Certified/Medical Assistant – Substance Abuse Program

Salary: $22.83 Hourly
Location : Waukegan, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 15940
Department: Health Department
Division: Behavioral Health
Opening Date: 05/04/2026
Salary Grade: Hourly.4

General Description
The Certified Medical Assistant for the Substance Abuse Program will be under general supervision, assist clinician and staff members in providing optimal ambulatory health care to patients. Will be expected to stock and maintain exam and team rooms, ensuring all supplies is not outdated; assist with clinical and clerical duties. Daily work involves direct patient contact and is performed in accordance with prescribed methods, techniques, and procedures.

Scheduled Hours: 37.5 hours a week

• Monday - Friday (8:00am-4:30pm)

Essential Functions

• Checks patients' medical records for pertinent data.
• Greets and escorts patients to exam rooms; prepares for the provider by obtaining initial information and vital signs (temperature, pulse, blood pressure and respiration, height, weights, BMI and head circumference as specified by program).
• Documents chief complaints of patients and notifies the nurse/provider of unusual symptoms or complaints.
• Assists in telephone follow-up with the patient as directed by the program.
• Under the direction of the provider and/or nurse, assists with basic patient health education.
• Inspects exam rooms for cleanliness and equipment condition.
• Maintains ordered supplies and keeps area stocked as well as checks for medical supplies that are outdated.
• Performs tasks including filing, chart documentation and telephone follow-up as assigned.
• Performs peak flow; spirometry; EKG; application of Non-Stress Test (NST) belts; point of care testing and phlebotomy services as directed.
• Develops and maintains an awareness of the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) in order to promote and support positive health outcomes to patients.
• Demonstrates adherence to National Patient Safety Goals and other accrediting and regulatory standards including but not limited to The Joint Commission and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
• Reports all unusual occurrences that may involve the safety and well-being of the patients and coworkers, directly to the supervisor and/or Safety Officer.
• Assist in bilingual translation as appropriate.

Knowledge Skills Abilities and Education Required

• Requires High School Diploma or GED.
• One year of experience preferred.
• Medical assistant certification or registration required
  1. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) - CMA
  2. The Association of Medical Technologists (AMT) - RMA
  3. The National Healthcare Association (NHA) - CCMA
  4. National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) - NCMA
  5. American Allied Health (AAH) - RMA

• If not certified upon hire, the medical assistant must receive certification or registration as noted above within ninety (90) days of hire date. If proof of this certification or registration is not received within 90 days of hire, employee will be terminated.
• Successful complete LCHD/CHC competencies within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to work on weekends, holidays and overtime if necessary.
• Ability to travel to multiple LCHD/CHC locations on a regular basis.
• Ability to maintain and keep records.
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos
• Some knowledge of spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• Knowledge of medical terminology
• Knowledge of computers and electronic health records experience is preferable.
• Ability to operate various office and medical equipment.
• Candidates who have completed a 160-hour externship with the LCHD/CHC will have the one-year experience requirement waived.

Supplemental Information
As the largest human service provider in Lake County, we believe that services must be available without barriers. No residents are turned away due to the inability to pay. We believe in providing services in an environment of mutual respect, free of discrimination or bias. Whether assuring accessible and effective care, impacting policy, or assessing and monitoring risks, the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center has been an essential part of the public health system in Lake County for 60 years. We are looking for passionate, qualified team members who can help make a difference in our agency and, most importantly, in our community.

Additional information about the Lake County Health Department, our culture, and why you should join our team can be found at

At this time, you must live in Illinois or Wisconsin to be eligible to work at Lake County Health Department. You can find our salary grades at For unionized positions, a list of our collective bargaining agreements can be found here: This position is represented by AFSCME Council 31.

Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other protected characteristics.
Here at the Health Department, we are proud to employ a diverse workforce of dedicated individuals focused on promoting the health and well-being of all who live, work, and play in Lake County. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought and collaboration, enabling each employee to perform at their maximum potential and to more effectively work with clients, patients, and employees. We offer:

• Comprehensive Benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.) for full-time employees
• Paid Time Off to support work-life balance
• IMRF Pension and 457 retirement plans
• Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement

You can find more details on our benefits on our website at
01

Are you a Medical Assistant or Certified/Registered Medical Assistant?

• Medical Assistant
• Certified/Registered Medical Assistant

02

I accepted within ninety (90) days of the hire date I will need to be (certified) or (registered), as an (MA) Medical Assistant, or I will not be able to remain in the position.

• Yes
• No

03

Confirm which certification/registration you have completed.

• The American Association of Medical Assistants/CMA
• The Association of Medical Technologists/RMA
• The National Healthcareer Association/CCMA
• National Center for Competency Testing/NCMA
• American Allied Health/RMA
• NONE

04

To verify your Certification/Registration, provide your identification number (make sure it's accurate): For example: CMA - XDR57F2. If none, type none:
05

List the types of clinical programs you have experience with.
06

How many years of related office/front desk experience do you have?

• 1 Year
• 2 years
• 3 years
• 4 years
• 5 or more years

07

Do you have experience with any electronic medical records systems; such as NextGen? If yes, explain. If not, lists the systems you have used.
08

Please share why you are interested in working for this program and how your experience directly relates to this opening.
Required Question