Clerk III 100%25 – UI Health Care Urbandale REI/Specialty

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Clerk III 100% - UI Health Care Urbandale REI/Specialty

Company: University of Iowa

Location: Urbandale, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Administrative / Customer Service

Date Posted: January 27, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role serves as a crucial point of contact for patients and healthcare providers within a high-volume clinic setting, managing front desk reception duties.

• Responsibilities include patient check-in/check-out, appointment scheduling, and efficient handling of multi-line phone systems.

• Requires strong data entry skills for accurate patient demographic and provider information input into the EPIC electronic health record system.

• This position is integral to the patient flow and administrative efficiency of the UI Health Care Urbandale REI/Specialty clinic.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Clerk III," the description indicates a significant patient-facing and administrative support role within a specialized healthcare environment. The emphasis on EPIC, patient check-in/out, and scheduling points to a function that supports the overall patient journey and operational efficiency, aligning with administrative support within a GTM (Go-To-Market) context for healthcare services.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Greet and check in patients, verifying demographic and insurance information, and accurately entering this data into the hospital's EPIC system.

• Facilitate patient check-out processes, including scheduling follow-up appointments and providing necessary information.

• Manage a multi-line phone system, responding to inquiries from patients, physicians, specialty nurses, and other healthcare providers in a professional and efficient manner.

• Schedule clinic appointments, ensuring appropriate time allocation and provider availability, and maintaining effective communication with relevant departments.

• Gather and accurately record referring entity, primary care provider, and other healthcare provider information within the EPIC system.

• Perform miscellaneous clerical duties as assigned, supporting the overall administrative functions of the clinic.

• Adhere strictly to proper name search procedures as outlined in the Policy and Procedures Manual to ensure patient data integrity.

• Provide coverage for other scheduling and reception staff during absences, ensuring continuity of operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are clearly defined for a front-line administrative role in a healthcare setting. The emphasis on data entry into EPIC, patient interaction, and scheduling highlights the operational importance of this position in facilitating patient flow and information management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a combination of related clerical office experience and/or undergraduate education equivalent to two years of full-time employment is required.

Experience: Minimum of two years of combined relevant clerical office experience and/or post-high school clerical training. Public contact/customer service experience is a mandatory requirement.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in clerical office support.

• Demonstrated public contact and customer service skills in a professional environment.

• Proficiency in multi-line phone system operation.

• Strong data entry capabilities with a focus on accuracy and detail.

• Ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with the EPIC electronic health record system.

• Familiarity with medical terminology.

• Prior customer service experience in a healthcare setting.

• Experience with appointment scheduling in a healthcare environment.

• Possession of a valid Driver's License and ability to meet UI Fleet Safety Standards.

• Availability to support other departments and clinical locations as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum Eligibility Requirements" and "Special Qualifications" directly translate to required skills. The "Desired Requirements" are framed as preferred skills, offering a clear distinction for candidates. The emphasis on EPIC and medical terminology is particularly relevant for healthcare administrative roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Candidates are encouraged to highlight instances of efficient patient check-in/check-out processes and their impact on patient wait times.

• Examples of accurate data entry into complex systems (like EHRs) and the positive outcomes of such accuracy.

• Documentation of experience managing high-volume administrative tasks, demonstrating workflow organization.

Process Documentation:

• Describe processes followed for patient registration, including data verification and system entry.

• Outline methods used for scheduling appointments, ensuring efficiency and patient satisfaction.

• Detail procedures for handling patient inquiries via phone, ensuring accurate information dissemination and timely resolution.

• Explain any personal strategies or contributions to improving administrative workflows in previous roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an administrative role like this, a formal "portfolio" might not be standard. However, candidates can leverage their resume and cover letter to showcase relevant experiences and process improvements. The emphasis is on demonstrating practical application of skills and understanding of healthcare administrative processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a Clerk III (Pay Grade 08) at the University of Iowa, the salary typically falls within a range determined by the Iowa Board of Regents pay plans. Based on institutional data and similar roles, an estimated annual salary range for this position in Iowa would be approximately $35,000 - $45,000. This is an estimate and actual compensation will be based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Paid Vacation

• Sick Leave

• Health Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Disability Insurance

• Generous employer contributions into retirement plans

Working Hours:

• Full-time: 40 hours per week.

• Schedule: Monday - Friday, with variable hours between 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM.

