Hire Health Unit Coordinators
A typical day at a busy healthcare unit requires a successful collaboration of many talents. For administrative functions, a health unit coordinator is the go-to person and is essential in day-to-day operations.
In hiring a health unit coordinator, the search begins with drafting an enticing job description. For a compelling job post, hiring managers should be clear, concise, and detailed. Carefully outline the responsibilities as well as requirements. If you are looking to hire locally or within a specific area, include that in the job description to filter for your ideal candidate. Keep in mind that the job description should be more than just a list of responsibilities. Make sure to highlight what you can offer the candidate as well.
Depending on the need, health unit coordinators may work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and clinics on a part-time or full-time basis. Additionally, health unit coordinators are also alternatively referred to as ward clerks or unit secretaries. It may help if the job description also includes these terms to increase the chance that the posting shows up in the search results of online hiring platforms. Post your job vacancy on sites where your ideal candidates are most likely to see it. There are numerous healthcare-specific online groups, communities, and hiring platforms where ideal candidates can find your job description.
Health Unit Coordinator Responsibilities
The health unit coordinator’s primary responsibilities are administrative in nature. They handle patient admissions, welcome new patients, assist them in filling out hospital forms, and inform them about hospital protocols. Health unit coordinators act as a liaison between patients and the medical staff members.
Health unit coordinators are in charge of medical charts, updating the unit’s calendar and schedule, receiving phone calls, and answering inquiries. Should a patient need to be referred to other healthcare specialists, the health unit coordinator takes care of the correspondence and scheduling. A health unit coordinator monitors the unit’s supplies and resources and replenishes them as needed. They use the hospital’s computer system to accurately document pertinent information of patients and update their medical records. Additionally, the health unit coordinator is responsible for regularly checking in on patients, asking for feedback, and monitoring the delivery of care. They also manage any concerns or complaints that may arise.
Lastly, health unit coordinators treat patients with respect, compassion, and empathy. They uphold patient confidentiality and professionalism at all times and follow healthcare laws and hospital regulations.
Health Unit Coordinator Skills and Qualifications
The ideal candidate for a health unit coordinator role is highly-organized with a good understanding of medical terminologies and procedures. Excellent communication, multi-tasking, and interpersonal skills are important since the role will entail conversing with patients, their families, hospital staff, and healthcare professionals. Apart from these, knowledge of office software systems such as Microsoft and Google is a must.
To qualify as a health unit coordinator, a candidate should have at least a high school diploma or GED. Additionally, a certificate for a health unit coordinator is preferred. Two years of work experience in the same role in a healthcare facility is an advantage.
Health unit coordinators contribute to the smooth functioning of a health unit. They take care of the important clerical work so the other health team members can focus on the delivery of care.
