Courier

At Houston Methodist, the Courier position is responsible for the transportation of medications, laboratory specimens, medical records, patient belongings, and other misc. This position is also responsible for accurately sorting, organizing, and transporting specimens and medications between various pharmacy/laboratory locations, nursing units, and physician offices. The Courier position performs deliveries accurately and efficiently within the allotted time standards and ensures deliveries are made throughout the Houston Methodist complex on a 24-hour basis. This position must be able to communicate appropriately and work closely with other staff and co-workers.

FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.) preferred

EXPERIENCE

• One year of customer service experience preferred

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially concerning activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members, and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Possess basic computer knowledge
• Practices universal precautions at all times. Demonstrates a working knowledge of isolation, infection control, and safety procedures
• Ability to build and sustain interpersonal relationships

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Communicates clearly, professionally, positively, and effectively with patients, nurses, physicians, visitors, and coworkers in a courteous, friendly, and helpful manner. Utilizes professional phone etiquette. Communicates with co-workers regarding specimen and medication delivery/pick-up issues.
• Promotes a positive image of the department and Hospital through verbal and non-verbal communication with all persons and complies with personal appearance guidelines. Uses appropriate communication to maintains confidentiality of the patient information at all times as required by HIPAA.
• Makes appropriate customer service decisions with problem-solving, setting/communicating trip delays, canceling, and recalling assignments. Provides contributions towards the improvement of department scores for turnover/retention/employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Delivers items in a timely manner, accurately, and efficiently. Completes deliveries and pick-ups within the established time standards.
• Properly operates the pneumatic tube system to send medications through the system. Separates medications that cannot be transported through the pneumatic tube system to various nursing units. Understands how to utilize the pneumatic tube system and adhering to the established guidelines.
• Separates specimens that cannot be transported through the pneumatic tube system to various laboratories such as Microbiology, Cytology, Histology, HLA, and others as needed.
• Contributes towards improving department scores for patient satisfaction/experience through peer-to-peer accountability and providing timely transports.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Documents lab/pharmacy trips neatly, completely, and accurately on the appropriate courier log sheets during the shift. Maintains confidentiality of patient information as required by HIPAA by covering items during the delivery process. Adheres to accreditation and HIPPA guidelines and other regulations.
• Follows all safety rules while on the job. Reports accidents promptly and corrects minor safety hazards. Follow safe handling of cytotoxic and bio-hazardous materials.
• Properly utilizes the handheld radio when calling in all lab/pharmacy trips to dispatch. Uses radio etiquette when communicating to co-workers on the handheld radio.
• Contributes to improving department quality and safety scores through peer-to-peer accountability.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Self-motivated to meet the standards of the Houston Methodist attendance policy, manage time effectively, prioritize daily tasks and minimize incidental overtime. Meets labor productivity standards by effectively managing established daily responsibilities and assignments.
• Scans medications properly on computers and hand-held scanners before delivery to ensure fiscal accountability.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Offers innovative solutions through participation in performance improvement projects and activities. Exhibits organizational skills, highly self-directed concerning assigned tasks and duties.
• Completes and updates My Development plan on an ongoing basis, including the development of additional skills. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: Yes
• Scrubs: No
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.) preferred

EXPERIENCE

• One year of customer service experience preferred