calls, and scheduling appointments.
• Conduct patient screenings, including PHQ-9, GAD-7, DAST, and AUDIT, as needed.
• Complete patient outreach using recall lists and follow established protocols to address care gaps.
• Interview patients, take vital signs, and verify relevant patient information.
• Document in-person and telephone interactions, procedures, and patient responses accurately in electronic health records while maintaining confidentiality.
• Prepare treatment rooms and patients for examinations and assist providers during procedures.
• Follow aseptic techniques and infection control policies.
• Manage medical supply inventory and replenish supplies as needed.
• Perform point-of-care testing, including urine testing.
• Maintain medication logs and inventory for controlled substances prescribed to patients.
• Monitor patients in the waiting room and assist with coordination of care.
• Schedule and reschedule follow-up appointments, manage waitlists, and conduct follow-up calls for missed appointments.
• Assist with triaging walk-in patients and coordinating behavioral health referrals.
• Perform medication reconciliation as needed.
• Provide patients and families with information and support regarding behavioral health services.
• Coordinate translation services when needed.
• Assist with medical records requests, treatment authorization requests (TARs), and prior authorizations as needed.
• Perform clinical procedures, including EKGs, inhalation treatments, visual testing, and audiometric testing.
• Prepare and administer immunizations and medications as directed by physician orders and established policies.
• Clean, process, and sterilize instruments using an autoclave.
• Assist with vaccine coordination and clinic emergency vaccine plans.
• Provide coverage at various clinic locations as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Completion of a course of study consistent with the requirements for Medical Assistants as specified by the Medical Board of California.
• At least one year of experience working as a Medical Assistant.
• Current BLS for Healthcare Provider CPR or CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer certification from the American Heart Association.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, Tagalog, or Arabic.
• Ability to read, write, and understand medical information and terminology.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to use a personal computer and medical equipment, including a wheelchair, EKG, gurney table, vital signs machine, pulse oximeter, and autoclave.
• Reliable transportation and availability to travel between clinic locations as needed.