What are the responsibilities and job description for the Administrator on Duty position at UPMC?
The Administrator on Duty is accountable for coordinating patient admission, discharge, and transfer activities to support safe, efficient hospital throughput. This role provides interim leadership, staffing oversight, and operational support while serving as a visible administrative resource to staff across the facility.
The AOD functions as a representative of hospital administration, supporting crisis management, problem resolution, and clear communication of patient, staff, and departmental concerns to appropriate internal and external partners.
Responsibilities:
- Coordinate admission, discharge, and transfer processes to optimize patient flow and resource utilization. Collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate patient placement.
- Provide direction to department leaders to maintain safe staffing levels while supporting efficient hospital operations. Respond flexibly to changing needs, including call-offs and operational surges.
- Serve as an administrative resource for staff, patients, and families by applying sound judgment, clinical insight, and leadership presence. Support quality outcomes through timely decision-making and escalation.
- Identify barriers impacting hospital function and initiate corrective actions independently or in collaboration with leadership, Risk Management, Patient Relations, and other departments.
- Promote a safe, supportive environment by monitoring physical spaces for patient, visitor, and staff safety, comfort, and efficiency.
- Support a just culture by addressing events with a focus on learning, accountability, and prevention of recurrence. Encourage transparency and open communication across teams.
- Mentor and support staff development through coaching, education, and role modeling continuous learning. Foster positive professional relationships across departments.
- Utilize research and evidence-based practice to support improvements in capacity management and hospital throughput. Actively participate in quality improvement initiatives.
- Coach colleagues on cultural sensitivity, professional behaviors, and respectful workplace interactions. Address conflict, impairment, and concerns appropriately and constructively.
- Support hospital administration by identifying and resolving patient- and staff-focused improvement opportunities. Lead with a welcoming but firm approach during challenging transitions and situations.