A records clerk is responsible for maintaining and organizing physical and digital records. They may create, store, and retrieve documents and files as needed. Records clerks may also be responsible for destroying outdated or confidential records in a secure manner.
Records Clerk job duties include:
- Maintains and updates records, either manually or electronically
- Files documents and other materials in an organized manner
- Retrieves records as requested by employees or managers
- Processes incoming and outgoing mail
- Performs data entry tasks
- Creates reports as needed
- May assist with auditing records for accuracy
- May train new employees on record-keeping procedures
- Works with other departments to ensure proper record-keeping practices are being followed
Records Clerk Job Requirements
There are no formal education requirements for records clerks, although many employers prefer candidates with at least a high school diploma. Some on-the-job training is typically required. Certification is not required, but voluntary certification is available through the American Association of Medical Transcriptionists and the American Health Information Management Association. Experience is not required, but employers may prefer candidates with previous experience working in a medical office or with medical records.
Records Clerk Skills
- Filing
- Archiving
- Data entry
- Proofreading
- Scanning
- Organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Accuracy
- Confidentiality
- Reliability
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How to become a Records Clerk
There are a few steps one must take to become a records clerk. First, it is important to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers may also prefer some postsecondary education, especially in office administration or a related field. However, some on-the-job training may be provided for those without this education. Second, excellent organization skills are key for this position, as well as the ability to pay close attention to detail. Third, computer skills are also necessary, as records clerks often work with databases and spreadsheets. Finally, good customer service skills are also important, as records clerks may interact with the public when they come to request records.
Overall, becoming a records clerk requires some basic education and skills. With these qualifications, one can be successful in this role and help to keep an organization running smoothly.
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