• No weekend, holiday, or on-call duties are required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Pay Grade: 08" and reference to "Iowa Board of Regents pay plans" indicate a structured compensation system. Researching this specific pay plan is recommended for precise salary information. The provided range is an informed estimate for a Clerk III role in Iowa.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center)

Company Size: Large (University of Iowa Health Care employs over 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers)

Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, with its Health Care system evolving significantly over time to become a comprehensive academic medical center.

Team Structure:

• This role is part of the administrative support team within the UI Health Care Urbandale REI/Specialty clinic.

• Likely reports to a Clinic Manager or Operations Supervisor.

• Involves close collaboration with physicians, nurses, specialty nurses, schedulers, and other administrative staff.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on structured processes and adherence to hospital policies (e.g., EPIC usage, patient registration protocols).

• Commitment to patient-centered care, as reflected in the "WE CARE" core values.

• Data-driven approach to patient management, leveraging the EPIC system for information accuracy and accessibility.

• Collaborative problem-solving to ensure smooth clinic operations and patient experience.

Company Website: https://uiowa.edu/ (University of Iowa) and https://uihc.org/ (University of Iowa Health Care)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights its status as Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center, emphasizing its commitment to quality care, education, and research. The "WE CARE" values are central to the organizational culture and should be considered by applicants.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as a "Clerk III," typically considered an entry-level to mid-level administrative support role. It provides foundational experience in healthcare administration and patient services.

Reporting Structure: The Clerk III will likely report to a Clinic Supervisor, Manager, or Lead Scheduler within the Urbandale REI/Specialty clinic. This role is crucial for the daily operational flow of the front desk and patient intake process.

Operations Impact:

• Directly impacts the patient experience through initial interactions, appointment scheduling, and efficient administrative processing.

• Contributes to the operational efficiency of the clinic by ensuring accurate data capture and timely patient flow, which indirectly supports the delivery of care.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for advancement to roles like Senior Clerk, Scheduling Coordinator, or Patient Services Representative within UI Health Care.

• Opportunities to gain in-depth experience with the EPIC system, a highly valuable skill in healthcare.

• Development of specialized knowledge in REI/Specialty care administration.

• Possibility of cross-training in other administrative functions within the clinic or broader Health Care system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Clerk III" title suggests a foundational role. Growth pathways would typically involve taking on more complex administrative tasks, specializing further, or moving into supervisory roles within patient services or clinic operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in an on-site clinic setting at UI Health Care Urbandale REI/Specialty, characterized by a busy, public-facing environment.

Office Location(s): Urbandale, IA, with potential for support at surrounding clinics based on clinical need and hours.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be a clinic front desk area, requiring interaction with numerous patients daily.

• Access to standard office equipment, computers, and the EPIC system is essential.

• The environment is dynamic, requiring adaptability to varying patient volumes and needs.

• Opportunities for collaboration with clinic staff, including medical assistants, nurses, and physicians, are frequent.

Work Schedule: The Monday-Friday schedule with variable hours between 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM provides a predictable work week without evenings, weekends, or holidays, which is often attractive for work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature and public-facing aspect are key environmental factors. The schedule offers a good balance for an administrative role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and cover letter to assess minimum qualifications and desired experience.

• Phone/Video Interview: A preliminary discussion with an HR representative or hiring manager to gauge communication skills, customer service aptitude, and basic fit.

• In-Person Interview: Typically involves meeting with the hiring manager and potentially other team members. This stage will assess practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Expect questions related to patient interaction, handling difficult situations, and experience with scheduling/data entry.

• Skills Assessment (Potentially): A brief test may be administered to evaluate typing speed, data entry accuracy, or familiarity with basic computer functions.

• Background Check: Standard for healthcare positions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal portfolio isn't typically required for this role, your resume and cover letter are your primary "portfolio" documents.

• Quantify achievements whenever possible: e.g., "Managed check-in for an average of X patients per day," or "Reduced patient wait times by Y% through improved scheduling process."

• Detail your experience with the EPIC system, specifying modules used or tasks performed.

• Highlight examples of excellent customer service, particularly in challenging situations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would handle a demanding patient or a complex scheduling request.

• Practice articulating your experience with customer service and problem-solving in a professional context.

• Review common medical terminology and basic administrative processes in a clinic setting.

• Familiarize yourself with the University of Iowa Health Care's mission and "WE CARE" values, and be ready to explain how you align with them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on resume and cover letter as the primary application documents is critical. Candidates should tailor these carefully to match the job description's requirements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• EPIC System: This is the core Electronic Health Record (EHR) system used for patient demographics, scheduling, and record management. Proficiency or demonstrated ability to learn complex EHR systems is key.

