What is a Documentation Specialist?
A Documentation Specialist is an administrative professional who is responsible for maintenance of company documents. Their job is to store, catalogue and retrieve documents. This may involve maintaining paper files, electronic files, or even databases. They develop and maintain systems for document storage, and are responsible for document security and access.
Documentation Specialists work in a wide range of sectors, particularly in healthcare, legal, and finance. They may work as part of a documents team or might specialize in a particular type of document, such as contracts or medical documentation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for Medical Records and Health Information Technicians – a similar position to Documentation Specialist – is set to grow 15 percent through 2024.
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Documentation Specialist Duties and Responsibilities
Input Documents
Maintain Integrity of Documents
Store Documents
Provide Administrative Assistance
Documentation Specialist Skills
A successful Documentation Specialist is detail-oriented and able to work with a high volume of documents in a fast-paced environment. They should be highly organized and process-oriented. It also helps to have excellent oral and written communications skills, because the job involves interacting with all levels of an organization. Good listening skills are also important. A Documentation Specialist needs to be able to handle multiple, detailed requests at a time, without dropping any balls.
Core skills Based on job listings we looked at, Documentation Specialists should already have these core skills. Make sure you have these on your resume If you want to work as a Documentation Specialist.
- Basic analytical experience
- Proficient typing skills
- Data organization and storage knowledge
- Able to work independently and in a team environment
- Able to prioritize responsibilities and adhere to deadlines
Advanced skills The below skills are not required in most Documentation Specialist job openings, but many employers prefer candidates that also have these skills and experience. Add these to your resume to boost your chances of getting hired as a Documentation Specialist.
- Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) experience
- Demonstrated leadership qualities such as the ability to motivate, teach, and facilitate individuals and groups
- Working knowledge of Quality Assurance systems and cGMPs
Tools of the trade The Documentation Specialist’s job requires the use of different tools. Here are some of the mains ones that you might want to have experience in if you’re applying for Documentation Specialist jobs.
- Computer software programs such as word processors, spreadsheet programs, and database systems
- Document scanning equipment
- Documentation repositories such as Windchill or PVCS
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Documentation Specialist Q & A
What challenges does a Documentation Specialist face?
Lack of organization, policies or standards regarding documents, and lack of documentation priorities – what documents are the most important for scanning, storing or creating.
What skills do Documentation Specialist use most?
Documentation Specialists must possess multiple skills but the skills they use the most are editing, proofreading, and grammar skills, and expertise in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.
What should someone consider before becoming a Documentation Specialist?
Things someone should consider before becoming a Documentation Specialist are identifying the training needs for the jobs you want to apply for, obtaining a college degree, required certifications, and consider joining a professional writing organization such as National Writers Association or National Writers Union. The person may be required to lift, carry or move boxes from one location to another.
What type of person is successful in this job?
The type of person successful in this job should be able to work independently or in a team environment, pay attention to detail, have good organizational skills, have good time management skills, excellent computer skills, interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, analytical skills, collaboration skills, conflict resolution and diplomacy skills.
What do you find to be the most rewarding about being a Documentation Specialist?
The most rewarding about being a Documentation Specialist is delivering a finished product that is useful and helpful to the particular audience that will read it.
Documentation Specialist Salary
Documentation Specialist Resources
The web is a great source of information about the job of Documentation Specialist. We found these great resources online to help you learn more about becoming a Documentation Specialist.
On the Web
Document ManagerThis UKbased magazine is designed for those working in document management professions. It is a great source of jobs tips and industry news.
ACDIS BlogThis blog from the Association of Clinical Documentation Specialists provides tons of useful and uptodate information for clinical Documentation Specialists.
Industry Groups
American Health Information Management AssociationAHIMA is a professional organization for Documentation Specialists in the field of healthcare, offering education, certification, and new.
American Association of Professional CodersAnother professional organization for Documentation Specialists working in the healthcare fields, the organization specializes in medical records and health information.
International Association of Administrative ProfessionalsIAAP offers individuals working in offices and administrative positions, including Documentation Specialists, the opportunities to network, learn, and grow by providing assistance and programs to its members.
Documentation Specialist Books
The Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist’s HandbookA great reference handbook for Documentation Specialists working in clinical settings with medical records.
Information and Records Management: DocumentBased Information SystemsThis book is considered one of the best in the field for the latest strategies and techniques in the records and information industries.
Digital Document Management Solutions for BusinessLearn about different digital solutions for document management and how they can be used to make a Documentation Specialist’s life easier.
Documentation Specialist Resume Help
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