Program Assistant - Behavioral Health

COWLITZ INDIAN TRIBE • Seatac, WA

2d • $27 - $31 • Onsite

About The Position

The Program Assistant ensures the efficient and effective operation of the clinic’s front office and lobby. The role creates a welcoming environment, directs callers, clients, and visitors to appropriate personnel, and maintains professionalism in interactions with internal and external stakeholders. The Program Assistant honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and its Health and Human Services department.

The position is based in Tukwila, Washington. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., depending on business needs. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Work is generally performed in an office or clinical setting with a moderate noise level. Employees may be exposed to bodily fluids, bloodborne pathogens, and infectious diseases, and may need to use personal protective equipment. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, three years of related experience, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to obtain and maintain BLS/CPR and AED certifications. The employee must be able to perform directly observed urinalysis collections for male clients, which requires being the same gender as the client. Pre-employment screening includes a drug screen, reference checks, employment verification, and federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks, including fingerprint verification. The posting also specifies criminal-history exclusions related to certain offenses.

Compensation is $27.15–$31.25 per hour. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, with multiple no-cost options for employees; retirement benefits; and, in the first year, 13 paid vacation days, 13 paid sick leave days, and 15 paid holidays. The Tribe is not covered by Washington State’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three years of related experience.
• Knowledge of patient registration and front-office responsibilities in a healthcare setting.
• Ability to perform directly observed urinalysis collections for male clients; the staff member must be the same gender as the client.
• Obtain and maintain BLS/CPR and AED certifications.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Skill operating word-processing, spreadsheet, and database software in a Windows environment, including electronic healthcare systems.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures related to HIPAA, Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships and contribute to an inclusive environment.
• Knowledge of office functions, procedures, and policies.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Complete a pre-employment drug screen, personal and professional reference checks, employment verification, and required federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks, including fingerprint verification.
• Meet the posting’s stated criminal-history eligibility requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of basic medical terminology.
• Experience working within American Indian and/or Alaska Native communities.

Responsibilities

• Check in arriving clients for intake or assessment, notify staff of patient arrivals, verify insurance information, collect fees and payments, and direct clients to the appropriate service locations.
• Answer incoming telephone calls, determine their purpose, and forward calls to the appropriate personnel or department.
• Process messages and voicemails according to program procedures.
• Monitor building access for visitors and delivery persons, check in arriving visitors, issue visitor identification badges, and direct visitors to appropriate locations.
• Conduct urinalysis collections, including directly observed collections for male clients in accordance with same-gender observation requirements and program protocols.
• Manage urinalysis requisitions and chain-of-custody documentation.
• Maintain efficient and effective clinic front-office and lobby operations, creating a welcoming environment and representing the Tribe and department professionally.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with multiple no-cost options for employees.
• Retirement benefits.
• 13 paid vacation days in the first year.
• 13 paid sick leave days in the first year.
• 15 paid holidays in the first year.
• Opportunities for professional growth and ongoing development.
• Work alongside a dedicated interdisciplinary team committed to whole-person care.

What This Job Offers

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