Medical Records Assistant – Full Time

Kern River Transitional Care Center – Bakersfield, CA
Starting Wage: $20/hour

Join Our Team at Kern River Transitional Care Center!

Kern River Transitional Care Center is seeking a detail-oriented and dependable Medical Records Assistant to support our health information department. This role is essential in maintaining accurate resident records, ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines, and supporting facility operations. If you are organized, motivated, and passionate about accuracy and confidentiality, we want to meet you.

General Purpose

Maintain resident medical records and health information systems in accordance with federal and state regulations, OBRA guidelines, and facility policies, including all privacy and HIPAA standards.

Key Responsibilities

Medical Records & Documentation

• Receive and follow work schedules and instructions from supervisor

• Organize, maintain, and file resident medical records, charts, assessments, progress notes, lab reports, x-rays, and correspondence

• Retrieve records manually/electronically and deliver as needed

• Assemble, check, and file charts for completeness

• Ensure incomplete records are returned to appropriate staff for correction

• Assist in scheduling MDS assessments in accordance with OBRA guidelines

• Maintain logs and registries for admissions, discharges, and information requests

• Maintain documentation of authorized information releases

• Transcribe and type physician reports as needed

Administrative & Department Support

• Assist in organizing daily operations of the medical records department

• Support the Medical Records/Health Information Consultant as needed

• Prepare reports and compile information for committees

• Answer inquiries related to medical records and prepare written correspondence

• Maintain confidentiality of all resident information and report suspected violations

• Ensure charts leaving the department are signed out and returned appropriately

Compliance, Safety & Data Security

• Follow all HIPAA, privacy, and facility information security guidelines

• Report unauthorized access attempts immediately

• Maintain clean, organized work areas and ensure records are stored properly

• Report equipment issues and ensure supplies are stocked

• Adhere to safety protocols and report hazardous conditions

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required

• Ability to type at least 45 WPM; dictation equipment experience preferred

• Working knowledge of medical terminology required

• Familiarity with anatomy, physiology, coding, and indexing preferred (on-the-job training provided)

• Strong computer skills; ability to perform data input and retrieval

• Ability to read and understand technical procedures

• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move intermittently throughout the workday

• Ability to lift, push, pull, and move at least 25 lbs

• Must be able to handle emotional stress and interact professionally with residents, families, and staff

• May require assisting in evacuations during emergencies

• Requires adequate vision/hearing or prosthetics to perform duties

Work Environment

• Works in office and facility areas; may be subject to frequent interruptions

• May work beyond normal hours, weekends, or holidays as needed

• Exposure to infectious materials, hazardous chemicals, odors, and air contaminants

• Frequent interaction with residents, families, staff, and state agencies

• Must be able to handle emotionally charged situations professionally

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

Kern River Transitional Care Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, age, disability, genetic information, medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Employment decisions—including hiring, promotion, training, and compensation—are based on qualifications, merit, and the needs of the facility. We strive to maintain an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported.