Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Melissa Hinojosa

Zapata,TX

Summary

Knowledgeable support professional with experience assisting teachers in classrooms and between classes. Devoted to student learning and safety. Always ready to step in and help with any need.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Head Start Health Assistant

Avance Inc.
Zapata, TX
09.2023 - 06.2024
  • Assist health team in distributing a variety of health screening/requirement letters to parents.
  • Assist in the development and distribution of written and web-based materials for children, adults and employees within the areas of: personal health, fitness, safety, nutrition and preventive health education.
  • Record keeping and reporting.
  • Complete data entry using AVANCEs data system.
  • Ensure child ratio rules and regulations during center-based screening days
  • Monitor center health and screening supplies and first aid kits
  • Assist with the completion of all 45 day and 90 day health screenings, including using hearing and vision machines for internal screenings on children
  • Assists with the design and delivery of health related training to parents and staff.
  • Assist with the completion of all 45 day and 90 day health screenings, including using hearing and vision machines for internal screenings on children
  • Assists with the design and delivery of health related training to parents and staff.

Head Start Floater

Avance, Inc.
Zapata, TX
09.2022 - 09.2023
  • Supervised and cared for children ages 3 to 5.
  • Monitored children's play activities to verify safety and wellness.
  • Established and maintained safe play environment for children.
  • Supported children's emotional and social development with one-on-one attention.
  • Assisted with daily classroom activities and routines.
  • Participated in workshops, trainings and conferences to improve educational skills.
  • Took class attendance and recorded absences.
  • Sparked creativity and imagination by helping children discover new things each day.
  • Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive, trusting relationships.
  • Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
  • Observed children for signs of illness, injury, emotional disturbance, learning disorders and speech problems.

Medical Assistant

Pediatric Practice Association
Zapata, TX
08.2021 - 09.2022
  • Performed preliminary physical tests to accurately record results in patient history summary.
  • Relayed messages from patients to physicians about concerns, condition updates or refill requests to facilitate treatment.
  • Scheduled appointments for patients via phone and in person.
  • Interviewed and engaged patients to obtain medical history, chief complaints and vital signs.
  • Prepared treatment rooms for patients by cleaning surfaces and restocking supplies.
  • Organized charts, documents and supplies to maintain team productivity.
  • Contacted pharmacies to submit and refill patients' prescriptions.
  • Secured patient information and maintained patient confidence by completing and safeguarding medical records.
  • Collaborated with local pharmacies to resolve and clarify issues with patient medication.
  • Conducted insurance verification and pre-certification and pre-authorization functions.
  • Assisted with diagnostic testing by collecting and packaging biological specimens for internal and laboratory analysis.
  • Measured vital signs and took medical histories to prepare patients for examination.
  • Labeled and completed lab requisitions using ICD and CPT coding.
  • Administered rapid tests for COVID and strep to help clinical staff assess conditions.
  • Entered insurance, demographics and health history into patient database.
  • Called patients to confirm scheduled appointments and obtain additional details.
  • Checked patients in and out for appointments and collected co-payments.
  • Processed patient payments and scanned identification and insurance cards.
  • Protected patients by observing strict HIPAA guidelines.
  • Answered multi-line phone system and directed callers to requested personnel and departments.
  • Greeted each patient pleasantly and offered desk sheet for easy sign-in.
  • Delivered high-quality administrative and customer service to sustain patient and work flows.
  • Carried out daily tasks by professionally communicating with physicians, nursing staff, technicians and medical assistants.
  • Retrieved faxes and uploaded documents to patient charts to assist clinical staff.
  • Maintained fully-stocked phlebotomy cart, carrier and station.
  • Obtained blood samples for medical testing and transfusion through venipuncture or capillary puncture.
  • Centrifuged blood specimens in test tubes and capillary tubes to separate cells and sediment from blood serum.
  • Prepared and packaged specimens for courier transport.
  • Observed patient for unusual reactions or events to take appropriate action under established guidelines.
  • Labeled blood vials with critical information like time of collection, date and patient name.
  • Utilized calm and friendly demeanor to increase patient comfort and alleviate anxiety.
  • Disposed of used needles in sharps containers to avoid accidental needlesticks.
  • Sanitized work area after every patient to prevent contamination and spread of disease.
  • Trained new staff on office procedures, insurance processes and medical terminology.

