Part Time Entry-Level Financial Counselor (Sacramento)

Northern California Behavioral Health System•Sacramento, CA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Our mission at this healthcare facility is to ensure every patient feels informed, supported, and empowered when making financial decisions about their care. We value empathy, accuracy, and teamwork, and we work every day to make the patient experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. As an Entry-Level Financial Counselor, you will be the bridge between patients, their families, and our business office. Your work will directly impact how patients access care, understand their financial options, and navigate insurance or assistance programs. By ensuring accurate admissions, clear communication, and proactive financial guidance, you’ll help reduce billing issues, improve reimbursement rates, and create a more positive patient journey.

Requirements

High school degree or equivalent
Two years of healthcare experience
Two years of insurance verification experience
Current NCI equivalent as approved by the Chief Nursing Officer (or obtained within the first 30 days of hire).
Current CPI Certification ( or obtained within first 30 days of hire)
Current BLS Certification (or obtained within first 30 days of hire)
Strong customer service skills with a patient-first mindset.
Good PC skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and data entry systems.
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with a talent for explaining complex information clearly.
High attention to detail and accuracy in handling sensitive information.
Ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments in a fast-paced environment.
Use standard office equipment and access, input, and retrieve information from a computer.
Use computer keyboard with manual and finger dexterity and wrist-finger speed sufficient to perform repetitive actions efficiently for extended periods of time.
Communicate effectively in person or via telephone in a manner which can be understood by those with whom the person is speaking, including a diverse population.
Give and follow verbal and written instructions with attention to detail and accuracy.
Perform complex mental functions and basic arithmetic functions; interpret complex laws, regulations, and policies; collect, interpret, and/or analyze complex data and information.
Vision: see details of objects at close range.
Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.
Reach forward, up, down, and to the side.
Sit or stand for minimum periods of one hour at a time and come and go from the work area repeatedly throughout the day.
Lift fifteen (15) pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Medi-Cal/Healthcare insurance verification and billing preferred.
Knowledge of CPT/ICD-10 coding helpful.
Thorough knowledge of medical terminology.
Knows what a copay, coinsurance, deductible and an out-of-pocket maximum are
Knows how these affect claim adjudication and patient responsibility
Knows how to calculate patient’s estimated responsibility based on benefits and scheduled procedure(s) using Excel
Knows how to read and interpret insurance benefits
Previous experience in healthcare admissions, billing, or customer service is a plus, but not required—training will be provided.

Responsibilities

Welcome and interview incoming patients or their families to gather essential personal and insurance information.
Arrange and coordinate patient admissions, ensuring all required paperwork is completed accurately and on time.
Verify insurance coverage and communicate admission details promptly to relevant departments.
Provide clear, compassionate financial counseling to patients and authorized family members before admission.
Assist patients with Medi-Cal eligibility, applications, and other financial assistance programs.
Contact county offices for Treatment Authorization Requests (TAR) and follow up on payment status.
Support collections efforts by addressing billing inquiries and helping resolve outstanding balances.
Collaborate with the business office to reduce claim denials and increase reimbursement rates.
Maintain accurate records and respond promptly to patient and staff inquiries.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the smooth operation of the admissions and billing process.