Intake Specialist - NorthStar Opioid Treatment Program

COWLITZ INDIAN TRIBE • Vancouver, WA

1d • $27 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

Serves as a compassionate first point of contact for individuals entering opioid treatment services. Provides emotional support, gathers intake information, and helps patients access essential resources, including housing, food, transportation, and referrals. Maintains an empathetic, optimistic, and dedicated demeanor in supporting patients as they begin their recovery journey. Adheres to HIPAA and confidentiality requirements. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the HHS department.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One (1) year of office or professional experience.
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
• Must be able to provide health and TB clearance.
• A valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening/investigation according to the established requirements below.
• Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology preferred.
• Knowledge of patient registration and healthcare front office preferred.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures related to HIPAA, Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance programs.
• Knowledge of office functions, procedures, and policies.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheet, and database software programs in a Windows environment, including electronic health care systems.
• Skill in data entry with a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to react to frequent changes in duties and volume of work.
• Ability to demonstrate a customer–first attitude and philosophy.
• Ability to listen empathetically.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to conduct activity ethically.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate situations and adopt effective courses of action.
• Ability to follow Cowlitz OTP and Northstar personnel policies.
• Ability to maintain passion for assisting patients under all circumstances.
• Ability to receive constructive feedback, to share opinions, and uphold beliefs.
• Ability to remain calm, focused, professional, and kind in highly stressful situations.
• Ability to be reliable, flexible, and versatile.
• Ability to maintain humility.

Nice To Haves

• If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes a Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.

Responsibilities

• Maintains availability for patients daily to assist with critical resources and referrals.
• Ensures optimized intake processes for all patients.
• Assists and refines admission experience for patients.
• Develops and works with agencies and service providers to facilitate coordination and information sharing; provides support services as applicable.
• Provides transportation support, housing referrals, and PCP and specialty care coordination.
• Performs patient registration and admission functions, including entering referral data, income verification and insurance data, and ensures data remains up to date over time.
• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with current and potential referral sources.
• Maintains comprehensive working knowledge of community resources and assists patients in accessing community resources.
• Develops, creates, and maintains a resource file of available social service agencies and assistance providers in the target area for use in referring customers for needed services.
• Serves as the face of the clinic to all patients and visitors when filling the role of receptionist.
• Answers calls politely and professionally; refers calls to appropriate staff or takes messages; sets or clears call forwarding when necessary; checks for messages with "on call" person or answering machine each morning.
• Performs clerical, receptionist, and communication functions for the clinic as required.
• Schedules new and returning patients with appropriate staff for medical and clinical counseling appointments; records patient attendance, "no shows," and cancellations.
• Participates in staff meetings and works with other administrative staff as required.
• Maintains a professional and congenial attitude toward coworkers, patients, agencies, and members in the community.
• Uses appropriate technology to accomplish job functions; understands and utilizes available technology such as customer service, communications, and data-gathering tools.
• Assists patients enrolling in Medi-Cal.
• Serves as Emergency Room liaison.
• Coordinates with jail and probation officials.
• Participates in health fairs, community events, and other events where the target population gathers.
• Collects body fluid samples for patients being admitted to treatment.
• Administers TB, pregnancy, and breath alcohol tests to appropriate patients.
• Labels urine test bottles and prepares specimens for mailing or courier pick-up; re-orders supplies when shipment is depleted.
• Floats to the MA or Front office position when needed.
• Upholds commitment to respectful patient- and family-centered care.
• Upholds patient confidentiality and safety.
• Serves as an advocate for patients and families.
• Communicates and collaborates effectively with physicians/team members, patients, and families.
• Works effectively with multidisciplinary team members.
• Promotes mutual respect and trust working within a team model.
• Follows ethical principles regarding patient confidentiality.
• Maintains and practices confidentiality as required by HIPAA regulations regarding client confidentiality and request/release of information.
• Adapts to changes in safety protocols and procedures.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Tribal preference in accordance with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions.
• All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED