COMPANY OVERVIEW
Sanctuary Centers of Santa Barbara, Inc. is a non-profit organization that has been providing high-quality care for adults and youth with mental illness and co-occurring disorders since 1976. Our 49 years of experience gives us a knowledge base that is unrivaled in the mental health field. Our mission is to provide our clients with a continuum of treatment in order to create opportunities for community reintegration and prevent further hospitalization while maintaining high professional standards.
Position Summary
The Medical Assistant – Integrated Primary Care & Behavioral Health (PCBH) provides both front- and back-office clinical support within the Integrated Health Clinic, an interdisciplinary practice integrating primary care, psychiatry, psychotherapy, Enhanced Care Management (ECM), and behavioral health services.
This position serves as the clinic's primary clinical support staff, working alongside physicians, psychiatrists, therapists, care managers, and administrative staff to deliver coordinated, whole-person care.
The Medical Assistant primarily supports the clinic's psychiatric services, which are delivered predominantly through telehealth, with one regularly scheduled in-person psychiatry clinic each month. Responsibilities include preparing patients for both virtual and in-person appointments, coordinating psychiatric workflows, assisting with medication monitoring and follow-up, supporting limited referral coordination, and providing back-up assistance for front office operations and primary care as needed.
The ideal candidate is organized, adaptable, compassionate, and enjoys working in a collaborative integrated healthcare environment.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Support
- Prepare patients for psychiatric and primary care appointments.
- Obtain and document vital signs when clinically indicated or requested by the provider (such as medication monitoring, weight management, blood pressure follow-up, or primary care visits).
- Update medication lists, allergies, and pertinent health information in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
- Prepare examination rooms and telehealth equipment for patient visits.
- Assist providers during examinations and clinical procedures within California Medical Assistant scope of practice.
- Perform specimen collection, point-of-care testing, and other delegated clinical duties as appropriate.
- Administer medications and immunizations under provider orders and within California Medical Assistant scope of practice.
- Maintain examination rooms, equipment, and medical supplies.
- Register patients and provide front office back up coverage when receptionist is unavailable.
- Any other reasonable responsibilities to ensure a cohesive team experience.
Telepsychiatry Support
- Coordinate patient flow for daily telepsychiatry clinics and the weekly in-person psychiatry clinic.
- Prepare patients for telehealth appointments by ensuring required documentation, screening tools, and clinical information are complete.
- Assist patients with telehealth technology and troubleshoot connectivity issues when needed.
- Administer or collect standardized behavioral health screening tools, including PHQ-9, GAD-7, AIMS, and other assessments as directed by the provider.
- Process prescription refill requests, prior authorization documentation, laboratory orders, and provider messaging under physician direction.
- Coordinate communication between psychiatric providers, therapists, primary care providers, pharmacies, laboratories, and care managers.
- Assist in monitoring patients receiving psychotropic medications through laboratory testing, weight, blood pressure, or other clinical measures when ordered by the provider.
Patient Coordination & Referral Support
- Assist with specialty referrals, diagnostic testing, and follow-up appointments as assigned.
- Coordinate communication with specialty providers, imaging centers, laboratories, pharmacies, and community partners.
- Track referral completion and assist patients in navigating recommended follow-up care.
- Support care coordination activities in collaboration with physicians, psychiatrists, therapists, and Enhanced Care Management staff.
Front Office Support
- Provide reception coverage during breaks, absences, or periods of high patient volume.
- Answer incoming telephone calls professionally and courteously.
- Schedule, confirm, and reschedule appointments.
- Check patients in and out.
- Verify demographic and insurance information.
- Scan, upload, and organize clinical documentation within the Electronic Health Record.
- Maintain patient confidentiality and excellent customer service at all times.
Population Health & Integrated Care
- Support preventative care initiatives, quality improvement activities, and value-based care measures, including HEDIS and other quality improvement projects.
- Assist providers in closing identified care gaps through patient outreach, documentation, and follow-up.
- Promote effective communication among members of the interdisciplinary treatment team.
- Participate in team huddles and contribute to coordinated treatment planning when appropriate.
- Support the Integrated Health Clinic's mission of delivering accessible, compassionate, whole-person care.
Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation in the Electronic Health Record.
- Comply with HIPAA, OSHA, infection prevention, and clinic safety policies.
- Adhere to Medical Assistant scope of practice and all applicable California regulations.
- Participate in quality improvement activities and maintain required certifications.
Minimum Qualifications
- Graduate of an accredited Medical Assistant training program.
- Current California Medical Assistant certification or equivalent qualifications consistent with California regulations.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification.
- Minimum one year of outpatient clinical experience preferred.
- Experience using Electronic Health Records.
- Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
- Ability to work independently while functioning effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting psychiatric or behavioral health providers.
- Experience working in integrated primary care or community health settings.
- Experience with telehealth workflows.
- Experience with referral coordination and prior authorizations.
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
- Experience serving Medi-Cal or underserved populations.
Core Competencies
- Patient-Centered Care
- Integrated Team-Based Care
- Professional Communication
- Compassion and Empathy
- Organization and Time Management
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Attention to Detail
- Cultural Humility
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Commitment to Quality Improvement
Work Environment
- Small outpatient Integrated Primary Care and Behavioral Health Clinic.
- Psychiatric services delivered primarily through telehealth with one regularly scheduled in-person clinic each week.
- Combination of direct patient care, telehealth support, referral coordination, and administrative responsibilities.
- Frequent collaboration with physicians, psychiatrists, therapists, care managers, and administrative staff in a highly collaborative interdisciplinary environment.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and move supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Frequent bending, reaching, and movement throughout the clinic.
- Ability to operate computers, telehealth equipment, and standard medical equipment for extended periods.
Why This Role Matters
The Medical Assistant – Integrated Primary Care & Behavioral Health is an essential member of the Integrated Health Clinic team. This position helps bridge medical and behavioral healthcare by supporting patients, providers, and care teams throughout the continuum of care. Through compassionate patient engagement, efficient clinical support, care coordination, and collaboration across disciplines, the Medical Assistant plays a vital role in advancing the clinic's mission of providing accessible, integrated, and whole-person healthcare to the community.
Pay: $26.00 - $32.00 per hour
Expected hours: 24.0 – 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Medical Field: 2 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Santa Barbara, CA 93102 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Santa Barbara, CA 93102: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
