The Financial Counselor, under the general supervision of the Manager of Patient Financial Services and/or Clinic Management, is responsible for supporting patients and their families in understanding and meeting their financial obligations for medical services. This position serves as a key point of contact for patients needing assistance with insurance benefits, financial assistance programs, and payment arrangements. The Financial Counselor assists patients in applying for funding sources such as the Oregon Health Plan and the GRH Financial Assistance Program. This role includes providing accurate estimates of out-of-pocket expenses, communicating payment expectations prior to services, and establishing monthly payment plans. The counselor also works closely with departments including Patient Access, Case Management, and Revenue Cycle Leadership to ensure consistent and accurate financial information is shared across the care continuum.

Qualifications:
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Two (2) years’ experience working directly with the public, providing customer service, or
managing sensitive financial information.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist patients in applying for healthcare coverage through various programs, including Oregon Health Plan and the GRH Financial Assistance Program.
Estimate and communicate out-of-pocket expenses (co-pays, deductibles, co-insurance) to patients prior to service delivery.
Coordinate with Patient Access and Clinic staff to ensure all patients are offered assistance in applying for financial coverage.
Communicate with patients about their anticipated financial responsibilities for elective or medically necessary services.
Serve as a liaison with Patient Access and Clinic personnel to assess medical necessity and patient responsibility for services.
Assist patients in setting up payment plans for services and collect upfront payments when necessary.
Maintain current knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and third-party payer requirements, including prior authorizations.
Provide accurate service estimates upon request and communicate self-pay portions to patients.
Assist in coordinating pre-surgical authorizations with appropriate departments.
Ensure compliance with all healthcare policies and standards, and address patient billing complaints as needed.

Skills and Abilities:

Strong problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to identify and resolve financial issues.
Proficient in the use of office software, especially MS Office and Epic system.
High level of accuracy in data entry and billing processes.
Ability to manage time effectively, handle multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with patients and staff.
Ability to explain complex financial concepts in a clear and understandable way to patients.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

Ability to occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 20 pounds, such as files or office supplies.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written materials on a computer screen or paper.
Ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking in person or on telephone.
Requires frequent use of the computer with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk.
Must be able to perform the primary duties and responsibilities of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Compensation:

$19.13-$26.36 DOE

Mission: Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics will ensure access to high quality, cost-effective
health care in a safe and customer-friendly environment for all those in need of our services.
Vision: Quality health care is our mission. Patients are our passion.
Values: Creativity, Compassion, Collaboration, Credibility

Benefits

Health Insurance
Vision Insurance
Dental Insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA and Health Savings Account (HSA) Options
401K Plan with Roth Options
401K 3% employer match and a 2% base non-elective employer contribution
Eligibility for company-paid benefits such as life insurance and long-term disability, subject to applicable waiting periods
Option to elect Supplemental employee, spouse, and child life insurance
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Access to the Employee Assistance Program
Discounts: available for meals in the cafeteria and over-the-counter pharmacy items
Exercise/Fitness Facility: access to the Rehab Therapy Fitness Center for the employee and dependents