Supervising Healthcare Assistant (Departmental Promotional Only)

Description

San Mateo Medical Center is seeking a Supervising Healthcare Assistant. The current vacancy is a full-time, regular position.

Under general direction, the Supervising Healthcare Assistant plans, assigns, supervises, coordinates, and evaluates the work of a team of non-certified Healthcare Assistants who perform basic and routine tasks related to transportation of patients, specimen, and equipment, nursing support, and other services necessary for the treatment of patients in acute care, emergency, ancillary, inpatient, or outpatient clinic settings. This position also provides both routine and complex healthcare assistant support and performs related duties as assigned.

The Ideal Candidate will have:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide, support, and motivate staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience using EPIC or other electronic health record systems.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively with patients, clinical staff, and non-clinical staff.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• The ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Experience working in healthcare in direct patient care, including mobilization.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a full supervisory classification, responsible for directing and coordinating non-certified healthcare assistant support staff and unit related activities. This is a working supervisor classification, and incumbents are expected to perform a full range of healthcare assistant duties in addition to supervisory responsibilities.

This classification is distinguished from the Supervising Medical Services Assistant in that the latter oversees the functions and coordinates the activities of certified Medical Services Assistants performing a broader range of duties and requiring certification in some assignments. This classification is further distinguished from the Medical Office Services Supervisor in that the latter oversees the functions and coordinates the activities of medical office support staff.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Positions in this classification receive direction from the Deputy Director of Ancillary Services or their designee and exercise direct and indirect supervision over line, technical and clerical support staff as assigned.

Examples Of Duties

• Supervise and direct non-certified healthcare assistant support staff and activities.
• Assess and document role-based competencies established in collaboration with immediate supervisor.
• Plan, schedule and assign healthcare assistant support work in an acute care, inpatient or outpatient clinic facility.
• Participate in the hiring of assigned staff, recommending selection for management approval.
• Train assigned staff in healthcare assistant support and County procedures and policies.
• Evaluate employee performance, counsel employees, and effectively recommend initial corrective actions and other personnel decisions.
• Provide input on the budget and goal setting processes.
• Provide information to the public or to County staff that requires the use of judgment and the interpretation and application of policies, rules or procedures.
• Develop, recommend and implement improved operating procedures, forms and work processes.
• Assist nursing personnel in the care and lifting of patients.
• Set up oxygen and other hospital equipment.
• Transport specimens, medical records and other supplies and equipment.
• Perform light housekeeping duties as assigned.
• Assist nursing staff with bathing and cleansing activities (i.e. supporting a patient to turn in bed).
• Assist with patients requiring security.
• Perform light filing, mail distribution and clerical duties.
• Lift patients and heavy items such as supplies and equipment.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Knowledge of :

• Supervisory principles and practices, including work planning, scheduling, review and evaluation and employee training and corrective action.
• Basic principles, techniques and procedures in delivering patient care related to personal hygiene, comfort, treatment, physical and psychosocial needs.

Skill/Ability to :

• Plan, assign, supervise, review and evaluate the work of others.
• Receive training and utilize de-escalation techniques learned through Crisis Prevention Institutes (CPI) training.
• Train others in work procedures.
• Analyze and resolve office administrative problems.
• Read, interpret and apply rules, policies and procedures.
• Use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
• Organize and prioritize work, meet critical deadlines and follow up on assignments with a minimum of supervision.
• Learn hospital and clinic techniques and procedures.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Perform routine tasks.
• Develop empathetic attitudes toward patients.
• Lift and transport patients and heavy items such as supplies and equipment.
• Work with culturally, socio-economically, diverse patient population of varying ages.

Education and Experience :
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.

Licensure/Certification :

• Current and valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate issued by the American Heart Association or a valid Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certificate issued by the American Red Cross.

Application/Examination

Departmental Promotional Only. Only current San Mateo County employees in the Health Department with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, SEIU or AFSCME represented extra-help/term position prior to the final filing date may apply.

The examination will consist of an interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations, or a screening committee may select those applicants whose education and/or experience appear to best meet the needs of the position based solely on the information provided in the application materials. Because of this screening process, all applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button above or below. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Deadline to Apply: Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST
Application Screening: Monday, March 30, 2026
Combined Panel/Department Interviews: Thursday, April 9, 2026

About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo as an employer is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community.

We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

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• County of San Mateo Human Resources Department

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