Eligibility Specialist 1

Savista•Kankakee, IL

1d•$20 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Eligibility Specialist I advocates for uninsured and underinsured patients by assessing eligibility for financial assistance and helping them access medical care. The role guides patients through applications for government- and charity-funded programs, including Medicaid, Medicare, Disability, and hospital charity care, while ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with healthcare regulations. It involves in-person patient interactions, including bedside visits, and liaison work with hospital staff and government agencies to establish eligibility, secure funding, and resolve coverage issues. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week hourly position. Work is onsite at St. Mary Kankakee Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois, with flexibility to support nearby hospital locations in the assigned market area for vacancy coverage as needed. Shifts are available Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to meet business needs. Travel is 0–15%. The role requires managing a high caseload, maintaining confidential and accurate records, using multiple systems and databases, meeting productivity and quality metrics, and completing special projects as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 1 year of experience in a customer-facing role.
Flexibility to support nearby hospital locations within the assigned market area for vacancy coverage as needed.
Strong organizational skills and the 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.
Demonstrated care for patients’ needs and concerns and 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

Proficiency in English and Spanish.
Familiarity with state and federal assistance programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security Disability.
Experience in healthcare financial counseling, patient advocacy, or case management.

Responsibilities

Meet with patients in person, including bedside visits, to assess financial assistance eligibility and provide compassionate 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 to patients empathetically and professionally.
Maintain accurate and confidential records in compliance 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 in the assigned market area as needed.
Complete special projects as assigned.