Access Manager, Surgical Oncology - 141138

UC San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 91,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego's Surgical Oncology department seeks an Access Manager to lead patient scheduling across breast health services, supervise scheduling staff, and drive workflow standardization to improve accessibility. You will partner with Oncology Access and Surgery leadership, coach team members, and monitor metrics such as third-next-available, no-show rates, and room utilization to optimize capacity.

Nine years of related experience or a BA with five years in healthcare operations, plus strong

Qualifications

• Nine years of related experience or a BA with five years in a related area, including two+ years in healthcare operations.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and innovative problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze problems and apply effective solutions.
• Strong customer service abilities with a commitment to supporting internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated supervisory and organizational skills to supervise staff and manage complex workflows and priorities.
• Effective interpersonal, time management, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with computer systems and scheduling applications.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily access operations for Surgical Oncology, ensuring efficient scheduling of new patient consults, clinic visits, and surgical cases.
• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management to access and scheduling staff.
• Partner with the call center leader to ensure continuous communication regarding clinical operations that impact call center workflow.
• Proactively manage key access metrics, including third-next-available, no-show rates, room utilization, and appointment utilization.
• Ensure appropriate utilization of appointment slots and manage overbooks to minimize patient impact.
• Plan, assign, and direct work; onboard, orient, and train new team members; address performance issues as they arise.
• Implement and reinforce standardized workflows, protocols, and service expectations.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for outpatient scheduling requirements and procedures.
• Collaborate with physicians and clinical teams to improve patient access pathways.
• Conduct operational and financial analysis to support process improvement initiatives and recommend changes to enhance access and efficiency.
• Maintain a compassionate and supportive team culture that prioritizes patient-centered service and operational excellence.

Skills

Customer service

Supervisory skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Written & verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related area

Tools

Scheduling software

Excel

Job description

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 8/28/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

The Access Manager, Surgical Oncology, is a key access leader responsible for ensuring an exceptional patient scheduling experience across our comprehensive breast health services. This role provides direct staff supervision, oversees daily access operations, supports staff through consistent coaching and development, and drives accountability for established workflows and protocols. This position plays a vital role in optimizing appointment scheduling and supporting faculty practices.

Working closely with Oncology Access and Surgery Leadership, the Access Manager helps advance initiatives to improve access metrics and enhance the patient experience. This role collaborates directly with physicians and clinical leaders on access-related workflows and priorities. Serves as a first-line decision-making resource for staff and patient concerns.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily access operations for Surgical Oncology, ensuring efficient scheduling of new patient consults, clinic visits, and surgical cases.

• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management to access and scheduling staff.

• Partner with the call center leader to ensure continuous communication regarding clinical operations that impact call center workflow.

• Proactively manage key access metrics, including third-next-available, no-show rates, room utilization, and appointment utilization, identifying trends and recommending improvements.

• Ensure appropriate utilization of appointment slots and manage overbooks to minimize patient impact.

• Plan, assign, and direct work; onboard, orient, and train new team members; and address performance issues as they arise.

• Implement and reinforce standardized workflows, protocols, and service expectations.

• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for outpatient scheduling requirements and procedures.

• Collaborate closely with physicians and clinical teams to improve patient access pathways.

• Conduct operational and financial analysis to support process improvement initiatives and recommend changes to enhance access and efficiency.

• Maintain a compassionate and supportive team culture that prioritizes patient-centered service and operational excellence.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Nine (9) years of related experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor's degree in a related area plus five (5) years of related experience/training, including two (2+) or more years in healthcare operations or a related field, preferably in access.

• Demonstrated critical thinking and innovative problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly analyze problems, determine the appropriate level of intervention, and develop and apply effective solutions.

• Strong customer service abilities, with a commitment to supporting both internal and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrated supervisory and organizational skills to supervise staff effectively and to manage the complex workflow and multiple priorities involved with clinic/center administration.

• Effective interpersonal, time management, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency with computer systems and scheduling applications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Supervisory office management experience within an outpatient oncology setting.

• Previous leadership role, which includes managing direct reports, project management, conducting performance evaluations, and creating/managing reports in Excel.

• Ability to think creatively and independently on concepts requiring advanced analytical skills.

• Advanced knowledge of administrative, budgetary, human resources, and financial principles and practices.

• Demonstrated project management experience.

• Lean Six Sigma experience.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $90,600 - $166,400 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $43.39 - $79.69

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).