What are the responsibilities and job description for the Health Unit Coordinator - 50% position at Norwood Health Center?
JOB REQUIREMENTS: PLEASE NOTE: HOURS ARE 5:00 P.M. TO 1:30 A.M., EVERY
OTHER WEEKEND AND EVERY OTHER HOLIDAY. WHO WE ARE: Wood County Norwood
Health Center has a great passion for helping the members of our
community. As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where
diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged,
continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and
open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs
through quality services is a shared goal across all departments. If you
have a background in mental health and a passion to help the members of
our community, please consider joining our team! WHAT WE OFFER: In
addition to who we are, Wood County team members are offered competitive
Salaries, Flexible Schedules, And Excellent Benefits, Including
\*Health Insurance - we offer low premiums and low deductibles, with
excellent coverage! \*Dental Insurance \*Vision Insurance \*Wisconsin
Retirement System (WRS) - This is one of the best-funded public pension
plans in the U.S.! \*457 deferred compensation plan \*Vacation and Sick
Time - Start accruing for both on your first day! \*10 Paid Holidays
\*Flexible Spending Account to set aside pre-tax dollars for childcare
and medical expenses \*Life Insurance \*Short and Long-Term Disability
\*Wellness Incentive Plan \*Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
program Purpose of Position The Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) supports
the daily operations of a locked psychiatric hospital unit by
coordinating referrals, facilitating admissions and discharges,
maintaining accurate patient records, and serving as the primary
communication and reception point for the unit. This position ensures
efficient workflow, supports safety protocols, and provides
trauma-informed, professional interactions with patients, families,
staff, and external partners. The HUC works under the supervision of the
Health Information Manager and is expected to maintain reliable
attendance and adhere to all Norwood Health Center and Wood County
Policies. Essential Duties And Responsibilities The Following Duties Are
normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or
All-inclusive. Other Duties May Be Required And Assigned. Referral,
Admission, and Patient Flow Coordination 1. Receive and manage referral
calls from crisis centers, hospitals, and other facilities. 2. Review
medical and psychiatric clearance documentation for completeness and
communicate with nursing staff, physicians, and referring agencies to
support admission decisions. 3. Prepare admission materials, create
patient charts, and assist with required documentation. 4. Support
belongings inventory and documentation during the admission process in
collaboration with nursing staff. 5. Ensure timely scanning and
uploading of all admission documents into the electronic medical record
(EMR). Reception and Communication 6. Serve as the unit\'s primary
receptionist, answering phones, greeting visitors, and maintaining a
calm, professional presence. 7. Control access to the locked unit in
accordance with safety protocols. 8. Provide trauma-informed, respectful
communication with patients, families, and staff. 9. Monitor and process
incoming and outgoing faxes, mail, and electronic communications. Chart
Management and Documentation 10. Maintain accurate and complete patient
charts throughout hospitalization. 11. Perform routine chart audits and
ensure compliance with documentation standards. 12. Scan, file, and
organize documents in both paper and electronic formats. 13. Prepare
discharge packets, scan prescriptions, finalize care plans, and close
charts at discharge. Safety and Emergency Support 14. Support a safe and
therapeutic environment by following all unit safety procedures. 15.
Escort approved visitors to and from the unit. 16. Respond to unit
emergencies (e.g., behavioral emergencies, codes) according to fac lity
protocol. 17. Follow contraband, restricted-item, and environmental
safety procedures. Departmental and Organizational Responsibilities 18.
Follow all policies and procedures of the Health Information Department,
Admissions Unit, and Norwood Health Center. 19. Attend mandatory
trainings and maintain required competencies. 20. Responsible to know
and practice the Safety policies of the County. Perform all job tasks in
a safe and prescribed manner. 21. Must be familiar with and exemplify
the Wood County Core Values and serve with courtesy and respect in
accordance with the Wood County Code of Conduct. Additional Tasks and
Responsibilities While the following tasks are necessary for the work of
the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position
and may also be performed by other unit members. 22. Assist with
scheduling and coordination of patient discharge appointments as
directed by clinical staff. 23. Update unit report as directed by nurse.
trained. 26. Perform other duties as assigned. \*\*\*\*\* OTHER
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience One to two years
Of Healthcare, Behavioral Health, Or Clerical Experience Preferred.
Prior experience as a Health Unit Coordinator, Unit Clerk, or similar
role preferred. Knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare
Documentation Preferred. Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Ability To
maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and all applicable state
and federal regulations. Proficiency with MatrixCare (EHR), Microsoft
Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher), email systems, and standard
office equipment. Strong organizational skills with the ability to
prioritize tasks, manage interruptions, and maintain accuracy in a fast
paced environment. Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective
during emergencies, high stress situations, or interactions with
individuals experiencing psychiatric distress. Strong interpersonal
skills and the ability to work collaboratively with physicians, nursing
staff, social workers, crisis teams, and administrative personnel.
