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DEPARTMENT ASST
Company : Covenant Health
Location : Knoxville, TN, 37923
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 1 January 2026
Overview
Department Assistant, Operating Room
Full Time, 80 Hours per pay period, Day shift
M-F, 0800-1630. Occasional early/late meeting attendance required.
Parkwest Overview:
Headquartered in Knoxville, Covenant Health is a community-owned integrated healthcare delivery system and the area’s largest employer.
Parkwest is Covenant Health’s and West Knoxville’s premier medical facility and a top-performing heart hospital, offering our patients world-class treatment with all the convenience and warmth of home.
In addition to providing the area’s leading cardiac services, Parkwest has been nationally recognized for award-winning care throughout our facility. For 2020-21, Parkwest received recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the “Top 10” hospitals in Tennessee.
Knoxville located in East Tennessee is the third largest in the state, well-known for its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and is the home of the University of Tennessee. Go Vols! Living in Knoxville means experiencing all four seasons. Best of all, each of them is pretty mild!
Combine all that with the abundant natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, and you have a city that truly offers something for everyone. Knoxville has a vibrant arts culture, seasonal festivals, top-notch foodie and incredible outdoor recreation. It’s a perfect blend of big-city amenities and Southern charm.
Position Summary:
Performs a full range of secretarial and administrative duties for a specific department or unit. Requires clerical training or experience and some knowledge of the unit's operational procedures. May perform departmental support functions such as processing payroll, enter data into information systems, or other duties similar in nature.
Recruiter: Kathleen Rice || Apply@covhlth.com
Responsibilities
- Type correspondence, reports, memoranda and special projects as requested.
- Acts as receptionist, answers telephones, route callers, takes messages and provides routine information to callers.
- Maintains department files and records for budget reports, invoices and time sheets.
- May make travel and lodging arrangements for the department, through travel agency and maintains appropriate records.
- Receives mail and routes appropriately.
- Maintains and orders office supplies.
- Serves as inter-departmental communication resource.
- Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Education:
None specified; will accept any combination of formal education and/or prior work experience sufficient to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skill and ability needed to perform the essential tasks of the job, typically such as would be equivalent to a high school diploma or GED. Preference may be given to individuals possessing a HS diploma or GED.
Minimum Experience:
One (1) to two (2) years clerical/administrative experience.
Licensure Requirement:
None
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Knoxville, TN
Frequently asked questions
Knoxville's healthcare sector, led by organizations like Covenant Health, shows strong hiring trends for Department Assts due to expanding medical services. Compared to other admin roles, these positions often offer more stability and growth opportunities within the medical field, reflecting the area's robust healthcare infrastructure.
While no mandatory licenses are required, Knoxville healthcare employers favor candidates with clerical experience and familiarity with medical office protocols. Certifications in medical administration or basic healthcare compliance can enhance candidacy, aligning with regional expectations for administrative support in clinical settings.
Successful Department Assts excel in multitasking, managing departmental communications, and maintaining accurate records. Adaptability to healthcare-specific software and a proactive approach to supporting operational workflows differentiate top performers, particularly in fast-paced environments like hospital operating rooms.
Many Department Assts advance into roles like Department Coordinator or Medical Office Manager, leveraging their operational knowledge. Gaining experience at institutions such as Covenant Health can also open doors to specialized administrative functions or supervisory positions within healthcare departments.
At Covenant Health, Department Assts are integral to streamlining administrative tasks, fostering communication across units, and ensuring compliance with healthcare protocols. This role adapts to the organization's emphasis on quality care and efficiency, emphasizing teamwork and responsiveness in a medical setting.
Given Parkwest’s status as a top-performing heart hospital, Department Assts encounter fast-paced, detail-oriented environments requiring precision in scheduling, documentation, and interdepartmental coordination. Balancing routine tasks with occasional urgent demands is key in supporting critical care operations effectively.
Department Assistants in Knoxville typically earn between $32,000 and $40,000 annually, reflecting local cost of living and healthcare market conditions. This range is competitive within Tennessee, especially considering Knoxville’s strong healthcare industry presence and Covenant Health’s reputation as a major employer.
Unlike retail or corporate roles, Department Assts in healthcare manage confidential patient information, coordinate with medical staff, and support compliance with health regulations. Their duties often include handling time-sensitive communication and supporting clinical teams, requiring a unique blend of administrative and healthcare knowledge.
Job seekers should include terms like 'medical office assistant,' 'department coordinator,' and 'healthcare administrative support' alongside 'Covenant Health' and 'Knoxville' to align with how these roles are listed. Using specific phrases related to 'operating room' and 'clerical experience' can also improve search relevance.