Financial Counselor | Pre-Arrival Access Services

At Singing River Health System, caring isn’t just part of the job — it’s in our DNA. Whether we’re saving lives, supporting behind the scenes, or showing up for our community, we bring the energy, heart, and hustle every single day.

About the Role

The Financial Counselor represents the patient and Singing River Health System (SRHS) in all aspects of patient responsibility in a joint effort to resolve all patient amounts due in a feasible and amicable manner. This role handles questions regarding patient accounts efficiently and timely while displaying empathy and professionalism. The Financial Counselor educates patients and their families on SRHS policies and procedures regarding payment sources for services rendered, including financial assistance.

The Financial Counselor identifies and screens patients for possible assistance program eligibility, performs careful financial evaluations, and takes appropriate actions beneficial to SRHS while considering the patient’s needs. This individual must maintain a neat and professional appearance, be firm yet courteous, and demonstrate concern and empathy for patients and families.

Responsibilities

• Resolve patient amounts due in a feasible and amicable manner.
• Handle patient account inquiries efficiently and with professionalism.
• Educate patients and families on SRHS payment policies and financial assistance options.
• Identify and screen patients for assistance program eligibility.
• Perform financial evaluations and take actions beneficial to both SRHS and the patient.
• Communicate effectively with individuals from various educational backgrounds.
• Make decisions regarding payment methods in a self-supervised manner.
• Work effectively with frequent interruptions.

Requirements

• High School Graduate or equivalent required; college courses in healthcare, business, or finance preferred.
• Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA), Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR), or Certified/Registered Medical Assistant (CMA/RMA) preferred.
• De-escalation training must be completed by the end of orientation (90 days).
• Minimum of one (1) year experience in medical terminology, insurance regulations, professional billing procedures, and collection regulations.
• One (1) year financial counselor experience preferred, or at least three (3) years in a healthcare revenue cycle role with emphasis on insurance and billing.
• Minimum of one (1) year customer service experience in registration, scheduling, and insurance verification.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience as a Medical Assistant preferred.

Skills

• Superior communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage high-stress situations.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task in complex situations.
• Proficient in computer use, including MS Outlook, Word, and office technology (keyboard, telephone, fax).
• Ability to apply appropriate clinical judgment to a patient population of all ages.
• Emotional stability and ability to maintain collaborative working relationships.
• Superior customer service skills and professional etiquette.

Physical Demands

• Moderately active work involving sitting, moving about the office and facility, and occasional travel within the SRHS service area.
• Frequent requirement to exert negligible force to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects, including the human body.
• Exposure to body fluids, sputum, and tissues, which may carry infectious disease hazards.
• Repetitive motions involving wrists, hands, and fingers (e.g., typing on a computer keyboard).
• Ability to perceive sound at normal speaking levels and make fine discriminations in sound.
• Close visual acuity and ability to adjust focus between computer monitors and printed materials.
• Ability to remain active for extended periods without undue fatigue.
• Flexibility to work assigned schedules, including potential changes for off days, shifts, or weekends as needed.

Mental Demands

• Keen mental faculties, assessment, and decision-making abilities.
• Superior communication skills, including speaking, enunciation, and written communication.
• Emotional stability conducive to dealing with high-stress levels.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multi-task in complex situations.
• Ability to maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships.

Schedule

Monday - Friday (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM)

Location

Singing River Pascagoula Hospital