Patient Services Associate - Behavioral Health Service Line

University of Arkansas•Little Rock, AR

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Patient Services Associate (PSA) for the Behavioral Health Service Line (BHSL) General adult inpatient unit is a specifically trained member of the unit-based care team who provides both clerical and patient care support. The BHSL General Adult Inpatient Unit is located in the Psychiatric Research Institute building on the main UAMS campus.

Requirements

High School Diploma, GED, or formal education equivalent
1 year of work experience in the Health Care Field
Excellent oral and written communication skills, ability to accept and follow written and verbal instructions, ability to communicate following Guest Care guidelines
Successful completion of the UAMS PCT and PSC courses
Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Responsibilities

Greet and assist patients, families, and visitors in a professional, compassionate, and respectful manner.
Coordinate patient check-in and check-out, appointment scheduling, registration, and demographic verification.
Verify insurance coverage, obtain required patient information, and assist with referrals and authorizations.
Maintain accurate and confidential patient records in electronic health record (EHR) systems.
Answer telephone calls, respond to patient inquiries, and communicate messages to appropriate clinical staff.
Coordinate appointments and support communication between patients, providers, nurses, therapists, and other members of the behavioral health care team.
Assist patients with navigating behavioral health services, resources, referrals, and follow-up appointments.
Maintain patient confidentiality and follow HIPAA, organizational policies, and behavioral health safety protocols.
Recognize and appropriately escalate patient concerns, behavioral changes, or safety issues to licensed clinical staff according to established procedures.
Provide administrative support for psychiatric, counseling, substance-use, and other behavioral health services.
Collect and document payments, copayments, and other required financial information while maintaining professionalism and sensitivity.
Prepare and maintain clinical and administrative documentation, reports, forms, and correspondence.
Help maintain an organized, welcoming, and safe environment for patients experiencing emotional or behavioral health concerns.
Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to support efficient patient flow and continuity of care.
Demonstrate empathy, patience, cultural sensitivity, and professionalism when interacting with patients who may be experiencing crisis, anxiety, or emotional distress.
Perform other duties as needed.
Employee must successfully complete a UAMS-sponsored conflict management training to identify, prevent, and mitigate disruptive behaviors using methods such as non-escalation, de-escalation, personal protection from physical assaults, and physical alternatives within six months of hire.