Ability to learn and apply trauma informed communication principles.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. \*\*\*\*\*
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Apply Online: careers.woodcountywi.gov
OTHER WEEKEND AND EVERY OTHER HOLIDAY. WHO WE ARE: Wood County Norwood
Health Center has a great passion for helping the members of our
community. As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where
diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged,
continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and
open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs
through quality services is a shared goal across all departments. If you
have a background in mental health and a passion to help the members of
our community, please consider joining our team! WHAT WE OFFER: In
addition to who we are, Wood County team members are offered competitive
Salaries, Flexible Schedules, And Excellent Benefits, Including
\*Health Insurance - we offer low premiums and low deductibles, with
excellent coverage! \*Dental Insurance \*Vision Insurance \*Wisconsin
Retirement System (WRS) - This is one of the best-funded public pension
plans in the U.S.! \*457 deferred compensation plan \*Vacation and Sick
Time - Start accruing for both on your first day! \*10 Paid Holidays
\*Flexible Spending Account to set aside pre-tax dollars for childcare
and medical expenses \*Life Insurance \*Short and Long-Term Disability
\*Wellness Incentive Plan \*Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
program Purpose of Position The Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) supports
the daily operations of a locked psychiatric hospital unit by
coordinating referrals, facilitating admissions and discharges,
maintaining accurate patient records, and serving as the primary
communication and reception point for the unit. This position ensures
efficient workflow, supports safety protocols, and provides
trauma-informed, professional interactions with patients, families,
staff, and external partners. The HUC works under the supervision of the
Health Information Manager and is expected to maintain reliable
attendance and adhere to all Norwood Health Center and Wood County
Policies. Essential Duties And Responsibilities The Following Duties Are
normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or
All-inclusive. Other Duties May Be Required And Assigned. Referral,
Admission, and Patient Flow Coordination 1. Receive and manage referral
calls from crisis centers, hospitals, and other facilities. 2. Review
medical and psychiatric clearance documentation for completeness and
communicate with nursing staff, physicians, and referring agencies to
support admission decisions. 3. Prepare admission materials, create
patient charts, and assist with required documentation. 4. Support
belongings inventory and documentation during the admission process in
collaboration with nursing staff. 5. Ensure timely scanning and
uploading of all admission documents into the electronic medical record
(EMR). Reception and Communication 6. Serve as the unit\'s primary
receptionist, answering phones, greeting visitors, and maintaining a
calm, professional presence. 7. Control access to the locked unit in
accordance with safety protocols. 8. Provide trauma-informed, respectful
communication with patients, families, and staff. 9. Monitor and process
incoming and outgoing faxes, mail, and electronic communications. Chart
Management and Documentation 10. Maintain accurate and complete patient
charts throughout hospitalization. 11. Perform routine chart audits and
ensure compliance with documentation standards. 12. Scan, file, and
organize documents in both paper and electronic formats. 13. Prepare
discharge packets, scan prescriptions, finalize care plans, and close
charts at discharge. Safety and Emergency Support 14. Support a safe and
therapeutic environment by following all unit safety procedures. 15.
Escort approved visitors to and from the unit. 16. Respond to unit
emergencies (e.g., behavioral emergencies, codes) according to fac lity
protocol. 17. Follow contraband, restricted-item, and environmental
safety procedures. Departmental and Organizational Responsibilities 18.
Follow all policies and procedures of the Health Information Department,
Admissions Unit, and Norwood Health Center. 19. Attend mandatory
trainings and maintain required competencies. 20. Responsible to know
and practice the Safety policies of the County. Perform all job tasks in
a safe and prescribed manner. 21. Must be familiar with and exemplify
the Wood County Core Values and serve with courtesy and respect in
accordance with the Wood County Code of Conduct. Additional Tasks and
Responsibilities While the following tasks are necessary for the work of
the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position
and may also be performed by other unit members. 22. Assist with
scheduling and coordination of patient discharge appointments as
directed by clinical staff. 23. Update unit report as directed by nurse.
- Complete release-of-information requests in accordance with HIPAA
trained. 26. Perform other duties as assigned. \*\*\*\*\* OTHER
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience One to two years
Of Healthcare, Behavioral Health, Or Clerical Experience Preferred.
Prior experience as a Health Unit Coordinator, Unit Clerk, or similar
role preferred. Knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare
Documentation Preferred. Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Ability To
maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and all applicable state
and federal regulations. Proficiency with MatrixCare (EHR), Microsoft
Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher), email systems, and standard
office equipment. Strong organizational skills with the ability to
prioritize tasks, manage interruptions, and maintain accuracy in a fast
paced environment. Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective
during emergencies, high stress situations, or interactions with
individuals experiencing psychiatric distress. Strong interpersonal
skills and the ability to work collaboratively with physicians, nursing
staff, social workers, crisis teams, and administrative personnel.
Ability to learn and apply trauma informed communication principles.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. \*\*\*\*\*
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Apply Online: careers.woodcountywi.gov