Eligibility Specialist 1

Savista•Chicago, IL

1d•$20 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

Savista is hiring an Eligibility Specialist 1 to help patients navigate financial assistance programs and access essential medical care. The specialist meets with patients and families in person, including at bedside, and communicates with them by phone to assess eligibility, complete screenings, and gather required documentation. The role guides patients through applications for Medicaid, Medicare, disability, and hospital charity care; acts as a liaison among patients, hospital staff, and government agencies; and helps resolve coverage and eligibility issues. The position manages a high caseload, follows up on pending applications, meets deadlines and productivity and quality expectations, and explains financial responsibilities and assistance options clearly and empathetically. It also involves maintaining accurate, confidential records in compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies, using multiple systems to document and track patient information, providing limited coverage at nearby hospital locations as needed, and completing special projects. The primary location is St. Mary Hospital in Chicago, with work at nearby hospitals and occasional local travel as operational needs require. The stated schedule is Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; flexibility is required to meet business needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Proficiency in English and Spanish.
At least 1 year of experience in healthcare eligibility, financial counseling, case management, or patient advocacy.
Basic knowledge of state and federal assistance programs, such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security Disability.
Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Ability to navigate multiple software systems, applications, and platforms efficiently and simultaneously.
Ability to explain complex information clearly and empathetically.
Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
Ability to establish rapport with patients through empathetic communication and demonstrate care for their needs and concerns.
Dependability, a solution-oriented approach, and ability to collaborate with patients, hospital partners, and internal teams and colleagues.
Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
Ability to travel locally occasionally based on operational needs.

Responsibilities

Meet with patients in person, including at bedside, to assess eligibility for financial assistance programs.
Contact patients by phone to support screenings and completion of required documentation.
Guide patients through applications for Medicaid, Medicare, disability, and hospital charity care, ensuring accurate and timely submissions.
Act as a liaison among patients, hospital staff, and government agencies to secure coverage and resolve eligibility issues.
Manage a high caseload by prioritizing tasks, following up on pending applications, meeting deadlines, and meeting productivity and quality expectations (KPIs).
Explain financial responsibilities and assistance options clearly and empathetically.
Maintain accurate and confidential records in compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
Use multiple systems and tools to document, track, and report patient information.
Provide limited staffing coverage at nearby hospital locations as needed.
Complete special projects as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
HSA and FSA accounts; company HSA contributions.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
Accident, hospital indemnity, and critical illness insurance.
Life insurance, supplemental insurance, spouse and dependent life insurance, pet insurance, and legal insurance.
401(k) with company match.
Access to certified financial planners.
17 days of PTO for full-time colleagues, with increases based on tenure.
9 paid holidays.
40 hours of paid volunteer time each year through the Heart & Soul program.
Premium LinkedIn Learning access and the SOAR development program.
Free Calm Premium subscription.
Colleague Assistance Program (EAP), including access to licensed professional counselors and work/life resources.
Employee discounts, including Perk Spot, discounted cell-phone plans through Previ, and home and auto insurance discounts.