Unit Secretary - Behavioral Health

As a Unit Secretary at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, your primary responsibilities include performing vital clerical duties that keep the unit functioning smoothly. This involves maintaining patient records, supporting your care team in various patient activities, and ensuring a clean and secure environment. You're also the heartbeat of communication within the team, which is essential to delivering excellent patient care.

To be considered for the Unit Secretary position at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, you'll need a high school diploma or equivalent. Having knowledge of medical terminology is a plus. Ideally, candidates would also have at least a year of experience as a medical or customer service secretary. The role requires strong organizational skills and effective communication, ensuring that you can support your team and patients effectively.

When you join as a Unit Secretary at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, you'll undergo a detailed orientation that lasts 2-3 weeks. This training will be guided by a mentor or educator who will help you understand the essential job functions, familiarize you with the unit’s operations, and ensure you feel confident as you settle into your new role.

The ideal Unit Secretary at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health must exhibit strong manual dexterity, basic computer skills, and effective communication abilities. Being organized and capable of making decisions in line with current policies is key. Additionally, teamwork and the ability to respond appropriately to emergency situations are vital for ensuring the overall safety and effectiveness of the unit.

As a Unit Secretary at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, you'll enjoy a collaborative and team-oriented atmosphere. The environment is supportive, especially within the Behavioral Health Pavilion, where everyone is dedicated to offering recovery and hope. You'll be working with professionals who care, and your efforts will contribute to creating a positive and safe experience for both staff and patients alike.

In responding to this question, express your passion for the healthcare field and your enthusiasm for supporting patients and staff. Highlight how the values of University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health align with your own desire to contribute positively to community health.

Use the STAR method: outline the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Focus on a situation relevant to healthcare or customer service, emphasizing your skills in communication and problem-solving.

Discuss your organizational strategies, like making lists or using software tools, and your ability to remain calm under pressure. Highlight your experience managing multiple responsibilities while ensuring patient care isn't compromised.

Speak to the unique challenges and responsibilities in this role, including maintaining patient confidentiality and supporting the care team in providing a safe environment. Show your understanding of behavioral health needs and express your readiness to meet them.

Emphasize your openness to feedback and your commitment to professional growth. Share an experience where constructive criticism led to improvement in your performance or a positive change in the workplace.

Highlight your familiarity with healthcare software, word processing programs, and basic spreadsheet skills. If you have specific systems you've used previously, mention them, emphasizing your adaptability to new technologies.

Provide examples of how you've interacted with patients, families, or healthcare staff, showing your commitment to compassionate care and effective communication. Focus on how you ensure a positive experience for those you assist.

Discuss the collaborative nature of healthcare, emphasizing that effective patient care relies on seamless communication and cooperation among team members. Provide examples of how you have supported teamwork in your previous roles.

Detail your understanding of HIPAA guidelines and any protocols you have previously followed to maintain patient confidentiality. Emphasize the importance of trust in a healthcare setting and your commitment to uphold that trust.

Be honest about your availability, showing that you are flexible and willing to adapt to the needs of the hospital. If applicable, mention any preferences while making it clear that you understand the importance of shift versatility in a healthcare role.