What are the responsibilities and job description for the Unit Secretary - STL Emergency Department position at Mercy?
Find your calling at Mercy!
As a Unit Secretary in a hospital setting, you will play a pivotal role in facilitating communication and administrative operations within the unit. This position requires strong organizational skills, diligence, and the ability to manage sensitive information with confidentiality. Your role is integral to maintaining effective communication and coordination within the healthcare team, enhancing patient care delivery and outcomes.Position Details:
Unit Secretary – Emergency Department
Full time Nights 7pm-7am
3, 12 hour shifts a week
✨ Job Summary
The Emergency Department Unit Secretary plays a crucial role in supporting a fast‑paced clinical environment by ensuring smooth communication, accurate documentation, and seamless coordination among patients, families, nurses, and providers. This role requires strong attention to detail, professionalism, and the ability to stay calm and organized during high‑stress situations. Your work directly supports effective patient flow and contributes to quality patient care.
📌 Primary Responsibilities
🗣️ Patient Flow & Communication
- Serve as the communication hub for the ED by answering calls, greeting visitors, and assisting patients and families.
- Coordinate patient admissions, transfers, and discharges with nursing staff and other hospital departments.
- Relay messages quickly and accurately to support timely care.
- Maintain real‑time updates on patient status, orders, and location.
📝 Documentation & Record Management
- Accurately enter patient information, charges, and documentation into the EHR during the ED visit.
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and privacy regulations. 🔐
- Organize and distribute medical documents and correspondence.
- Route all medical record requests to the appropriate department.
📅 Scheduling & Coordination
- Schedule tests, consults, procedures, and follow‑up appointments per provider orders.
- Resolve scheduling conflicts and communicate changes promptly.
- Provide patients with instructions and reminders for upcoming appointments.
📦 Operational & Clerical Support
- Monitor and maintain inventory of office and clinical supplies. 📦
- Coordinate equipment repairs or maintenance with the appropriate teams.
- Assist patients with billing questions and insurance inquiries while collaborating with billing staff. 💳
- Audit patient charges for accuracy and report discrepancies.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support ED operations.
🎓 Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Experience with computers, data entry, and electronic systems.
- Strong customer service skills and comfort interacting with the public. 😊
Preferred
- Clerical experience in a healthcare or emergency department setting.
- Training or coursework related to medical administration.
- Knowledge of medical terminology, clinical workflow, and HIPAA regulations. 📚
Why Mercy?
From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32 hours per pay period.
Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.