• Multi-line Phone System: Essential for managing high call volumes and directing inquiries.

• Computer Hardware: Standard workstations for data entry and system access.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, the Clerk III contributes data to the system that is used for reporting on patient flow, appointment volume, and operational metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• The EPIC system functions as the central CRM for patient data within the healthcare context.

• Basic automation might involve template use for common patient communications or scheduling reminders, though this is less likely to be directly managed by the Clerk III.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with EPIC is a highly desired skill and a significant advantage for applicants. The role is centered around effective use of these core administrative and clinical systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Welcoming: Creating a positive and inclusive first impression for all patients and visitors.

• Excellence: Striving for accuracy, efficiency, and high-quality service in all administrative tasks.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues, healthcare providers, and other departments to ensure seamless patient care.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, ensuring data integrity, and acting with integrity.

• Respect: Treating all individuals with dignity and professionalism.

• Empowerment: Contributing to a smooth patient journey and supporting the clinic's operational goals.

Collaboration Style:

• This role requires constant, direct collaboration with clinic staff, including medical professionals and other administrative personnel.

• Effective communication is key to coordinating patient care and scheduling.

• A team-oriented approach is necessary to manage workload and provide comprehensive support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "WE CARE" values are explicitly listed and are central to the University of Iowa Health Care's culture. Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of and alignment with these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High-Volume Environment: Managing a constant flow of patients and phone calls requires strong organizational and stress-management skills.

• Accuracy Demands: Ensuring precise data entry for patient demographics, insurance, and scheduling is critical and requires meticulous attention to detail.

• Handling Diverse Needs: Interacting with patients who may be stressed, anxious, or have complex medical histories requires empathy and effective communication.

• Adapting to System Changes: Staying current with updates or changes to the EPIC system or clinic procedures.

• Supporting Multiple Clinics: Flexibility to assist other departments or locations as needed can be a challenge but also an opportunity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• EPIC System Mastery: Opportunity to become highly proficient in a leading healthcare EHR system.

• Healthcare Administration Fundamentals: Gaining hands-on experience in patient registration, scheduling, and front-desk operations within a major academic medical center.

• Medical Terminology: Learning and applying medical terms relevant to REI/Specialty care.

• Customer Service Excellence: Developing advanced skills in patient interaction and service delivery within a healthcare context.

• Internal Mobility: Potential to explore other administrative roles within the University of Iowa Health Care system.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding these challenges and potential growth areas will help candidates frame their interview responses and demonstrate their suitability for the role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to handle a difficult customer or patient. How did you resolve the situation?" (Assesses customer service skills and problem-solving)

• "How do you ensure accuracy when entering data into a system like EPIC?" (Assesses attention to detail and understanding of data integrity)

• "Imagine a patient arrives for an appointment, but their insurance information is incorrect or outdated. How would you proceed?" (Assesses problem-solving, policy adherence, and communication)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about the University of Iowa Health Care, and why are you interested in working here?" (Assesses research and alignment with the organization's mission)

• "How do you embody our 'WE CARE' values in your work?" (Assesses cultural fit)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Resume Walkthrough: Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your resume that demonstrate your experience in clerical duties, customer service, data entry, and scheduling.

• EPIC Experience: Clearly articulate your level of experience with EPIC and any specific functions you performed. If you don't have direct EPIC experience, emphasize your ability to learn complex software quickly.

• Scenario-Based Answers: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer behavioral questions, drawing from your past experiences.

• Enthusiasm for Healthcare: Convey your interest in contributing to a healthcare environment and supporting patient care.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare concrete examples for each question, demonstrating their skills and alignment with the role and company values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the University of Iowa's Taleo career portal.

• Resume Customization: Tailor your resume to highlight specific keywords from the job description, such as "EPIC," "patient check-in," "appointment scheduling," "multi-line phones," "customer service," and "data entry." Quantify your achievements where possible.

• Cover Letter Focus: Craft a plain text cover letter that directly addresses how your experience meets the "Minimum Eligibility Requirements" and "Desired Requirements." Provide specific examples for each qualification.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering common interview questions related to customer service, data accuracy, and multitasking. Be ready to discuss your experience with relevant software and your understanding of the "WE CARE" values.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the University of Iowa Health Care's mission, services, and the specific clinic locations mentioned (Urbandale REI/Specialty). Understand their commitment to patient care and academic excellence.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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