Department Secretary-Behavioral Health Services

Job Description

Purpose & Scope:

The Department Secretary serves as the full time secretary / unit secretary for the psychiatric and addiction treatment programs. She / he performs secretarial duties (word processing, making copies, setting up meetings, etc.) for the department head, the medical director and associate medical director, the Chief of Psychiatry, and counselors. The secretary interacts with the interdisciplinary staff members, physicians, visitors and numerous employees from other departments. The role of the Department Secretary is key in terms of representing the department and at times serving as a liaison with both the public, the rest of the hospital, and the Department of Human Services. Responsibilities include organizing, stocking and supplying the unit and tracking proper maintenance and upkeep of the physical environment.

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Associate's degree in a related field is preferred.

Experience:

Two years' experience in an office or clerical setting is preferred.

Certification/Licensure:

None required

Physical Requirements:

Administrative: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential function of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions: Repetitive movement of hands and fingers - typing and/or writing. Walking :  moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, sometimes for long distances. Frequent standing, walking, stooping, kneeling or crouching. Reach with hands and arms. Frequent communications, verbal and written, and auditory acuity. Visually or otherwise identify , observe and assess. Cope with mental, emotional stress associated with this position. Operate Office machines properly and in accordance with Hospital safety standards. Perform light lifting (up to 15 pounds). Ability to work within deadlines with frequent interruptions. Ability to work in accordance with Hospital Safety Standards.

Working Conditions:

Patient Care: Works in well-lighted/ventilated office/clinical setting. Subject to frequent interruptions. Subject to long hours, changing shifts. May be required to work beyond normal working hours when requested to do so, e.g., overtime, on call. Routine occupational exposure to infectious diseases, blood borne pathogens, bodily fluids, hazardous chemicals, noxious odors, latex, and/or musculoskeletal injuries. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed for instances of exposure to blood, body fluids and infectious processes, and are supplied by the hospital. Involved with patients, family members, co-workers, and visitors under all conditions, e.g. hostile and/or emotionally upset, disoriented or combative. 

VHC Health™ has provided exceptional medical services to the Washington, DC metropolitan area for more than 75 years. A proud member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, a national network of independent healthcare organizations, the Hospital prides itself on offering the latest technological advancements and medical practices. Virginia Hospital Center was recently designated a Newsweek 2020 Best Maternity Care Hospital, received a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and once again named a Leapfrog Top Hospital in 2019. Virginia Hospital Center is designated as a Magnet hospital® by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, is a 453-bed not-for-profit teaching facility offering comprehensive healthcare and multiple, independently recognized Centers of Excellence