Medical Assistant

Find your path at the University of California, Santa Cruz as a Medical Assistant. Student Health Services is seeking a certified Medical Assistant for a full-time position with a four-week unpaid summer break. Positions with summer work breaks contain regularly scheduled non-work periods during which the Medical Assistant remains an employee, retains health benefits, but is not at work.

As the largest employer in the county, rated as one of the most beautiful campuses, located on the coast overlooking Monterey Bay. UC Santa Cruz employs over 3,100 people in staff positions alone. UC Santa Cruz staff have access to comprehensive benefits packages.

Here is a sample of those benefits:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Care Insurance Plans
• UC Retirement Plans
• Group Term Life Insurance
• Legal Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 14 paid holidays plus accrued vacation and sick leave
• Reduced fees for alternative methods of transportation
• Discount at UCSC recreation facilities

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the university visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

Please Note: For full consideration for the interview, all applicants are required to complete the following supplemental questions:

1. Was your MA certification obtained by passing a Medical Assisting certifying exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)?
2. Was your MA certification obtained by passing a Medical Assisting certifying exam administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT)?
3. Was your MA certification obtained by passing a Medical Assisting certifying exam administered by the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)?
4. Was your MA certification obtained by passing a Medical Assisting certifying exam administered by the Multiskilled Medical Certification Institute (MMCI)?
5. Was your MA certification obtained by passing a Medical Assisting certifying exam administered by the California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants (CCBMA)?

Thank you for your interest in UC Santa Cruz.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 08-11-2025

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

UC Santa Cruz (UCSC) Student Health Services (SHS) is a full-service medical facility offering clinical, educational, and psychological support to UCSC students. SHS is deeply committed to ensuring affordable, well-integrated, multidisciplinary healthcare that effectively supports the university's diverse campus communities through equitable access and culturally competent, high-quality programs and services.

The Primary Care Program offers primary care and same-day care services, supported by on-site radiology, a COLA-accredited clinical laboratory, and the campus pharmacy, offering prescription and over-the-counter products. Counseling and Psychological Services, Case Management, and Psychiatry services are available for crisis intervention, mental health support, and outreach services.

Additional departments include Student Health Outreach and Promotion (SHOP), home of the Condom Co-op, Cove Collegiate Recovery Program (CCRP) where students receive harm-reduction and recovery services; CARE (Center for Advocacy, Resources & Empowerment) the advocacy and prevention education office that supports survivors of sexual assault, stalking, and dating/domestic violence; Optometry and Student Insurance and Referral Programs.

Student Health Services employs approximately 150 staff and welcomes staff with interest and experience working with college students with a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and gender identities.

More information can be found at: https://healthcenter.ucsc.edu

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Director, Radiology and Clinic Support Services, the Medical Assistant performs a wide variety of patient care support services, including both direct patient care duties and administrative duties. The Medical Assistant maintains flexibility and a professional demeanor to work with a variety of clients and clinicians with different styles and requirements in a fast-paced environment. The Medical Assistant utilizes empathy and understanding when working with ill students and concerned parents and maintains patient confidentiality in all verbal and written communications.

The Medical Assistant performs multiple tasks such as simultaneously supporting several clinicians, monitoring patients, and managing phones and paperwork; utilizes tact, discretion, and confidentiality in all communications with staff, students, families, and outside medical services; identifies self by name and title in all communication; refers issues beyond scope of practice to clinical or supervisory personnel when appropriate; communicates issues of concern from patient or family to clinician; and maintains a current CPR card and be able to recognize and respond to an emergency as appropriate per facility policy and training.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $27.10 - $34.48 / Hourly. Salary commensurate with years of certified Medical Assistant experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Partial Year Career appointment, with 4 week furlough

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: EX - Patient Care Technical

Job Code Classification: 008994 (MED AST 2)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

60% - Clinical

Utilizing medical background and training, and in accordance with department policies and professional standards, the Medical Assistant will perform all duties within the scope of practice of a certified Medical Assistant in California.

• Obtains routine vital signs and independently anticipates the need for diagnostic procedures based on the patient's history and/or presenting complaint.
• Takes a basic medical history and appropriately prepares the patient for exam.
• Appropriately documents pertinent patient information in the medical record.
• Accurately administers medications as ordered by clinicians Administering medications means to inject, handle, or provide medications to a patient upon the order of an appropriate licensed staff member and consistent with current state regulations and training.
• Keeps exam rooms and work areas stocked and clean.
• Arranges follow-up appointments and referrals to other physicians or institutions as requested by clinician.
• Understands and utilizes standard Universal Precautions, including proper use of personal protective equipment, proper use of sterile techniques, and standard infection control processes.
• Assists with physical exams and medical procedures, including but not limited to, colposcopy, punch biopsy, incision and drainage (I&D), intrauterine device (IUD), nebulizer, toe nail removal, laceration repair.
• Cleans and sterilizes medical instruments employing various chemicals and operates medical autoclave.
• Makes calls to patients and pharmacies as directed by clinician.
• Communicates with outside entities in a professional manner.
• Utilizes tact, discretion, and confidentiality in all written and oral communications with staff, students, families, and outside medical providers.
• Performs and accurately records results for a variety of point-of-care tests.
• Appropriately refers issues beyond scope of practice to clinical or supervisory personnel.
• Recognizes and responds to emergencies per facility policy and training.

40% - Administrative

Scheduling Duties:

• Answers and screens calls, takes appropriate messages.
• Schedules appointments for patients in person or on the phone.
• Appropriately communicates identified problems.

Greeting Patients:

• Communicates in a professional and welcoming manner.
• Directs incoming patients to appropriate departments.
• Registers patients for walk-in and scheduled appointments.
• Directly interacts with nursing staff for matters of patient acuity.
• Verifies the accuracy of current contact and insurance information.
• Explains available services and eligibility requirements for service.
• Explains basic billing and financial considerations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Current Medical Assistant certification recognized by the Medical Board of California (See Special Conditions)
• Knowledge of medical procedures and equipment.
• Experience in administering injections.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to relate information clearly and concisely to a variety of people in a professional manner.
• Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively with all staff, utilizing a positive communication style.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work under time-constraints with frequent interruptions.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to exercise discretion and tact in dealing with confidential information, sensitive situations and all workplace interactions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Recent Medical Assistant experience.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Current Medical Assistant certification recognized by the Medical Board of California. This can only be obtained by passing a Medical Assisting certifying exam administered by one of the following: California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants (CCBMA), American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), American Medical Technologists (AMT), American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) or Multiskilled Medical Certification Institute (MMCI) Complete HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accessibility) training within 30 days of hire Comply with current Student Health Center employee health safety requirements for health care workers as defined by state and federal regulatory agencies; current health safety requirements to be discussed during interview.
• Selected candidate will be required to successfully complete a pre-hire criminal history background check and a pre-hire credentialing check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Must possess CPR/First Aid/AED certification or have the ability to obtain it within 60-calendar days of hire.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Selected candidate will be required to take a TB test within 60 days of hire.
• Ability to work safely in areas where hazardous materials are present or stored.
• Ability to wear a respirator in accordance with the California Code of Regulations Title 8, 5144.
• Ability to wear proper safety attire (long pants, closed-toe shoes, etc.) and personal protective equipment common in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to read signs and follow directions on labels that are written in English as well as ability to read and understand Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and the proper use of chemical compounds.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.