Referral Specialist Lead (Internal Only)

Northwest Human Services, Inc. • Salem, OR

3d • $21 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

Northwest Human Services is seeking an experienced and resourceful Referral Specialist Lead to help patients navigate the healthcare system and receive needed care. This role serves as a technical resource and mentor to the Referrals team, coordinates complex referrals and insurance authorizations, and strengthens workflows that support timely access to care. The position works closely with providers, patients, specialists, insurance partners, and leadership to promote continuity of care and improve the patient experience.

The role is based at the West Salem Clinic in Salem, Oregon, and is scheduled full time, Monday through Friday. It is non-exempt and reports to the Patient Access Team Supervisor.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least two years of experience in clinic referrals.
• At least six months of experience working at Northwest Human Services in any capacity using clinical systems.
• Proficiency in medical terminology.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day technical guidance, coaching, and support to Referral Specialists.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on referral processes, pre-authorizations, and department workflows.
• Assist with onboarding and training new Referral Specialists.
• Support team members with complex or escalated referral and authorization requests.
• Initiate and coordinate medical, mental health, and medication pre-authorizations with insurance companies and other third-party payers.
• Facilitate timely patient referrals to specialists and external healthcare facilities.
• Coordinate patient appointments and interpreter services when needed.
• Communicate referral status, authorization requirements, and potential barriers to providers and patients.
• Serve as a super user for referral systems and collaborate with IT to troubleshoot issues and improve workflows.
• Maintain current knowledge of insurance requirements, payer guidelines, medical terminology, ICD-10, and CPT coding.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date specialist information.
• Support compliance, confidentiality, patient safety, and quality improvement initiatives.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage paid 100% by the employer.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 2% employer contribution and up to a 3% employer match.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Paid time off: 10 hours per month for full-time positions at 40 hours per week, increasing up to 20 hours monthly with tenure.
• 7½ paid holidays per year and two paid floating holidays for full-time positions.
• Continuing education and training benefits.
• Employee Healthy Living Program, including gym membership and smoking cessation.

What This Job Offers

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