Assistant Professor

Job Description

Clinical Coordinator/Assistant Professor

Health Information Management Systems (HIMS)

FLSA Classification

Exempt, Probationary (tenure-track)

Salary Grade/Level/Family/Range

Salary Range: $45,000 - $55,000; 25% Release Time

Reports to

Program Director

Job Description

Summary/Objective

The Health Information Management Systems (HIMS) program at Southern University at New Orleans strives to be a premier academic program dedicated to developing the next generation of health information management professionals. Through strong partnerships with healthcare organizations, industry leaders, and research institutions, the HIMS program remains responsive to workforce needs, aligned with accreditation standards, and committed to innovation in HIM education.

The Clinical Coordinator for the HIMS program serves a dual role in teaching and clinical coordination, ensuring students gain the knowledge, skills, and supervised practice experiences required for credentialing and gainful employment. The Clinical Coordinator builds and maintains partnerships with healthcare facilities to secure high-quality clinical placement sites that meet program, accreditation, and regulatory requirements. Responsibilities include assigning students to clinical sites based on curricular needs and site availability; coordinating student schedules; confirming student readiness for placement; and ensuring compliance with confidentiality, patient privacy, and health information management standards.

In collaboration with program faculty, the Clinical Coordinator ensures that clinical experiences are fully integrated with the curriculum and aligned with established learning outcomes. This includes providing ongoing guidance and support to students during clinical placements; monitoring performance; offering timely feedback; addressing challenges that arise; and evaluating the effectiveness of both the clinical sites and the overall experiential learning process. The Clinical Coordinator also works closely with clinical site supervisors and preceptors to clarify expectations, provide training or resources as needed, and support effective student mentorship and evaluation.

Consistent with the University Faculty Handbook, Program Coordinators administer individual degree programs within a college and are responsible to the Department Chair. Duties include coordinating course schedules, teaching assignments, and accreditation activities; monitoring and assessing program effectiveness; initiating curriculum updates; and working collaboratively with faculty to support student advisement and overall program quality.

Essential functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

1. Works collaboratively with the Department Chair and College Dean.
2. Responds to program inquiries and has a complete/concise knowledge of the Health Information Management Systems (HIMS) Program curriculum and graduation requirements.
3. Recruits and retains students through graduation. Also, closely works with other HIMS faculty and the Office of Recruitment to actively recruit HIMS majors.
4. Support student academic performance and timely degree progression by creating academic improvement plans for students on academic probation, and overseeing the coordination of pre-professional opportunities and/or internships (if applicable).
5. Reviews the program annually to ensure continuous improvement. Lead all efforts in completing the self-study report and program reviews. Also, provide all requested documents for SACSCOC and other specific items/updates.
6. Develops marketing communications, including emails, web page design, and social media posts, with SUNO’s Public Relations (communication and marketing) and Department Chair.
7. Develop meaningful relationships with on and off-campus stakeholders to enhance student experiences and ensure successful student graduates.
8. Actively pursue external funding for program enhancement and undergraduate research (student support) via the grants and sponsor research office.
9. Other duties as assigned.

• Faculty Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities

  This position is governed by Part II, Article VIII of the Southern University System Bylaws, which outlines the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of faculty members related to:

  • Exercises academic freedom in teaching, scholarship, and service.
  • Participates in faculty governance, policy development, and academic decision-making.
  • Contributes to the mission, values, and academic integrity of the institution.
  • Must satisfy the qualifications and expectations for appointment, promotion, and tenure.

  
  

  These provisions apply to the academic appointment associated with this administrative role.

  
  

  Competencies

  • Commitment to creating engaging and inclusive learning experiences for first-generation students.
  • Familiarity with the literature on learning sciences, including adult motivation to learn
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to build a supportive and nurturing community of faculty to set and achieve common goals.
  • Ability to motivate faculty to work in teams; ability to support faculty in motivating students.
  • Ability to foster a growth mindset among faculty and students.
  • Ability to relate well to others within the academic environment, a demonstrated ability and/or interest in working in a multiethnic, multicultural environment.
  • Proficiency in the written and oral use of the English language is required.

  
  

  Work environment

  Office Setting

  
  

  Physical demands

  Ability to sit/stand/walk at will; Ability to climb stairs; Ability to communicate verbally and in writing; Ability to use a keyboard; and Ability to lift or carry up to 10 pounds.

  
  

  Travel required

  As needed for student recruitment.

  
  

  Required education and experience

  • MA/MS degree or equivalent in HIMS or a closely related discipline (from an accredited university).
  • Experience teaching, training, mentoring, or precepting students or new employees, ideally in a healthcare or academic setting.
  • Demonstrated experience working with healthcare systems such as EHR platforms, clinical workflows, or health data management processes.
  • Knowledge of AHIMA curriculum competencies, CAHIIM accreditation standards, and best practices for HIM education.
  • Experience coordinating or supervising clinical placements, student internships, or practicum experiences in an academic or healthcare environment.
  • Minimum of 2–3 years of professional experience in health information management, health informatics, clinical documentation, or a related healthcare setting.
  • Current RHIA credential.
  • Experience developing, evaluating, or managing clinical affiliation agreements with healthcare facilities.
  • Familiarity with regulatory standards and guidelines (HIPAA, CMS, Joint Commission, state health department rules) relevant to clinical training and HIM practice.
  • Experience collecting, analyzing, and reporting program data related to student performance, accreditation, or clinical site evaluation.

  
  

  Preferred education and experience

  • Doctoral degree preferred.
  • Proficiency with academic learning management systems (LMS) and clinical placement management platforms, such as Canvas and InPlace.
  • Experience in working with diverse populations and fostering a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive environment.

  
  

  Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

  
  

  Non-Discrimination Statement

  In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal, state, and local laws, Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) forbids discriminating or harassing conduct that is based on an individual's race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in Uniformed Services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws.

  
  

  This commitment applies but is not limited to decisions made with respect to hiring and promotion, the administration of educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other College-administered programs. Discriminatory acts of any kind are strictly forbidden.

  
  

  American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

  Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO) complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Office of Human Resources.

  
  

  Southern University at New Orleans ■ 6400 SUNO Knights Drive, New Orleans, LA 70126 ■ (504) 286-5148

  
  

  An Equal Opportunity Employer

  State as a Model Employer - SAME