Eligibility Specialist 1(Bilingual Spanish Required)

Savista•Aurora, CO

12d•$19 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Eligibility Specialist I is a patient advocate who helps uninsured and underinsured individuals access financial assistance for medical care. The role involves assessing eligibility, guiding patients through government and charity-funded program applications, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. The position is full-time, hourly, and onsite, with a 40-hour workweek. The primary hospital location is Mercy Medical Center in Aurora, Illinois, with limited support at nearby locations for vacancy coverage. The available schedule is Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; flexibility is required to meet business needs. Travel is 0–15%. The salary range is $19–$24 per hour, with actual compensation depending on factors including location, experience, certifications, and skills.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Proficiency in English and Spanish.
At least 1 year of experience in a customer-facing role, preferably in healthcare or financial counseling.
Flexibility to support nearby hospital locations within the assigned market area for vacancy coverage as needed.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information clearly and empathetically.
Ability to identify solutions to financial challenges and use program knowledge to benefit patients.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and patient needs.
Genuine care for patients’ needs and concerns, with the ability to build trust and rapport.
Ability to work effectively with colleagues, hospital staff, and external agencies.
Ability to ensure documentation is accurate, complete, and submitted on time.
Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Experience in healthcare revenue cycle, financial counseling, or insurance verification.
Familiarity with state and federal assistance programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security Disability.
Knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare accounts receivable processes.

Responsibilities

Meet with patients in person, including bedside visits, to assess financial assistance eligibility and provide guidance on available programs.
Facilitate applications for Medicaid, Medicare, Disability, and hospital charity care, ensuring accurate documentation is submitted on time.
Liaise with patients, hospital staff, and government agencies to establish eligibility, secure funding, and resolve coverage issues.
Manage a high caseload, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and follow up on pending applications.
Explain financial obligations, funding options, and program details clearly and empathetically.
Maintain accurate, confidential records in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
Meet productivity and quality metrics in support of financial counseling objectives.
Use multiple systems and databases to gather, track, and report patient data.
Provide vacancy coverage at nearby hospital locations as needed.
Complete special projects as assigned.