A credentialing assistant provides support in a workplace where personnel need to hold licenses and credentials to work, such as a hospital or veterinary clinic. In some cases, people work independently and supervise the credentialing process, while in others, a senior credentialing supervisor oversees an assistant’s work. Jobs in this field usually require a high school diploma and at least a year of experience in the health care field, along with good organizing skills and an attention to detail. The ability to work with confidential information is also required.
The credentialing assistant maintains a list of all personnel and their credentials and qualifications. As they start to expire, the assistant can remind people that they need to renew them. In some cases, this can involve preparing an application on behalf of an employee and gathering supporting documentation. Other workplaces require employees to handle their own applications, although they can meet with the credentialing assistant to get help.
When employees complete training that entitles them to certifications, the credentialing assistant follows up to make sure documentation is issued. This information is recorded in the staff member’s file so it can be periodically renewed, ensuring that the credential stays valid. If regulators ask for information about licenses, the credentialing assistant can provide the requested documentation. Employees may be stressed out by audits, and passing the documentation work on to another party can allow them to focus on answering questions and working with auditors.
In addition to handling credentials for individual employees, this job can also include facility certifications. Environments like hospitals may need to be certified by health departments to confirm they are safe and adhere to all applicable laws and codes. The credentialing assistant typically maintains documentation on inspections and approvals, and works with government representatives when they request a site visit. Other administrators may rely on this member of the staff to keep the facility’s certifications current.
Organizing abilities are key for this work, to keep track of a variety of credentials that may be expiring at various times, each with their own requirements for renewal. It also helps to be familiar with the industry, as this can help credentialing assistants gather the paperwork they need more quickly. Communication skills are also important, as the job requires talking with a variety of people, including busy employees who may not be paying close attention to information about their credentials. People working in senior positions may be provided with administrative support at a large facility to help them maintain timely and accurate files.
