Patients Access Specialist - Late Morning Shift, Full Time (1.0 FTE)

About the role

The Patient Access Specialist I is responsible for providing excellent quality and compassionate customer service. This position ensures patients are accurately scheduled and registered for clinic and hospital services, and supports patients throughout their care experience, including financial liability.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and register patients in the applicable software system(s) while ensuring data integrity and accuracy, including patient identification, insurance, and benefit verification.
• Verify acquisition of referrals and pre‑authorizations for applicable services.
• Conduct registration interview with patients prior to the initial visit.
• Perform point‑of‑service collections for patient financial responsibility, including co‑payments, co‑insurances, and statement balances; generate payment receipts and manage the daily cash drawer.
• Operate a multi‑line telephone system to receive, route, and respond to incoming calls in a timely, professional manner, and relay necessary information to relevant staff.
• Respond to patient inquiries and requests, completing accurate patient intake while ensuring comfort, dignity, safety, and confidentiality.
• Complete daily work queue assignments and perform general administrative tasks, including processing incoming, outgoing, and inter‑office mail.
• Research and analyze alternatives for improving workflows.
• Perform special projects and other related duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions – Staff Member Responsibilities

• Adapt to changes in the work environment by asking clarifying questions and providing constructive input respectfully.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors and co‑workers.
• Create positive experiences for patients, customers, and co‑workers by consistently meeting SPMC service standards.
• Participate in ongoing skills training and competency development.
• Exhibit effective work skills, delivering quality, accurate, and timely results; re‑prioritize as needed.
• Facilitate teamwork by actively engaging in team activities, welcoming new members, and promoting a positive work environment.
• Foster an environment of trust by treating others with courtesy and respect, avoiding gossip or triangulation.
• Support the Summit Pacific mission, vision, and values by understanding departmental contributions and participating in strategies and tactics.

Organizational Responsibilities

All employees are expected to adhere to Summit Pacific behavior and patient experience standards, comply with policies, procedures, and regulatory guidelines, and act in an ethical, professional, respectful, and collaborative manner.

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent (required).
• Associate’s Degree (preferred).
• Healthcare experience (preferred).
• Knowledge of medical terminology (preferred).
• Knowledge of healthcare revenue cycle (preferred).

Required Licenses, Certifications, and/or Registrations

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification encouraged.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced setting while providing timely, exceptional customer service with a positive, professional demeanor.
• Proficiency with insurance verification processes using multiple online and telephone registry systems.
• Strong computer and technology skills, including Microsoft Office, email, multi‑line phones, credit card machines, and fax machines.
• Strong problem‑solving, organization, and prioritization abilities.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and on‑task during emergencies, high‑volume, or stressful periods.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing workloads, locations, and task assignments.
• Professional written and verbal communication skills, with sensitivity to emotional, social, and mental health needs.
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to develop and maintain accurate documentation and records.
• Basic mathematics skills and understanding of healthcare revenue functions.
• Ability to maintain a clean, organized, and professional work environment.
• Team‑oriented attitude and collaborative engagement.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent lifting (30‑70% of time) of 10‑35 lb; occasional lifting of
• Frequent standing, walking, and bending/stooping.
• Occasional pushing/pulling up to 35 lb.
• Vision and hearing within normal range, with or without corrective devices.
• Speech within normal range, with or without corrective devices.
• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens (BBP) as required by job duties.

Pay

Pay range (depending on experience): $22.60 – $31.55 per hour.

Schedule

SVC contract; 8‑hour shifts in a 40‑hour work week.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, prescription, dental (including orthodontia), and vision insurance
• Healthcare FSA and daycare FSA (subsidized daycare benefit)
• Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Short‑ and long‑term disability
• Generous employer 403(b) match contributions for retirement
• 457 retirement account for additional funds
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Smoking cessation assistance
• Employee wellness program, on‑site gym, instructor‑led fitness classes (yoga, kettlebells, bootcamps)
• Walking trails on site
• Opportunities to join employee committees (e.g., Spirit Team)

Additional Information

Summit Pacific Medical Center is a nonprofit public hospital district serving east Grays Harbor County, Washington. Founded in 1982, it operates a critical access hospital, three primary‑care clinics, an urgent‑care clinic, and a range of ancillary and specialty services. The community offers year‑round recreational activities such as hiking, kayaking, whale watching, fishing, hunting, and nearby cultural attractions. Nearby colleges include Grays Harbor College and other regional institutions.