Bilingual Patient Engagement Specialist

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 142,000 - 193,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Minnesota seeks a Casual Bilingual Patient Engagement Specialist (Spanish or Somali) for the Community University Healthcare Center in Minneapolis. This in-person role supports patients in the lobby, helps them access information, and guides them to resources during clinic hours.

The position is 8 hours per week at an hourly rate of $15.25, with a flexible schedule two 4-hour shifts. Training includes MyChart navigation and patient education in a respectful, culturally sensitive

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of customer service experience.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Bilingual in Spanish or Somali; language proficiency test required.
• Experience working with people from different cultures.

Responsibilities

• Greet, escort, and direct patients to designated appointment areas.
• Assist patients in signing up for and using MyChart.
• Help patients use QR codes to access CUHCC information.
• Offer patient satisfaction surveys.
• Recruit patients for CUHCC programs, classes and events.
• Connect patients to care coordinators for services such as transportation, food, shelter, etc.

Skills

Customer service

Bilingual: Spanish or Somali

Cultural competence

18+ years old

Job description

About the Job

Working Title: Casual Bilingual Patient Engagement Specialist (Spanish or Somali Speaking)

Classification & Title: Job code: 0005 - Casual Nonexempt (up to 14 hours per week)

Reports To: Communications Coordinator

No. Positions: 3

FTE/# Hours per week: 8 hours per week

Hourly Rate of Pay: $15.25/hour

Location: Community University Healthcare Center (CUHCC) 2001 Bloomington Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404

Type of Position: In-person

Exact schedule will be determined based on candidate availability. In general, the schedule will be two 4-hour shifts per week between the hours of 8 am - 4:30 pm, during clinic hours.

Objective/Overview

The Patient Engagement Team supports CUHCC's mission of "Transforming care and education to advance the health of our patients and communities we serve." In this position, individuals gain experience working in a clinical setting by engaging with patients in the lobby and helping them access information, programs, and resources. Patient Engagement Specialists provide patient education and navigation support in a culturally sensitive manner, contributing to a welcoming and supportive patient experience.

Essential Job Functions

• Greet, escort, and direct patients to designated appointment areas (e.g., medical or dental).
• Assist patients in signing up for and using MyChart.
• Help patients use QR codes to access CUHCC information.
• Offer patient satisfaction surveys.
• Recruit patients for CUHCC programs, classes and events.
• Connect patients to care coordinators for services such as transportation, food, shelter, etc.
• Share information and answer questions about CUHCC's services and programs.
• Engage patients in CUHCC health education campaigns (e.g., Colon Cancer Screening Month).
• Maintain lobby cleanliness and safety.

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of experience in customer service.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Bilingual in Spanish or Somali and ability to pass a language proficiency test.
• Experience working with people from different cultures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in schools, clinics or non-profit organizations.
• Great interpersonal skills exhibiting positive attributes (patience, attentiveness, etc.).
• Able to work in a crowded, often loud, and fast-paced environment.
• Outgoing and self-motivated.
• Must be able to stand/walk for long periods of time.
• Comfort learning new digital tools.

Required Application Materials

• Resume
• Please indicate your level of language proficiency on your application materials

CUHCC reserves the right to change or add duties consistent with the job classification. A criminal background check is required for this position.

About the Department

At CUHCC, we're transforming urban health care and educating the next generation of healthcare professionals.

CUHCC offers a full range of dental and mental health services that are typically not offered at a community health center, such as prosthodontic services and psychiatry. CUHCC has pharmacists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, dentists, dental hygienists, nurses, family nurse practitioners, family practice physicians, internal medicine physicians, internal medicine-pediatric physicians, licensed social workers and psychologists among other disciplines on staff.

CUHCC's interprofessional care model uses a collaborative, team-based approach to deliver education and patient care, integrating these services. Students and residents at CUHCC have the opportunity to work with other students and preceptors in other fields to best serve the complex needs of the patients. Over half of CUHCC's mental health patients also receive medical services at CUHCC, allowing CUHCC providers to work collaboratively to provide patient centered care.

As a founding member in the country's first accountable care organization (ACO) for federally qualified health centers, CUHCC is leading change in urban health and improving patient outcomes to meet the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Triple Aim: improve the patient experience, improve patient health, and reduce the cost of patient care.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $15.25/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.