Health Unit Coordinator – 100%

WCA: Wisconsin Counties Association; Kentucky; On-site; USD 42,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS)

457 deferred compensation plan

Vacation and Sick Time

10 Paid Holidays

Flexible Spending Account

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Wellness Incentive Plan

Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

Wood County Norwood Health Center is seeking a Health Unit Coordinator for a locked psychiatric unit. You will coordinate referrals, admissions, and patient flow, maintain patient charts, and support trauma-informed, confidential care for patients and families.

The role reports to the Health Information Manager and requires adherence to policies. Responsibilities include reception, safety procedures, and collaboration with nursing staff, physicians, and external partners.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 1–2 years healthcare, behavioral health, or clerical experience preferred.
• Prior experience as Health Unit Coordinator/Unit Clerk preferred.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare documentation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate referrals, admissions, and patient flow for a locked psychiatric unit.
• Serve as unit receptionist, manage access, and maintain professional communication.
• Maintain accurate patient charts and assist with discharge planning.
• Audit charts and ensure documentation standards; manage paper and EMR records.

Skills

HIPAA compliance

Trauma-informed communication

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Calm under pressure

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Healthcare/clerical experience 1-2 years

Prior Health Unit Coordinator experience

Tools

MatrixCare (EHR)

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

PLEASE NOTE: HOURS ARE 5:00 P.M. TO 1:30 A.M., EVERY OTHER WEEKEND AND EVERY OTHER HOLIDAY.

Application Deadline

2026-10-19

Job Type

County

Who We Are

Wood County Norwood Health Center has a great passion for helping the members of our community. As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality services is a shared goal across all departments. If you have a background in mental health and a passion to help the members of our community, please consider joining our team!

What We Offer

In addition to who we are, Wood County team members are offered competitive salaries, flexible schedules, and excellent benefits, including:

• Health Insurance – we offer low premiums and low deductibles, with excellent coverage!
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) – This is one of the best-funded public pension plans in the U.S.!
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Vacation and Sick Time – Start accruing for both on your first day!
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Flexible Spending Account to set aside pre-tax dollars for childcare and medical expenses
• Life Insurance
• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Wellness Incentive Plan
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

Wage: $20.12 to $22.77/hr

Purpose of Position

The Health Unit Coordinator (HUC) supports the daily operations of a locked psychiatric hospital unit by coordinating referrals, facilitating admissions and discharges, maintaining accurate patient records, and serving as the primary communication and reception point for the unit. This position ensures efficient workflow, supports safety protocols, and provides trauma-informed, professional interactions with patients, families, staff, and external partners.

The HUC works under the supervision of the Health Information Manager and is expected to maintain reliable attendance and adhere to all Norwood Health Center and Wood County policies.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Referral, Admission, and Patient Flow Coordination

• Receive and manage referral calls from crisis centers, hospitals, and other facilities.
• Review medical and psychiatric clearance documentation for completeness and communicate with nursing staff, physicians, and referring agencies to support admission decisions.
• Prepare admission materials, create patient charts, and assist with required documentation.
• Support belongings inventory and documentation during the admission process in collaboration with nursing staff.
• Ensure timely scanning and uploading of all admission documents into the electronic medical record (EMR).

Reception and Communication

• Serve as the unit’s primary receptionist, answering phones, greeting visitors, and maintaining a calm, professional presence.
• Control access to the locked unit in accordance with safety protocols.
• Provide trauma-informed, respectful communication with patients, families, and staff.
• Monitor and process incoming and outgoing faxes, mail, and electronic communications.

Chart Management and Documentation

• Maintain accurate and complete patient charts throughout hospitalization.
• Perform routine chart audits and ensure compliance with documentation standards.
• Scan, file, and organize documents in both paper and electronic formats.
• Prepare discharge packets, scan prescriptions, finalize care plans, and close charts at discharge.

Safety and Emergency Support

• Support a safe and therapeutic environment by following all unit safety procedures.
• Escort approved visitors to and from the unit.
• Respond to unit emergencies (e.g., behavioral emergencies, codes) according to facility protocol.
• Follow contraband, restricted-item, and environmental safety procedures.

Departmental and Organizational Responsibilities

• Follow all policies and procedures of the Health Information Department, Admissions Unit, and Norwood Health Center.
• Attend mandatory trainings and maintain required competencies.
• Responsible to know and practice the Safety policies of the County. Perform all job tasks in a safe and prescribed manner.
• Must be familiar with and exemplify the Wood County Core Values and serve with courtesy and respect in accordance with the Wood County Code of Conduct.

Additional Tasks And Responsibilities

While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other unit members.

• Assist with scheduling and coordination of patient discharge appointments as directed by clinical staff.
• Update unit report as directed by nurse.
• Complete release-of-information requests in accordance with HIPAA and facility policy.
• Complete patient safety checks as assigned and trained.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience, Training, Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One to two years of healthcare, behavioral health, or clerical experience preferred.
• Prior experience as a Health Unit Coordinator, Unit Clerk, or similar role preferred.
• Knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare documentation preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and all applicable state and federal regulations.
• Proficiency with MatrixCare (EHR), Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher), email systems, and standard office equipment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage interruptions, and maintain accuracy in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective during emergencies, high stress situations, or interactions with individuals experiencing psychiatric distress.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with physicians, nursing staff, social workers, crisis teams, and administrative personnel.
• Ability to learn and apply trauma informed communication principles.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Required Training

• CPR certification within three months of hire.
• Vistelar (or equivalent de escalation/safety) training within three months of hire.
• Completion of all annual job specific trainings and competencies required by Norwood Health Center and Wood County.

AA/EEO

https://careers.woodcountywi.gov