Job Description

Job Location: New Bedford MA - New Bedford, MA 02740
Position Type: Full TimeEducation
Level: High School
Salary Range: $20.89 - $24.66 Hourly

Job Shift: Week DaysMonday - Friday (No Nights & Weekends)
9:00 am - 5:30pm.
As an integral part of the patient care team, the Medical Unit Secretary performs administrative duties for his/her assigned department, such as scheduling appointments and processing letters and other required documentation. He/she alerts clinical staff when emergent issues arise via phone or in-person requests from patients.  Works alongside clinical team to help manage patient flow organize administrative needs.
Essential Functions Include:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Schedules/reschedules patient’s appointments when emergent or patient is in the office.
- Obtains information from specialty offices when needed for patient care and/or referral management.
- Manages incoming paperwork and electronic requests.
- Serves as the first point of contact for all walk-ins; listens to patient needs and determines the best way to proceed and assist the patient.
- Reviews hospital reports and identifies patients that need follow up appointments.  Reaches out to patients directly to schedule a visit within the appropriate time frame in accordance with Health Center policy.  Notifies clinical staff if there are any concerns regarding the follow-up that is needed.
- First point of contact for urgent incoming calls and ensures that the call is handled by the appropriate team member.
- Retrieves mail daily.  Sorts and delivers mail as needed.
- Accurately completes forms requested by patients and other medical providers in a timely manner.
- Provides oversight to the administrative and registration staff to ensure that the office runs efficiently.
- Serves as patient advocate.  Defends and preserve the rights of patients pertaining to all aspects of their care, knowledge and privacy.
- Responds appropriately to department acuity and activity by providing assistance to peers, patients, and staff as needed.
- Uses the electronic health record to accurately record work done for patients.
- Serves as back-up to patient registration staff as needed.

Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Requires well-developed, interpersonal, Written and verbal communication. Fluent in two languages required, trilingual preferred.
- In depth understanding and knowledge of HIPAA/SAMSHA and Confidentiality Laws.
- Appropriate experience in customer service, strongly preferred.  Provides objective representation in a neutral, non-threatening manner on issues of patients and families of patients.
- Strong data and analytical skills and the ability to use electronic medical record
- Strong background in medical terminology
- Preferred, experience as a Medical Assistant