Care Coordinator / Scheduler

NEXT CARE HOSPICE; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

NEXT CARE HOSPICE is seeking a Patient Care Coordinator to serve as the administrative link between patients, families, and the care team. This non-clinical role coordinates logistics, scheduling, and communications to support compassionate end-of-life care.

The position emphasizes organization, empathetic communication, and coordination across care teams, with potential hybrid work arrangements based on operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration, business, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of administrative or coordination experience in a healthcare setting required.
• Prior hospice, home health, or palliative care experience preferred.
• Experience with EMR systems required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and schedule visits for the interdisciplinary team.
• Maintain patient care schedules and update EMR records in real time.
• Communicate schedule changes to staff and families.
• Assist with intake for new patients and initial assessments.
• Support non-clinical communications and documentation.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in healthcare administration/business

Tools

EMR systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Patient Care Coordinator at Next Care Hospice serves as a vital administrative and organizational link between patients, families, and the interdisciplinary care team. This is a non-clinical, administrative role responsible for coordinating the logistics of patient care, managing scheduling, facilitating communication, and ensuring that operational processes support the delivery of compassionate end-of-life care. The Patient Care Coordinator plays an essential role in helping patients and families navigate hospice services with ease, dignity, and confidence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Care Coordination & Scheduling

• Coordinate and schedule visits for the interdisciplinary team, including nurses, social workers, chaplains, home health aides, and volunteers
• Manage and maintain patient care schedules, updating records in real time to reflect changes in patient status or team availability
• Communicate schedule changes promptly to all relevant staff and family contacts
• Coordinate intake logistics for new patients, including scheduling initial assessments and ensuring required documentation is gathered
• Monitor patient visit frequency to ensure compliance with care plans and regulatory requirements

Patient Family Communication

• Serve as a primary point of contact for patients, families, and caregivers regarding non-clinical questions, scheduling, and service logistics
• Facilitate warm, empathetic communication with families during emotionally sensitive circumstances
• Coordinate and relay non-clinical information between care teams and families, escalating clinical concerns appropriately to nursing staff
• Follow up with families to confirm appointments, gather satisfaction feedback, and ensure service delivery expectations are met

Administrative & Documentation Support

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, ensuring all administrative fields are complete
• Prepare and organize patient care documents, referral packets, and authorization paperwork
• Track certifications, plan of care renewals, and required documentation timelines to ensure compliance
• Generate and distribute reports and summaries for team meetings and supervisory review
• Assist with Medicare/Medicaid and insurance verification processes in coordination with billing staff

Interdisciplinary Team Support

• Participate in interdisciplinary team (IDT) meetings by preparing agendas, taking notes, and distributing follow-up action items
• Coordinate logistics for team huddles, care conferences, and family meetings
• Assist with onboarding new patients by ensuring care teams have all necessary information prior to first visits
• Support the Director of Patient Services with special projects, reporting, and quality improvement initiatives

Supply & Resource Coordination

• Coordinate ordering and delivery of non-clinical supplies and equipment as directed by the care team
• Liaise with DME vendors, pharmacy partners, and other external service providers to ensure timely delivery to patients
• Track and follow up on outstanding orders and service requests

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; Associates or Bachelors degree in healthcare administration, business, or related field preferred
• Minimum 2 years of administrative or coordination experience in a healthcare setting required
• Prior experience in hospice, home health, or palliative care strongly preferred
• Experience with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate with compassion and clarity
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive patient and family information with professionalism
• Familiarity with hospice regulations, Medicare Conditions of Participation, or willingness to learn
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Office-based position with potential for hybrid work arrangements based on operational needs
• Frequent use of telephone, computer, and office equipment
• Occasionally required to sit, stand, walk, and lift up to 15 pounds
• Must be able to work i