Senior Secretary - Patient Advocacy

Senior Secretary

The Senior Secretary in the department of Patient Advocacy at MD Anderson Cancer Center provides highly responsible, professional, front-office support to the department. They will interact directly with patients and visitors requesting assistance by phone or walk-in visits to the department and will need to be able to navigate those conversations with empathy and professionalism. The ideal candidate is a compassionate and highly organized administrative professional who thrives in a patient-focused environment and excels at providing exceptional customer service. They possess strong verbal and written communication skills, experience managing multi-line phone systems, and the ability to handle sensitive, emotional, or complex situations with professionalism, empathy, and discretion. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, data entry, and record management systems is essential, along with the ability to accurately triage inquiries, maintain detailed records, and support departmental operations.

This is a fully onsite role, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., requiring a dependable team member who can effectively support patients, families, visitors, and staff while upholding MD Anderson's commitment to excellence in patient care.

Minimum Salary: $40,000

Midpoint Salary: $46,000

Maximum Salary: $52,000

MD Anderson offers our employees:

• Paid employee medical benefits (zero premium) starting on first day for employees who work 30 or more hours per week
• Group Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D and Disability coverage
• Paid time off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) paid leave accruals
• Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave and other paid leave programs
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service
• Teachers Retirement System defined-benefit pension plan and two voluntary retirement plans
• Employer paid life, AD&D and an illness-related reduced salary pay program
• Health Savings Account and Dependent Care Reimbursement flexible spending accounts
• Fertility benefits
• State of Texas longevity pay
• Extensive wellness, recognition, fitness, employee health programs and employee resource groups

The department of Patient Advocacy provides the opportunity in a confidential setting for patient or their family to voice a complaint, concern, or problem, or to seek a resolution. Patient advocates also provide information about resources and services available to patients and families, as well as education about patient rights and responsibilities.

KEY FUNCTIONS:

• Customer Service: Greet and assist all patients, family members, visitors, and staff who enter the Advocacy office. Maintain professional demeanor and open communication with those waiting in office. Respond to customer needs with tact, sensitivity, and confidentiality. Display professionalism in handling emotional or angry visitors. Answer, screen, and respond to incoming Advocacy department telephone calls. Confirm all messages are accurately relayed or triaged. Keep an accurate log of all callers and walk-ins.
• Secretarial Functions: Process and appropriately refer all incoming e-mail referrals (askMDA, Development office, Tumor Registry, etc.) via Patient Advocacy's record management system. Create and update department e-mails, reminders, schedules, directories, distribution lists, etc. Preparation of daily assignment sheet and update and revise departmental rosters and forms. Track and data entry of telephone calls and walk-ins, creating statistical data spreadsheets. Create and distribute daily Open Cases report and grievance letters that include acknowledgement, follow-up, and resolution letters.
• Additional Responsibilities: Keep reception area and patient consult rooms tidy and stocked at all times. Serve as a backup for Senior Administrative Assistants to include processes regarding Press Ganey surveys and Discharge Follow-up calls. Provide coverage for Patient Relations office as needed.

EDUCATION: Required: High school diploma or equivalent.

EXPERIENCE: Required: Two years of experience performing responsible secretarial work. Preferred: Must have experience in a patient or customer service facing position.

OTHER: Required: Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition. This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment. It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.