GSMG Outpatient Care Coordinator - Orthopedics Clinic

Good Shepherd Health Care•Hermiston, OR

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Outpatient Care Coordinator is an essential member of the outpatient care team, coordinating and managing patient care services across the continuum. Working with providers, patients, families, interdisciplinary teams, and community resources, the coordinator assesses patient needs, develops and monitors care plans, facilitates authorizations, arranges timely follow-up, and provides health education and advocacy. The role supports effective communication, continuity of care, and patient-centered outcomes, particularly for patients with complex medical, behavioral, or socioeconomic needs. Alongside administrative coordination, the coordinator may assist with direct patient care tasks, such as nursing visits, rooming, and taking vital signs, when needed, including during staff shortages. The role requires clinical knowledge, strong communication and critical-thinking skills, and adaptability in a fast-paced outpatient setting. The position is primarily performed indoors in a healthcare environment and involves frequent exposure to infectious diseases, hazardous materials, and medical equipment. The schedule is 40 hours, day shift; evenings or weekends may be required based on patient or clinic needs.

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.
Proficiency with computers, multi-line phones, and standard office equipment.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills with diverse patients.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple patients and tasks simultaneously.
Ability to interpret clinical care plans and explain information to patients in layman's terms.
Familiarity with community health resources, social determinants of health, and patient education tools.
Compassionate, patient-centered approach; empathy, cultural sensitivity, and professionalism.
Self-motivation, dependability, and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.
Emotional resilience and composure in a fast-paced clinic setting.
Sufficient auditory ability to detect and respond to sounds, including patient alarms and verbal communication.
Visual acuity to observe patient conditions, read documentation and monitors, and distinguish colors for clinical purposes.
Tactile perception and motor coordination for patient assessment, handling medical equipment, and performing procedures.
Ability to walk and stand typically continuously throughout the shift, and occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds independently; frequent pushing, pulling, carrying, or repositioning of objects or patients up to 25 pounds; and occasional lifting or transferring of individuals over 100 pounds using appropriate techniques, mechanical aids, or team assistance.
Ability to sit for long periods of time.

Nice To Haves

Medical Assistant certification, LPN license, or formal training in care coordination, community health work, or a healthcare-related field.
MA or LPN credential.
Knowledge of population health and/or care-coordination workflows.
Familiarity with electronic medical records; Epic preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with providers, patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams to create, implement, and monitor individualized care plans.
Coordinate referrals, tests, and follow-up appointments to support timely and appropriate care.
Track care-plan goals and document progress in the electronic health record (EHR).
Serve as a point of contact for patients and families regarding treatment plans, follow-ups, referrals, and services.
Provide health education and help patients navigate resources to promote understanding and engagement.
Assist with MyChart setup, appointment reminders, and follow-through on care gaps.
Obtain prior authorizations for medications, procedures, and equipment in collaboration with providers and insurance payors.
Schedule specialist appointments and obtain required documentation or records from external facilities.
Research and connect patients with scarce or community-based services as needed.
Document patient interactions, care-coordination steps, and clinical updates accurately in the patient chart.
Communicate with care-team members to provide timely updates and maintain alignment on care plans.
Respond in a timely manner to patient calls, provider messages, pharmacy and insurance inquiries, and task assignments.
Assist with back-office duties during staffing shortages, including rooming, taking vital signs, immunizations, and blood pressure checks.
Support walk-in nursing visits, such as injections, wound checks, or weight assessments, under clinical guidance.
Participate in staff huddles, care-team meetings, and quality initiatives; promote teamwork, respect, and patient-centered care.
Provide input on process improvements for care coordination and patient access.
Assist with clerical and administrative tasks related to patient care coordination and perform other assigned duties.
Float across departments or work evenings or weekends when required by patient or clinic needs.
Support the hospital mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures, and participate in required education for DNV programs as applicable.