Unit Ward Clerk - Behavioral Health

Position Summary:

Under supervision of the Assistant Behavioral Health Director and Behavioral Health Director, the Unit Ward Clerk will perform clerical duties in the assigned Behavioral Health Department. These duties include, but are not limited to, assisting with communication, registration, and record keeping. The Unit Ward Clerk will act as receptionist for designated Providers, as needed, following orientation, to assist and greet patients and visitors, and act as a clerical liaison between patients, visitors, and the clinical team.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Greet and direct patients and visitors to Providers and/or Behavioral Health staff.

• Maintain strict confidentiality of privileged patient/employee information.

• Work independently and set priorities appropriately.

• Be familiar with behavioral health terminology and coding procedures.

• Operate telephone and relay written and verbal messages to clinical staff.

• Prepare patient charts following registration, for admission and discharge, including requisitions and medication requests.

• Order office supplies, special equipment, and medical supplies through Sage Memorial Hospital requisition process.

• Deliver and pick up patient record materials and supplies.

• Assist in preparing transport of patients to other hospital service units.

• Operate various alarm systems with proper response.

• Perform first responder, heart saver interventions, if needed.

• Schedule referral appointments for patients.

• Schedule appointments for Behavioral Health visits.

• Assist with reviewing and flagging patient charts on a daily basis for completeness and to ensure proper documentation.

• Participate in and attend staff in-services and meetings.

• Abide by SMH personnel policies and procedures at all times.

• Maintain knowledge of regulatory agency standards and regulations, including The Joint Commission (JC), Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), and other tribal, state or federal regulatory bodies.

• Maintain current American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR/First Aid Certification.

• Crisis Prevention Intervention Training annually.

• Maintain strict confidentiality.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:

• Knowledge of applicable laws, rules and regulations (JC, CMS, Federal, state, tribal regulatory agencies.

• Must possess excellent attention to detail.

• Must be able to communicate professionally and effectively with others.

• Must possess basic computer skills.

• Ability to speak the Navajo language and/or familiarity with the Navajo way preferred.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Must exhibit a professional appearance and demeanor.

• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds with co-workers at all levels.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit, use hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office, clinic or hospital setting with exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment and exposure to blood borne pathogens. Exposure to latex products on a routine basis. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.