Certified Medical Assistant / Medical Receptionist

Join Our Team – Farmingdale Cross-Trained Medical Assistant / Medical Receptionist (CMA/MR)

About Us: Vanguard Medical Group is an independent primary care group practice with 11 offices in Northern and Central New Jersey. We are committed to providing evidence-based healthcare that achieves quality outcomes that improve the health and safety of our patients and the populations we manage. We also strive to take care of our people, and that's not just patients. We want to ensure that our clinical and administrative staff have a good work-life balance, are engaged at VMG, and experience joy at work.

Position Type: Full-Time

Location: Farmingdale, NJ

About the role: 

The Cross-Trained Medical Assistant / Medical Receptionist (CMA/MR) is a vital, dual-function member of the care team, supporting both clinical operations and front-office workflows to ensure efficient, high-quality care and an exceptional patient experience. This role flexes between direct patient care and administrative/front desk responsibilities based on office needs, staffing coverage, and patient flow. This is a full-time role, and candidates must have availability to work at least one weekday shift until 7:00 PM.

Job Responsibilities: 

Clinical Support & Patient Care

Prepare exam rooms and assist providers during exams, procedures, and treatments.

Take and record vital signs, medical history, medication reconciliation, and chief complaint.

Administer medications and injections per provider instruction and document in the EMR.

Perform in-office testing (e.g., EKGs, urine dips, strep tests) and assist with phlebotomy as needed.

Assist with minor procedures, including sterilization of equipment, wound care, and dressing changes.

Provide patient education as directed, including medication instructions and care plans.

Chart Preparation & Visit Optimization

Conduct pre-visit chart prep by reviewing prior notes, lab results, and specialist consults.

Identify open care gaps and outstanding quality metrics prior to patient visits.

Flag preventive care and health maintenance needs for provider review.

Front Desk & Patient Access Support

Answer incoming phone calls with a warm, professional, and patient-centered approach.

Schedule patient appointments using the electronic medical record (EMR) system.

Coordinate appointment scheduling with providers, considering clinical priorities and patient preferences.

Confirm, reschedule, and manage appointment cancellations efficiently.

Verify patient insurance coverage and eligibility.

Collect co-pays, deductibles, and outstanding balances in accordance with Vanguard policies.

Address patient inquiries related to appointments, services, billing, and general office information.

Greet patients and assist with check-in, patient flow, and reception area support as needed.

Team-Based & Coordinated Care

Participate in daily huddles and communicate key information to ensure continuity of care.

Collaborate with providers, nurses, medical receptionists, and other care team members.

Relay patient concerns, appointment changes, and time-sensitive information appropriately.

Support population health initiatives through outreach, data tracking, and care coordination.

Patient Experience

Deliver welcoming, compassionate, and responsive service in both clinical and front-office interactions.

Communicate clearly and empathetically to reduce patient anxiety and enhance trust.

Ensure patients leave each visit with a clear understanding of next steps.

Quality Metrics & Documentation

Assist in capturing and documenting data for quality programs (e.g., HEDIS, Medicare Wellness, UDS).

Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough EMR documentation.

Support efforts to close care gaps and improve clinical quality outcomes.

Administrative & Office Support

Process referrals, prescription refills, and prior authorizations under provider guidance.

Assist with phone-based administrative tasks, appointment queues, and coordination of referrals.

Maintain exam room cleanliness, supply inventory, and equipment readiness.

Perform other duties as assigned by Vanguard Medical Group leadership.

Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Graduate of an accredited Medical Assistant program.

Medical Assistant Certification (CMA/CCMA/RMA) required.

Minimum 1+ years of experience in a medical office or ambulatory healthcare setting preferred.

Prior experience in a medical receptionist, phone room, or patient access role preferred.

Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR); Athena experience strongly preferred.

Knowledge of medical terminology, insurance verification, and billing processes is a plus.

Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Ability to multitask, adapt to changing priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Core Competencies

Compassion: Demonstrates empathy and genuine care in every interaction.

Attitude: Brings a positive, proactive, and solution-oriented mindset to work.

Respect: Treats all patients and team members with professionalism and dignity.

Excellence: Strives for accuracy, timeliness, and continuous improvement in all tasks.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.

May require light lifting (up to 20 lbs.) for supplies or office materials.

Must have visual and auditory acuity to operate computer systems and phones.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated base hourly rate for this position ranges from $20.00 to $25.00 per hour, depending on the role and experience level. Additionally, this position may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus and other company-sponsored benefits.

Benefits include:

401(k) retirement savings plan with company match

Comprehensive health insurance (medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision)

Paid time off, including vacation/personal days, holidays, and sick time

Opportunities for ongoing training, certification, and professional development

Please note that individual total compensation will be determined at the Company’s sole discretion and may vary based on several factors, including but not limited to: location, skill level, years and depth of relevant experience, and education.

EEOC Statement

Vanguard Medical Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.