Patient and Family Care Liaison

University of Maryland Medical System Corporation; Easton (MD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Maryland Medical System Corporation is seeking a Patient Support Specialist to assist daily hospital operations, greet patients and families, and facilitate communication with the care team.

The role emphasizes service quality, confidentiality, and teamwork. A high school diploma and customer service experience are preferred; EPIC knowledge is a plus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Minimum 1 year of customer service experience; hospital experience preferred.
• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to use basic computer applications.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients and families and direct them to staff.
• Facilitate communication between patients, families and clinicians.
• Provide courteous, responsive service and support the care plan.
• Maintain HIPAA confidentiality and privacy of patient information.
• Assist with daily unit operations and patient comfort as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

EPIC systems

Job description

General Summary

Under direct supervision assists with daily operations of the assigned unit or department. Greets and establishes relationships with patients, families and visitors in order to facilitate communications with the staff and physicians and support the plan of care. Ensures and provides the highest level of service, answers questions, and directs patients and their families as needed.

Job Requirements

General Summary

Under direct supervision assists with daily operations of the assigned unit or department. Greets and establishes relationships with patients, families and visitors in order to facilitate communications with the staff and physicians and support the plan of care. Ensures and provides the highest level of service, answers questions, and directs patients and their families as needed.

Principal Responsibilities And Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

• Cordially greets families and visitors upon arrival to the unit or department. Orients each family to the processes associated with the unit or department including communication with the clinical staff, and visitation with the patient.
• Develops strong relationships with patients, families, physicians and staff to ensure a professional and consistent experience in the unit or department. Anticipates needs of families in waiting rooms and the patient rooms. Ensures excellent customer service while interacting with and serving a culturally diverse population.
• Employee exhibits emotional maturity by controlling emotions during frustrating or anger provoking situations with others
• Employee exhibits emotional maturity by remaining calm during crisis or emotionally charged situations.
• Employee exhibits a positive attitude at all times and exhibits enthusiasm while performing duties.
• Employee acts as role model in demonstrating customer service behaviors.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and work in a team environment. Possesses a positive attitude, professional appearance, genuine and confident demeanor.
• Appropriately communicates the needs of the patient and family with nursing staff. Can independently offer comfort items such as blankets, linens, and other amenities.
• Coordinates communications for families in delicate and stressful situations. Manages requests from patients, families, visitors, physicians, and other staff while maintaining departmental and hospital policies. Displays sensitivity to patient and family concerns, in a non-judgmental way.
• Works cooperatively to resolve issues and concerns that arise using Act with HEART service recovery strategies. Possesses integrity and accountability in actions based on values consistent with UMMS Cares and behavioral standards. Ability to make appropriate judgments to resolve issues proactively.
• Maintains collaborative working relationship with other departments, referring issues when appropriate, i.e. Pastoral Care, Social Work, Interpreters, Food and Nutrition, Security, Volunteers, Parking and Nursing. Participates in meetings with other Patient and Family Liaisons and supports the growth and development of the role.
• Maintains supply inventory, if applicable, sufficient to meet the needs of the waiting areas. Assures reading materials and other amenities are available to patient families in the waiting areas.
• Identifies family/visitor perception of services and provides feedback to staff in order to effect changes to enhance service. Promotes the establishment and maintenance of meaningful relationships with Hospital staff to enhance the delivery of health care.
• Complies with applicable regulations such as HIPAA, corporate compliance and safety. Maintains strict confidentiality of patient matters.
• Contacts Safety, Security, Environmental Services, and Facilities Management, for assistance when necessary.
• Monitors and maintains the environment
• Reports safety concerns immediately
• Performs related duties as required.

Work Experience

Education and Experience

• Completion of a high school level of course work with attainment of a high school diploma, High School Equivalency Certificate (GED) or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of one 1) year customer service experience is required. Experience in a hospital or health care setting is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Highly effective interpersonal and verbal skills including courtesy, resourcefulness and efficiency in answering questions, giving directions, locating appropriate hospital personnel and explaining hospital policies and procedures are necessary. Ability to adapt communication style and tone to fit the situation.
• Ability to demonstrate positive guest relations skills when dealing with challenging people and difficult situations. Practices effective listening and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of basic use of computer and will train for appropriate use of EPIC applications.
• Professional telephone etiquette.