Unit Secretary (Nights)-Mom Baby Unit: Mercy STL

Position Details

The Unit Secretary for the Mother Baby Unit provides essential administrative and clerical support to ensure efficient daily operations and exceptional patient care. This role serves as a central communication hub for patients, families, nurses, physicians, and ancillary departments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage incoming telephone calls, direct visitors, and respond to inquiries from patients, families, and staff.
• Serve as a liaison between patients, families, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare team members.
• Relay messages, provide patient status updates as appropriate, and facilitate communication regarding patient care and treatment plans.
• Maintain a welcoming and professional environment for patients and visitors.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records within the electronic health record (EHR) system.
• Ensure patient information is handled confidentially and in compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• File, organize, and maintain medical records, reports, and correspondence.
• Refer all requests for patient records to the Medical Records department for appropriate release of information.
• Coordinate patient admissions, transfers, and discharges in collaboration with nursing staff and other departments.
• Audit patient charges and reports to identify and reconcile discrepancies, ensuring appropriate billing for services rendered.
• Enter patient charges accurately and completely within established timeframes.
• Assist patients and families with billing inquiries and coordinate with the billing department to resolve concerns.
• Monitor and maintain inventory levels of office and unit supplies.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and repair requests with appropriate departments.
• Ensure necessary resources are available to support efficient unit operations and patient care.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support departmental quality, safety, and customer service initiatives.
• Participate in unit-based activities and process improvement efforts as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Additional coursework in medical terminology, healthcare administration, or a related field preferred.
• Previous clerical, administrative, or unit secretary experience in a healthcare setting preferred.
• Experience working with electronic health records and hospital information systems preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Proficiency with computer applications, including electronic health records and Microsoft Office programs.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service and patient-centered care.

Work Environment

This position plays a vital role in supporting the care of postpartum patients and newborns by ensuring smooth communication, accurate documentation, and efficient unit operations. Requires extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work.