Medical Referral Coordinator - MD071

Title: Referral Coordinator Location: Wellness Clinic – 12360 E Burnside St. Portland, OR 97233 Schedule: Onsite, Mon-Fri, 8:00am – 4:30pm Wage Range: $26.00 – $30.00 Hourly, Non-Exempt We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Referral Coordinator to help patients access the specialty medical, behavioral health, and community services they need. In this role, you will serve as a critical link between patients, providers, insurance companies, and community partners to ensure referrals are processed accurately, tracked effectively, and completed successfully. At NARA Northwest, you’ll find a supportive work environment where every team member is valued and respected. Whether you’re passionate about healthcare, behavioral health, education, or social services, there’s a place for you to make a meaningful difference. Company Mission The mission of NARA NW is to provide education, physical, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and anyone in need. At NARA NW, we deliver services and support to Native American and Alaska Native communities, helping individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. With over 450 employees across a variety of programs—including medical and dental care, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and enrichment initiatives NARA NW offers numerous opportunities for growth and advancement, all while making a tangible, positive impact on the lives of others. Position Overview The Referral Coordinator refers patients for specialty medical and mental health services. The Coordinator tracks referrals, follows documentation procedure, and supports care coordination throughout the referral process. The Coordinator will also complete internal referrals from Medical and Mental Health to other NARA NW programs and resources, such as housing, food bank, supported employment, and A&D services. They will maintain a referral tracking spreadsheet used to provide management with regular reports on both internal and external referrals. This position gathers pertinent information from providers, billing staff, insurance, and other ancillary staff to ensure referrals are successfully completed. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a structured, high-volume environment, has strong administrative and technology skills, and takes pride in providing excellent customer service. Every day, you'll help patients navigate barriers to care while ensuring referral documentation, authorizations, and follow-up activities are completed accurately and efficiently. What You Will Do Track and manage Medical and Mental Health referrals, including status updates, authorizations, follow-up, and completion.Understand insurance and grant coverage, benefits, eligibility requirements, and service limitations.Accurately document patient information, insurance/grant information, referrals, and authorizations in Athena and RPMS.Assist patients with questions related to enrollment, claims, benefits, referrals, authorizations, and available resources.Receive and respond to inquiries from patients, providers, and insurance vendors.Prepare and send referral documentation to receiving providers or organizations.Communicate insurance-related changes to appropriate NARA NW staff, including the Billing Department.Prepare tracking reports for management. Successful Candidates Will Be highly organized and detail-orientedCommunicate professionally with patients, providers, and insurance representativesAccurately manage repetitive processes Handle a high volume of referrals while maintaining exceptional attention to detailRemain patient-focused when navigating referral delays or denialsTake ownership of tasks and follow through