Health Care Information Systems has an opening for a Hospital Communications Specialist. Under general supervision is responsible for coordinating responses of medical and health care personnel to multiple emergency situations; screening and directing communications between hospital staff, patients, and the public; and operating and maintaining the hospital paging system and other hardware and software unique to the UI Hospitals Telecommunications Center.

Position Responsibilities:

• Coordinates response of internal and external staff to multiple types of emergency situations.
• Facilitates medical communications during emergency situations.
• Executes hospital-wide communication procedures for major system outages, inclement weather, and disaster situations.
• Monitors alarms and provides emergency escalation for alarms.
• Maintains the release of information status in the patient profile in the hospital inpatient directory.
• Assists users with service and information related to communication technologies.
• Provides call processing and on-call services for outside and affiliated agencies.
• Screens calls and directs communications among faculty, staff, and students; patients and visitors; law enforcement agencies; and the general public.
• Places long distance and international calls.
• Establishes multiple-party conference calls and monitored calls.
• Responds to incoming calls on the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf.
• Operates and maintains the Amcom call processing system.
• Operates and maintains the Hospital Paging System and Pagers.
• Understands and applies basic knowledge of computer technology and various software packages.
• Maintains unit quality control.
• Provides input in the development of unit policies and procedures.
• Performs job functions efficiently and effectively.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of unit, department and institutional routines, functions, policies, procedures, and forms. Familiarity with Telecommunications Center emergency procedures and hospital disaster plans including Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) and HIPAA.
• Knowledge of medical terminology
• Knowledge of telecommunication systems and ability to operate systems efficiently.
• Skill in utilizing a computer, software, online systems, and conventional office equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, visitors, staff, public in a variety of situations.
• Ability to work in a high intensity environment.
• Ability to prioritize work assignments and daily tasks.
• Ability to read, interpret and accurately execute oral and written instruction and exercise judgment in its application.
• Ability to document information timely and accurately.
• Ability to work effectively in a noisy environment.
• Good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and ability to execute oral and written instructions.

Health Care Information Systems (HCIS) provides and supports information and communication systems and technology that facilitate quality patient care, progressive medical education, and innovative research.

HCIS services University of Iowa Health Care by providing comprehensive, high-level support for patient care delivery, internal and external communication, technology innovation, medical education, and research. Creating and maintaining a positive, productive, and rewarding environment for information technology and communication staff.

Pay Grade: 10 - https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/plans

Salary: $42,024.80

Percent of Time: 100%

Schedule:

• After initial training period (training hours are primarily between 8 am – 5 pm Monday through Friday until trained, then 1500-2130 until trained) the schedule will be Monday-Wednesday 1100-2130 with rotating weekends and occasional holidays.

Location: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA

Staff Type: Merit

Type of Position: Regular

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

• High school graduation or equivalent and;
• Any combination of clerical experience and/or college or university coursework which is equivalent to two years of full-time employment.
• Experience (typically 3-6 months) in a call center or equivalent communications environment using computerized systems and involving responses to immediate decision and action demands.

 

This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

For questions contact Kandis O’Donnell, Kandis-ODonnell@uiowa.edu.

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences.