GSMG Outpatient Care Coordinator

Good Shepherd Health Care•Hermiston, OR

2d•$23 - $34

About The Position

The Care Coordinator is an essential member of the outpatient care team responsible for coordinating and managing patient care services across the continuum. Working in partnership with providers, patients, families, and community resources, the Care Coordinator assesses patient needs, develops care plans, facilitates authorization, ensures timely follow-up, and provides health education and advocacy. This role ensures effective communication, continuity of care, and a patient centered approach to support better health outcomes, particularly for patients with complex medical, behavioral, or socioeconomic needs. In addition to administrative coordination duties, the Care Coordinator may assist with direct patient care tasks as needed (e.g., nursing visits, rooming, vitals), especially during staff shortages. This hybrid role requires strong clinical knowledge, communication skills, critical thinking, and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
BLS certification.
Clinical experience in a medical office or outpatient care setting. Experience working with patient care plans, authorizations, or community health resources
Knowledge of medical terminology, healthcare systems, and insurance authorization processes
Proficient in use of computers, multi-line phones, and standard office equipment
Effective communication and interpersonal skills with diverse patients
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple patients and tasks simultaneously
Ability to interpret clinical care plans and relay information to patients in layman's terms
Familiarity with community health resources, social determinants of health, and patient education tools
Compassionate and patient-centered approach
Demonstrates empathy, cultural sensitivity, and professionalism
Self-motivated, dependable, and able to work independently and collaboratively
Maintains confidentiality and complies with HIPAA regulations
Displays emotional resilience and composure in a fast-paced clinic setting

Nice To Haves

Medical Assistant certification, LPN license, or formal training in care coordination, community health worker, or a healthcare-related field.
MA or LPN credential preferred but not required
Knowledge of population health and/or care coordination workflows. Familiarity with electronic medical records (Epic preferred).

Responsibilities

Collaborates with providers, patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams to create, implement, and monitor individualized care plans.
Coordinates referrals, tests, and follow-up appointments to support timely and appropriate care.
Tracks care plan goals and documents progress in the electronic health record (EHR).
Serves as a point of contact for patients and families regarding treatment plans, follow-ups, referrals, and services.
Facilitates health education and resource navigation to promote understanding and patient engagement.
Assists with MyChart setup, appointment reminders, and follow-through on care gaps.
Obtains prior authorizations for medications, procedures, and equipment in collaboration with providers and insurance payors.
Schedules for specialist appointments and secures required documentation or records from external facilities.
Research and connect patients with scarce or community-based services as needed.
Accurately documents interactions, care coordination steps, and clinical updates in the patient chart (EHR).
Communicates consistently with all members of the care team to ensure timely updates and care plan alignment.
Responds to patient calls, provider messages, pharmacy/insurance inquiries, and task assignments in a timely manner.
Assists with back-office duties during staffing shortages (e.g., rooming, vitals, immunizations, blood pressure checks).
Supports walk-in nursing visits such as injections, wound checks, or weight assessments under clinical guidance.
Participates in staff huddles, care team meetings, and quality initiatives to support clinic goals.
Promotes a culture of teamwork, respect, and patient-centered care.
Provides input on process improvements for care coordination and patient access.
Assists with clerical and administrative tasks related to patient care coordination.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Practice Manager or Clinic Supervisor.
May be required to float across departments or work evenings/weekends based on patient or clinic needs.
The employee supports the hospital mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.
Participates in required education for DNV programs as applicable to position.
Performs other related duties as assigned