The Medical Assistant II (MAII) plays a key role in delivering high-quality, compassionate care to children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related neurodevelopmental differences. This role requires specialized skills in supporting sensory needs, facilitating effective communication, and creating a welcoming environment for patients and families. The MA assists with clinical procedures, documentation, and care coordination while working closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure each child's visit is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Responsibilities:
1. Greet and room patients in a calm, supportive manner.
2. Obtain and document vital signs, growth measurements, and relevant medical history using strategies that accommodate sensory sensitivities and communication preferences.
3. Prepare patients for procedures and exams with clear, developmentally appropriate explanations, visual supports, or social stories when applicable.
4. Provide sensory tools or accommodations (e.g., fidget items, dimmed lights) to help patients self-regulate during visits.
5. Support behavioral and emotional needs during care, using de-escalation techniques and collaborating with families to apply known calming strategies.
6. Collects data that contributes to the assessment and evaluation of individualized care and needs of assigned patients
7. Administer medications, vaccines, and screenings per provider orders, with sensitivity to sensory and behavioral needs.
8. Collects, processes, and submits laboratory specimens in accordance with policy and procedure
9. Accurate and timely documentation of care within EMR, noting preferred communication methods, triggers, and accommodations used during the visit.
10. Performs clinical duties that are department specific such as POCT, hearing and vision screenings, and any other procedures
11. Performs routine task and general office duties such as faxing, copying, filing, etc. as needed
12. Cleans, stocks, and prepares examination rooms
13. Performs point-of-service activities such as appointment scheduling, visit preparation, co-payment collection and patient tracking as needed
14. Actively participates in departmental process improvement projects
15. Follows safety policies and procedures in the delivery of care to assure a safe environment for patients, families, and other staff members
16. Other duties assigned
Other information:
Technical Expertise
1. Knowledge of and experience in medical terminology is required.
2. Experience working in healthcare environment is preferred.
3. Experience working in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word) or similar software is required.
4. Experience working in electronic medical record (i.e., EPIC) or similar software is preferred.
5. Graduate of an accredited medical assistant program.
6. Demonstrated experience or strong interest in working with children with autism or other developmental disabilities.
7. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to adapt to varied developmental and sensory needs.
Education and Experience
1. Education: High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
2. Certification:
a. Completion of an approved (valid) Medical Assistant Certificate Program (MA), EMT Program, or Paramedic Program is required
b. Basic Life Support (BLS) training from the American Heart Association is required.
c. Medical Assistant certification preferred.
3. Years of relevant experience: six months of MA experience in a pediatric, developmental, or behavioral health care setting.
More Than a Job. It’s loving what you do - and why you do it. Akron Children’s Hospital is ranked among the best pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, but it’s our compassionate approach to treatment that sets us apart. It’s creating special high-fives. Thinking of new ways to spark a smile. Holding hands to offer comfort. And working to get a giggle that brightens a room. The minute you walk into Akron Children’s, you can sense that people here love what they do. From visits with the Doggie Brigade, to the balloons and smiles in the halls, the sights and sounds are all about one thing: the children. We are the largest pediatric healthcare system in Northern Ohio and one of the fastest growing in the country. Akron Children’s has two hospital campuses in Northeast Ohio: one in Akron and the other in Boardman in the Mahoning Valley. With two hospital campuses, regional health centers and more than 50 primary and specialty care locations throughout Ohio, we’re making it easier for today’s busy families - regardless of where they live - to find the high-quality care they need. No matter which of our locations you choose, you’ll see that when you give the most, you get more—...support, rewards and satisfaction. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: It’s making the most of your days. Our passion is felt every day in the way people care at every level. Whether you are working with children face-to-face, or behind the scenes supporting the care and services we deliver, you impact futures. Visit us and see why it’s more than just a place to work. It’s a family. Apply today at careers.akronchildrens.org.