Patient Flow Specialist (.6 FTE)

The Patient Flow Specialist position supports patient throughput of the Billings Clinic System from admission to discharge. The Specialist is responsible for supporting the Administrator on Duty (AOD) and Transfer Center to place patients in the right bed, the first time, every time, as well as coordinating the right staff to care for each patient. The ability to manage competing priorities and understand the art of switch tasking without compromising accuracy, efficiency or safety is essential to the success of this position. The Patient Flow Specialist displays outstanding customer service skills and proficiency in software applications and operating systems, as well as the ability to maintain collaborative relationships with all departments to support a seamless functioning of not only the Patient Flow Center, but also the organization and our region.

Essential Job Functions

GENERAL

• Supports and models behaviors consistent with the mission and philosophy of Billings Clinic and department/service
• Utilizes Cerner applications, Microsoft Office, and other operating systems and software to support functions related to scheduling, staffing, patient acuity, and patient placement

PATIENT PLACEMENT DUTIES

• Coordinates the admission, discharge, and transfer processes for patients within the Billings Clinic system, as well as throughput processes in our region
• Evaluates bed availability proactively through use of bed management software and monitoring real time census information
• Supports the multiple tasks of coordinating bed assignments to meet patient needs, reduce internal transfers, and reduce barriers to unnecessary delays
• Escalates challenging admissions, complex bed requests, and patient throughput issues to either the Transfer Center RN or the Administrator on Duty
• Creates patient encounters in Cerner when a patient visit occurs
• Maintain data and reports related to safety, quality, and patient throughput
• Responsible for processing retrospective corrections that may be needed to accurately reflect patient-specific needs, as well as information related to census and ADT (Admissions, Discharges, and Transfers)

STAFFING DUTIES

• Manages the electronic staffing information system for changes and ensures fair, equitable, and timely distribution of available staff for each patient in accordance to Billings Clinic policies
• Provides real time problem solving for staffing issues in partnership with the AOD and leadership
• Coordinates language interpreter services, including transportation, education, and documentation
• Coordinates process for deceased patients, including tissue/organ donation, autopsy, and funeral homes as required. May include transporting deceased patients. Ensures proper documentation
• Maintain data and reports for staffing and patient acuity related to quality and safety

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High school graduate or equivalent

Experience

• Prefer one year minimum experience at Billings Clinic
• Demonstrated excellence in customer service skills
• Previous experience in a healthcare related environment required
• Strong computer skills required, advanced Excel and database experience. Experience in Cerner preferred.
• Medical terminology course to be completed within six months of hire

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience relating to the above tasks, knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered