Heartland Alliance Health·Chicago, Illinois
The Certified Medical Assistant supports clinical providers by managing participant flow and assisting with patient care activities in shelter settings. Key duties include obtaining vital signs, administering medications, and maintaining a sterile clinical environment.
Title: Certified Medical Assistant
Location: Shelters City Wide | Health Centers EW and Broadway
Heartland Alliance Health’s (HAH) mission is to transform healthcare for the most vulnerable – particularly people experiencing homelessness, mental illness or addictions, or struggling with multiple chronic illnesses – improving health for all and the well-being of our community.
This position provides a variety of services integral to the functioning of our shelter outreach programs. The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is primarily responsible for supporting clinical providers and community health nurses by facilitating participant flow, assisting with various participant care activities, and performing related administrative and clerical functions. The CMA ensures high-quality service to participants while respecting and maintaining confidentiality, demonstrating cultural competence, and working within established job parameters. Individual responsibilities and work volume are determined through annual Success Objectives, within the framework outlined below.
Prepares participants for their visit, examination procedure, and/or treatment in accordance with established procedures.
Obtains vital signs as necessary and documents complaints based on information received.
Prepares appropriate paperwork for procedures, laboratory work, tests, or referrals for provider/Community Health Nurse (CHN) signature and comment.
• Performs receptionist, participant service, clerical, and other functions as needed to support the efficient operation of the shelter-based program.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing essential functions at the shelters. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee may frequently be exposed to air- and/or blood-borne pathogens.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be required to perform duties at off-site locations.
Heartland Alliance makes all hiring and employment decisions, and operates all programs, services, and functions without regard to race, receipt of an order of protection, creed, color, age, gender, gender identity, marital or parental status, religion, ancestry, national origin, amnesty, physical or mental disability, protected veterans status, genetic information, sexual orientation, immigrant status, political affiliation or belief, use of FMLA, VESSA, military, and family military rights, ex-offender status (depending on the offense and position to be filled), unfavorable military discharge, membership in an organization whose primary purpose is the protection of civil rights or improvement of living conditions and human relations, height, weight, or HIV infection, in accord with the organization's AIDS Policy Statement of September 1987.
Candidates must have a High School Diploma or GED and graduation from an accredited medical assisting school. Required certifications include CPR and either AAMA CMA or AMT RMA certification.
Market context
Certified Medical Assistant roles in Illinois are commonly found in outpatient and specialty care settings, where employers often look for candidates who can support patient flow and clinical documentation. This role is competitive because CMA and BLS credentials are required, while outpatient clinic experience, orthopedics exposure, and English-Spanish bilingual skills can strengthen an application. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then tailor your resume to show relevant clinic experience and certification status.