Clinical Unit Clerk

Description

Position Summary:

In keeping with our organization’s goal of improving the lives of the Residents we serve, the Unit Secretary is responsible for performing a variety of clerical duties relating to the updating and organizing of information on the nursing units; coordinating work within the unit as well as with other units and departments; reporting pertinent information to the immediate supervisor; responding to inquiries and requests from staff personnel, Residents and families.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Records medical and administrative information in accordance with established charting and documentation policies and procedures.
• Establishes, develops, maintains and updates filing system for the unit. Retrieves information from files when needed.
• Answers the telephone in a professional manner; directs calls to appropriate individuals and/or takes messages.
• Transcribes physicians’ orders to care plans, medication cards, treatment plans, etc. as required.
• Forward new diet orders to the Dietary Director.
• Notifies the Residents’ family or designated contact when there is a change in the resident’s condition when instructed.
• Assist other departments with obtaining needed documentation and signatures from Residents, appointed guardians and family members.
• Assists new admissions, room transfers and discharges of Residents.
• Provides coverage for front desk and relieves receptionist for breaks.
• Types and designs general correspondences, memos, charts, tables, graphs, etc. Proofreads copy for spelling, grammar and layout, making appropriate changes. Responsible for accuracy and clarity of final copy.
• Reports all hazardous conditions, damaged equipment and supply issues to appropriate persons.
• Assure that established infection control and standard precaution practices are maintained at all times. Follow established safety precautions when preforming tasks and using equipment and supplies.
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA guidelines at all times and protects confidential information by only providing information on a “need-to-know” basis.
• Maintains the comfort, privacy and dignity of Residents and interacts with them in a manner that displays warmth, respect and promotes a caring environment.
• Communicates and interacts effectively and tactfully with Residents, visitors, families, peers and supervisors.
• Answers and respond to call lights promptly and courteously when working in Residents care areas.
• Attend staff meetings and in-services as requested. Attends in-service and education programs and attends continuing education required for maintenance of professional certification or licensure.
• Understands Infection Control and follows the Company’s Infection Control guidelines, such as hand washing principles, understanding of isolation and standard precautions, recognizing signs and symptoms of infection, demonstrating and understanding of the process for identifying and handling infectious waste and cross contamination, maintaining personal hygiene, and complying with OSHA standards in the workplace.
• Promotes and Protects Resident Rights by assisting Residents to make informed decisions, treating Residents with dignity and respect, protecting Residents’ personal belongings, reporting suspected abuse or neglect, avoiding the need for physical restraints in accordance with current professional standards, and supporting independent expression, choice and decision-making consistent with applicable laws and regulations.
• Perform other tasks as required.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Education, Training, and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience in an administrative role required.
• Associate degree preferred.
• Two years of related experience preferred.

Specific skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Detail oriented and professional.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Extremely proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Basic understanding of office equipment and clerical procedures.
• Ability to work independently and reliably.
• Flexible and adaptable in various situations when interacting with many different personalities.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks.
• Knowledge of, or ability to quickly acquire familiarity with the roles and functions of the assigned department, and any applicable laws or regulations.