County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, to transcribe medical dictation; to perform medical stenographic work of a specialized nature at a high rate of speed and typing accuracy; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is the fully qualified medical transcriptionist class. Positions may be found in the Sheriff’s Office and Coroner's Bureau where incumbents are required to be fully knowledgeable in medical transcription techniques and terminology. Incumbents are expected to produce finished medical transcription documents in proper format with brief instructions. The class of Medical Transcriptionist is distinguished from that of Medical Clerk since they must possess a net typing speed of 65 w.p.m. with 95% accuracy factor by the end of the probationary period. In contrast, Medical Clerks are more varied in scope and at times do not require typing.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Transcribes medical reports on diagnostic workups, radiological reports on diagnostic x ray examinations, therapeutic procedures, and clinical resumes for inclusion in medical records and for transmission to physicians or other medical care facilities using transcribing machines, and word processing equipment.

2. Operates a transcribing machine through the use of buttons, keys, dials and pedals to control quality of voice reproduction and speed of dictation, and uses ear devices to listen.

3. Follows prescribed procedures and formats for the use of various forms with one or more copies in transcribing and typing particular reports.

4. Follows specified procedures for dispatching finished reports to designated persons for approval and signature of dictator and for dispatching copies to designated persons or offices.

5. Verifies accuracy of the dictator in identifying the patient/decedent by name, hospital number or case number, location in hospital, and any address which may involve the use of patient name files or case records.

6. Makes entries on prescribed control forms or logs in regard to which report was transcribed for a particular patient/decedent, dates dictation when received and transcribed, and name of dictator.

7. Transcribes autopsy protocols; verifies accuracy of protocol; prepares and sends protocols to pathologist for review and approval; maintains simple statistics of work records.

8. Answers telephone, takes messages and relays information; files correspondence, reports, forms and miscellaneous papers.

9. May act as receptionist, assisting visitors and callers by referring them to sources of information; may operate a switchboard or a call director.

10. May be required to receive money from the public, make change, issue receipts and balance monies received at end of day.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

Completion of an approved vocational training program for medical transcribers.

Or II

The equivalent of one year of full-time experience as a Medical Transcriptionist in a hospital or medical institution, Medical Examiner’s Office or Coroner’s Bureau.

Special Requirements:

This position requires, by passage of examination, a typing speed of 40 w.p.m. with a 90% accuracy factor. However, applicants are expected to type 65 w.p.m. with a 95% accuracy by the end of the probationary period.

This position also requires applicants to have sufficient hearing to use the transcribing equipment.

Prior to appointment to this class, prospective appointees must pass a comprehensive background investigation conducted by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. 

Incumbents in this class must be able to work in an environment in which they will encounter sensitive/confidential information.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Review office practices and procedures.
• Basic elements of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, and arithmetic.
• Word processing
• Medical terminology and sentence structure, grammar and syntax.
• A course in anatomy is desirable.

For Positions in the Coroner’s Bureau:

• Knowledge of forensic and medical pathology terminology is desirable.

Ability to:

• Use various types of transcribing, word processing and typing equipment.
• Type according to definite formats requiring independent judgment.
• Adjust to persons who dictate with unfamiliar native language accents.
• Work in a confined area.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

TT:lm h Revised: 10/82
TAT:Lm h Revised: 12/84
JGS:lm Revised: 2/97
CSC Date: 3/19/97
Old doc: 0131h.doc
New doc: Jobspecs/1214.doc
ys/11/00
Clerical Study Admin. Change 4/19/04
RE:po Revised 12/14/05 Clerical Study
CSC Date: 5/24/2006
SJ:cs Revised 8/1/16
CSC Date: 9/14/16

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees) 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.