Specialist, Unit

Job Summary:
Participates with the Health Care Team in delivering quality and customer focused health care to patients in a manner that reflects Kaiser Permanentes mission, vision and values. Provides technical and administrative support and services to registered nurses, unit managers, physicians, and allied health personnel. As appropriate to the position scope of authorized duties the Unit Specialist is expected to have critical thinking skills, attention to detail, time management, problem solving and customer relations skills in a fast paced environment in order to meet patient needs and contribute to the positive care experience and work environment.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Manages electronic medical records including, accurate processing of admission, transfer and or discharge/orders. Interacts with various departments within and outside of Kaiser Permanente to facilitate the coordination of care for patients during hospitalization and post hospitalization. Handling of important documentation, i.e., Medicare letter, implant cards, Advance Directives, etc. Utilizes clinical information systems and other applications to facilitate optimal service delivery. Ensures confidentiality of all patient and organization records and information. Orders materials and supplies for unit. Monitors physician orders and notes in the electronic medical record and completes tasks within scope of authorized duties. Communicates with Bed Board the status of clean and dirty rooms. Coordination of Meds to the Med room when they arrive from Pharmacy. Manages multi-line phone system for the Unit/Dept. Supports Unit/Dept. down time procedure when needed. Maintains the Communication binder on the Unit/Dept. Maintains, tracks inventory and performs limited administration for various electronic communication devices, equipment or supplies as specified in hospital policy and procedures.


• Acts as a communication liaison for the Unit/Dept. greeting new patients and their families/visitors. Communicates and interacts to exchange information needed to support patient care goals and outcomes, including patients, families and visitors. Provides patient care communication to registered nurses, unit managers, physicians and allied health personnel. Resolves patient and visitor questions and directs to the appropriate resource. Communicates and coordinates with other Units/Depts. as needed


• Performs appropriate daily activities to start workflow per team agreements and procedures. Demonstrates flexibility and ability to effectively reprioritize workflow to handle urgent/emergent demands of the team. Reports errors, near misses or other hazards in a timely manner per established procedures. Seeks assistance with duties when unable to perform safely, lacks training or outside scope of authorized duties. Completes annual competency assessments and trainings by meeting organizational standards and expectations. Assist in development and implementation of unit policies and procedures. Assist with the on-boarding of new hires/transfers and/or validating peers skills. Demonstrates initiative to maintain knowledge and skills related to Unit/Dept. clinical area and contributes new ideas to assist team in achieving departmental/regional quality and service goals/initiatives.


• Other duties as assigned, consistent with the job description.