Medical Assistant Extern

Dr. Oscar Benavides, MD PA
Laredo, TX
05.2018 - 07.2018
  • Assisted physicians with patient care, including taking vital signs and medical histories.
  • Performed administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, filing paperwork and answering phones.
  • Prepared exam rooms for patient visits by stocking supplies, cleaning and organizing equipment.
  • Collected specimens from patients for laboratory testing according to established protocols.
  • Performed basic lab tests such as urinalysis and blood glucose levels under the supervision of a physician or nurse practitioner.
  • Administered injections and medications as prescribed by the physician or nurse practitioner.
  • Assisted in minor surgical procedures as directed by the physician or nurse practitioner.
  • Provided education on health topics to patients according to their needs.
  • Maintained accurate records of patient information, treatments, medications and test results in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
  • Greeted patients upon arrival at office, checked them in and out of appointments, collected co-pays if necessary.
  • Demonstrated empathy and understanding when dealing with difficult situations involving patients.
  • Answered questions regarding insurance coverage, billing inquiries.
  • Assisted in preparing examination rooms for incoming patients.
  • Assisted with minor office tasks such as photocopying documents or restocking supplies.
  • Followed up with patients regarding any follow-up care instructions given by the doctor.
  • Escorted patients to examination rooms and documented medical histories.

Server

Zwings
Zapata, TX
02.2016 - 05.2018
  • Greeted customers, answered questions and recommended specials to increase profits.
  • Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills and calculate totals.
  • Satisfied customers by topping off drinks and offering condiments, napkins and other items.
  • Communicated with hosts, bussers and kitchen staff to prepare for and serve customers.
  • Enforced minimum age requirements for consumption of alcoholic beverages by checking identification.
  • Arranged place settings with clean tablecloths, napkins and tableware to prepare for incoming guests.
  • Checked with customers to determine satisfaction with meals, promptly taking action to correct problems.
  • Recorded meal selections and transactions in microsystem to deliver prompt service.
  • Provided exceptional service to high volume of daily customers.
  • Maintained accuracy while handling payments, giving change and printing receipts for customers.
  • Handled food safely and kept spaces clean to protect customers from foodborne illness and maintain proper sanitation.

Cashier

Super S Foods
Zapata, TX
08.2016 - 05.2017
  • Collected payments and provided accurate change.
  • Completed daily recovery tasks to keep areas clean and neat for maximum productivity.
  • Answered customer questions and provided store information.
  • Operated cash register or POS system to receive payment by cash, check and credit card.
  • Delivered high level of customer service to patrons using active listening and engagement skills.
  • Preserved appearance of store by arranging and replenishing displays and merchandise racks.
  • Worked closely with front-end staff to assist customers.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Medical Assistant

Laredo Community College
Laredo, TX
12.2018

Some College (No Degree) - Child Development

South Texas College
Rio Grande City, TX

Skills

  • Health and safety practices
  • Organizational and Planning Skills
  • Maintaining safe environments
  • Effective Communication
  • Behavior redirection
  • Spanish Language Proficiency
  • Support emotional needs

Languages

English
Professional
Spanish
Professional

Certification

  • Nationally Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
  • Child Development Associate Credential (Preschool CDA)

Timeline

Head Start Health Assistant

Avance Inc.
09.2023 - 06.2024

Head Start Floater

Avance, Inc.
09.2022 - 09.2023

Medical Assistant

Pediatric Practice Association
08.2021 - 09.2022

Medical Assistant Extern

Dr. Oscar Benavides, MD PA
05.2018 - 07.2018

Cashier

Super S Foods
08.2016 - 05.2017

Server

Zwings
02.2016 - 05.2018

Associate of Applied Science - Medical Assistant

Laredo Community College

Some College (No Degree) - Child Development

South Texas College
Melissa Hinojosa