Health Unit Coordinator - Part Time - Emergency Department

In a critical care environment where every second matters, the Healthcare Unit Coordinator serves as the operational center that keeps communication flowing, patients moving, and care teams connected. This highly visible role is essential to the success of the Emergency Department (ED) and directly supports the delivery of exceptional patient and family experiences.

About the role

As a Health Unit Coordinator in the ED, you will be the central point of coordination for a busy, fast-paced intensive care environment. Working alongside nurses, physicians, support services, patients, and families, you will help ensure that critical information, resources, and patient care activities move efficiently throughout the unit while contributing to a collaborative and supportive team culture. Often described as the "air traffic controller" of the unit, this position serves as the communication hub that connects caregivers, patients, families, and support departments. Success in this role requires exceptional organization, strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm and focused in a dynamic healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the nursing unit, welcoming patients, families, visitors, and staff.
• Manage incoming phone calls and coordinate communication among interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Support admissions, discharges, transfers, and patient transportation activities.
• Track patient locations, room assignments, and patient movement throughout the unit.
• Maintain unit logs, operational documentation, checklists, and electronic medical record workflows.
• Coordinate equipment repairs, maintenance requests, and supply needs with hospital support departments.
• Assist with staffing and assignment coordination while maintaining accurate communication boards and patient information displays.
• Support infection prevention and patient safety initiatives through accurate communication of precautions and special care requirements.
• Help facilitate smooth operations during routine activities as well as urgent and high-pressure situations.

Why this opportunity stands out

• Be the Heart of the Unit by serving as the operational and communication hub that keeps patient care moving forward.
• Make a Meaningful Impact on patient experiences and clinical operations while supporting positive outcomes in a non-clinical role.
• Experience a dynamic and engaging environment with exposure to pulmonary, gastrointestinal, hematology/oncology, kidney, liver, psychiatric-related, skin, and multi-system critical illnesses.
• Join a team known for strong collaboration, mutual support, and a positive workplace culture.
• Enjoy the benefit of never working alone. HUCs typically partner with another Healthcare Unit Coordinator and work closely with experienced Charge RNs who serve as valuable resources and team partners.
• Collaborate daily with nurses, physicians, clinical engineering, administrative teams, and support services across the organization.
• Contribute to a health system recognized for advancing patient care, education, and research while investing in the growth and success of its team members.

Whether your background includes healthcare administration, customer service, hospitality, front desk operations, or another fast-paced service environment, this role offers the opportunity to build valuable healthcare experience while making a difference every day.

Requirements

• Education: High School Graduate or Equivalent.
• Experience: No experience required.
• Licensure: None

Physical demands

• Job requires sitting for prolonged periods, frequently bending/stooping.
• Proficient communicative, auditory and visual skills; Attention to detail and ability to write legibly.
• Ability to lift/push/pull less than 20lbs.
• May be exposed to chemicals, blood/body fluids and infectious disease.

Pay

The pay range for this role is $16.00 - $28.40 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.

About UVA Health

UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as “High Performing” in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children’s is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.