Behavioral Health Receptionist

Location: Linville, North Carolina | PRN | Shifts Vary

Why You’ll Love Working Here

As a Unit Secretary at UNC Health Appalachian, you will play a critical role in supporting nursing operations and ensuring efficient coordination of patient care activities. You’ll serve as a key communication hub between departments while helping maintain accurate records and a well-organized unit environment.

• Compensation: Starting pay begins at $18.05 /hour, based on experience, education, and internal equity
• Schedule: Variable shifts including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical/dental/vision coverage, retirement with employer match, PTO, tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, wellness incentives, and employee discounts

What You’ll Do as a Unit Secretary

• Coordinate patient-related activities between the nursing unit and internal departments
• Maintain and organize patient medical records and unit activity files
• Accurately transcribe physician orders and ensure timely communication
• Support nursing staff with clerical and administrative functions
• Monitor and maintain unit equipment and supply levels
• Communicate effectively with healthcare teams to support patient care delivery
• Promote a safe, organized, and efficient unit environment

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required

Experience:

• Clerical experience preferred, especially in a healthcare setting

Licenses/Certifications:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association required at hire
• Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification required (completed during orientation)

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Knowledge of Behavioral Health terminology
• Proficiency in computer systems and typing
• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively in high-pressure situations
• Strong communication and teamwork skills

Physical & Work Environment

• 50 lbs
• Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking throughout shifts
• Frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, and reaching
• Continuous hand, finger, and wrist dexterity
• Frequent close visual work and exposure to soft voices
• Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens and healthcare environment hazards
• Exposure to electrical/mechanical equipment, chemicals, and uneven surfaces
• Irregular hours including days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and emergencies

What Sets Us Apart

• Career Growth: Opportunities to advance within healthcare through training and development programs
• Impactful Work: Support frontline care teams and contribute to positive patient outcomes
• Team Environment: Work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals in a collaborative setting
• Community & Lifestyle: Enjoy living and working in Boone, NC — a vibrant mountain community

About UNC Health Appalachian
It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.”

About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.