Therefore, it is crucial to hire staff that are well qualified for their respective positions, can work effectively as part of a team, and adapt to the dynamic nature of a podiatric medical office. They must be able to effectively communicate with patients, families, other members of your healthcare team, other healthcare professionals, and foster relationships with all these various parties. Staff members should be customer service-oriented, dependable, friendly, compassionate, flexible, able to manage conflicts, willing to learn, and deeply committed to patient privacy.
Getting Started – Create a Job Description
Before you begin the hiring process for a staff position, make a list of attributes that your ideal candidate will possess and create a job description detailing the duties, requirements, physical abilities required, qualifications, qualities, necessary skills, and language requirements needed for the position.
Review Applications and Interview Candidates
A resume or job application cannot tell you all about the candidate, therefore, interviews are important to assess a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and fit for your practice. Ask open-ended, scenario-based questions to allow you to determine how the candidate will react in an office environment. Ask candidates how they have handled past situations. Include questions that evaluate the candidate’s skills in customer service, communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail. Discuss your expectations of the candidate and ask the candidate what they are seeking from employment.
Consider conducting additional interviews of qualified candidates to further assess the candidate’s cultural fit with your office. A cultural fit is necessary for a positive work environment. It may be appropriate to include other staff members in the interview to get other perspectives.
Be sure to check and document references, credentials, and licensure, if applicable. It is important to conduct background checks to ensure there is no history of misconduct or legal issues that could put your patients’ safety or your practice’s reputation at risk.
Remember to Consider Employment Laws
Be aware of federal, state, and local laws that affect hiring decisions and employment. Under the laws enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, it is illegal to discriminate against someone because of that person’s race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, aged forty or older, disability, or genetic information.
The American Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals with a qualitied disability, defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity such as hearing, seeing, speaking, thinking, walking, breathing, or performing manual tasks. The individual with a disability must be able to perform the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
The U.S. Department of Labor provides a resource for employers, Employment Laws: Overview and Resources for Employers. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provides a resource for employers, Prohibited Employment Policies/Practices. These are just a few of the online resources that are available. It is recommended that you consult with a local attorney who is well-versed in employment practices to ensure your hiring processes comply with legal requirements.
Hire the Right Staff and Your Practice – and Patients – Will Thrive
Hiring the right staff for your practice requires planning, attention to detail, and a focus on both technical skills and interpersonal qualities. By following some of the tips listed in this article, podiatric practices can build a competent and cohesive team that enhances patient care, operational efficiency, and overall success.
Remember, the effectiveness of any medical practice often comes down to the quality of its staff. Investing time and effort into the hiring process is important and will help increase patient satisfaction, staff morale, and your practice’s reputation.
If you are not currently insured with PICA, take a moment to see how we protect our podiatrists. Fill out our online form to receive a free, no-obligation quote.
The information contained on the PICA Blog does not establish a standard of care, nor does it constitute legal advice. The information is for general informational purposes only. We encourage all blog visitors to consult with their personal attorneys for legal advice, as specific legal requirements may vary from state to state. Links or references to organizations, websites, or other information is for reference use only and do not constitute the rendering of legal, financial, or other professional advice or recommendations. All information contained on the blog is subject to change.