Access Optimization Specialist

Saint Francis Healthcare System; Cape Girardeau (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Saint Francis Healthcare System in Missouri is seeking an Access Optimization Specialist to improve patient access, provider capacity, scheduling efficiency, and digital access across the system.

The role serves as an internal subject matter expert and operational consultant, partnering with clinical departments, IT, and leadership to review provider templates, analyze access performance, identify improvement opportunities, and develop data-driven recommendations that balance patient access with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in healthcare administration, business administration, health information management, analytics, information systems, nursing, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three (3) years in healthcare operations, ambulatory operations, patient access, scheduling, practice management, healthcare analytics, or related field.
• Multi-specialty medical group, Epic scheduling functionality, digital scheduling technologies, process improvement, and physician partnership experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advances patient access, provider capacity, scheduling efficiency, and digital access across the healthcare system.
• Serves as an internal subject matter expert and operational consultant, partnering with clinical departments, providers, practice leadership, Patient Access, Information Technology, and other stakeholders to evaluate and optimize scheduling templates, appointment workflows, capacity, and digital scheduling opportunities.
• Conducts structured reviews of departments and provider templates, analyzes access and capacity performance, identifies opportunities for improvement, and develops data-driven recommendations that balance patient access, provider productivity, clinical needs, and organizational standards.
• Supports the organization's Access Governance structure by providing analysis, recommendations, performance reporting, and ongoing monitoring of access initiatives.

Education

Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, business administration, health information management, analytics, information systems, nursing, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience

Job description

The Access Optimization Specialist is responsible for advancing patient access, provider capacity, scheduling efficiency, and digital access across the healthcare system. This position serves as an internal subject matter expert and operational consultant, partnering with clinical departments, providers, practice leadership, Patient Access, Information Technology, and other stakeholders to evaluate and optimize provider scheduling templates, appointment workflows, capacity, and digital scheduling opportunities. The Access Optimization Specialist conducts structured reviews of departments and provider templates, analyzes access and capacity performance, identifies opportunities for improvement, and develops data-driven recommendations that balance patient access, provider productivity, clinical needs, and organizational standards. The position supports the organization's Access Governance structure by providing analysis, recommendations, performance reporting, and ongoing monitoring of access initiatives.

Job Details and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, business administration, health information management, analytics, information systems, nursing, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience- required

Experience

• Three (3) years in healthcare operations, ambulatory operations, patient access, scheduling, practice management, healthcare analytics, or related field- required
• Multi-specialty medical group, Epic scheduling functionality, digital scheduling technologies, process improvement, and physician partnership experience- preferred

Why Work at Saint Francis?

Saint Francis Healthcare System began in 1875 when three courageous Franciscan Sisters answered a call to care for those in need. What started as a 12‑bed hospital has grown into the region’s leading healthcare system—recognized nationally for exceptional quality, safety, and patient experience.

Today, Saint Francis serves more than 715,000 people across five states. With a 306‑bed Medical Center, nearly 3,000 team members, and over 300 providers, Saint Francis is not only the largest healthcare system between St. Louis and Memphis—it’s a powerful economic anchor for the communities it serves.

You’ll find more than 50 specialties, the region’s only Level III Emergency and Trauma Center, and southeast Missouri’s first Level III NICU. The system’s employed physician group, Saint Francis Medical Partners, supports more than 40 outreach clinics and 70% of the area’s primary care providers.

At Saint Francis, you’re not just doing a job – you’re part of a Catholic healing ministry rooted in compassion, dignity, and service. Every action is inspired by a commitment to honor human life and care for every person who walks through the doors.

A Mission That Matters

At Saint Francis, you’re not just doing a job - you’re part of a Catholic healing ministry rooted in compassion, dignity, and service. Every action is inspired by a commitment to honor human life and care for every person who walks through the doors.

Mission

To provide a ministry of healing, wellness, quality, and love inspired by our faith in Jesus Christ.

Vision

To be a leading Catholic healthcare system that celebrates and protects the gift of life by providing exceptional patient outcomes in quality, safety, access and value.

Values You Can Feel Every Day

• Integrity: Doing what’s right, even when no one is watching
• Stewardship: Managing resources wisely for the future
• Faith: Believing in a purpose greater than ourselves
• Hope: Lifting up those who feel discouraged
• Joy: Serving others with a grateful, happy heart
• Compassion: Seeing others through Christ's eyes
• Excellence: Always striving to be the best
• Dignity: Respecting human life from beginning to end

If You’re Looking to Make a True Impact…

Saint Francis offers a workplace where your work has purpose, your team feels like family, and your contributions support a mission that has been changing lives for more than 150 years.

Total Rewards

Our most important asset is our colleagues. That's why Saint Francis Healthcare System offers a comprehensive benefits program to meet all your needs. Colleagues working at least 24 hours per week will have access to our Total Rewards package as outlined below.

• Comprehensive and affordable health coverage including medical, prescription, dental and vision - available on the first of the month after hire date
• Saint Francis Medical Services Discount
• Earned Time Off (ETO) based on relevant years of work history. ETO combines vacation, sick, holidays, and personal days into one balance to allow for flexibility
• Retirement benefits including SFHS immediate matching
• Education Assistance benefits up to $5,000 per calendar year for one year of service after graduation
• Other benefits including: Benefit Support through Health Advocate, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Earned Wage Access

To learn more about our Total Rewards package and eligibility, visit www.sfmc.net/careers/benefits/.

Saint Francis Healthcare System provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Saint Francis Healthcare System complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.