Certified Medical Assistant (Full-Time) – Patient Navigation Support at Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative (BVMI) in Hackensack, New Jersey

Job description

• The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is responsible for obtaining lab specimens from BVMI patients, volunteers, and/or employees as ordered. The CMA works collaboratively with the Medical Director, Charge Nurse, and volunteer medical staff to achieve optimal patient care and satisfaction. This role also supports patient navigation functions, helping coordinate referrals and follow-up care to ensure continuity for patients moving through the healthcare system.

Responsibilities

• Patient Verification: Verify identity prior to obtaining specimens by confirming name and birthdate against lab requisitions.
• Specimen Collection: Obtain and handle specimens using proper lab techniques; provide clear patient instructions for urine and other non-blood specimens.
• Order Management: Review lab requisitions for accuracy; enter orders into the lab computer; label, process, and store specimens appropriately.
• Clinical Diagnostics: Perform patient EKGs as ordered during clinical sessions.
• External Coordination: Prepare Quest requisitions when internal access is not possible; schedule specimen pickups and record confirmation numbers.
• Technical Reference: Consult the Quest Lab Reference Book or Charge Nurse for complex testing questions.
• Front Desk & Patient Support
• Answer incoming calls, schedule appointments, and manage patient check-in and check-out.
• Consult with the Charge Nurse or NP on patient health concerns and relay information accurately to patients.
• Assist with medical interpretation to support patient communication as needed.
• Patient Navigation Support
• Referral Tracking: Help document and track the status of outgoing referrals and specialist consultations to support continuity of care.
• Closing the Loop: Assist in ensuring specialist notes and test results are received, scanned into the EMR, and routed to the ordering provider.
• Patient Notification: Support reminder calls for outside appointments and reinforce the importance of follow-up care.
• Records Procurement: Assist in contacting outside medical records departments to obtain reports needed by BVMI providers.

Requirements

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential required.
• Proven experience in Phlebotomy and EKG administration.
• Must be bilingual (Spanish/English).
• Proficiency in using computers, including Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and office software.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work with diverse cultures in a fast-paced environment.
• Punctual, dependable, and capable of multitasking.
• Experience with patient navigation, referral tracking, or case coordination a plus.
• Sterile Processing Technician experience or CRCST/CSPDT certification a plus.

Skills

Required

• Phlebotomy
• EKG administration
• Bilingual (Spanish/English)
• Strong communication skills

Benefits

• $20 per hour
• $20 hourly