Eligibility Specialist 1 (Bilingual Spanish Requiered)

savista; Olympia Fields (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Savista in Olympia Fields, IL is seeking an Eligibility Specialist I to help uninsured and underinsured patients access financial assistance programs. You will assess eligibility, guide applications for Medicaid, Medicare, and hospital charity care, and coordinate with hospital staff and agencies to secure funding.

The role requires empathy, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate healthcare systems.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Fluency in English and Spanish is required.
• Experience in customer-facing roles preferred, healthcare a plus.

Responsibilities

• Meet with patients in-person to assess eligibility for financial assistance and provide guidance on available programs.
• Facilitate the application process for Medicaid, Medicare, disability, and charity care with timely, accurate documentation.
• Act as liaison between patients, hospital staff, and agencies to establish eligibility and secure funding.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Purpose

The Eligibility Specialist I is a critical advocate for patients, helping uninsured and underinsured individuals access financial assistance for medical care. This role involves conducting detailed assessments, guiding patients through application processes for government and charity-funded programs and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. Successful candidates are empathetic, detail-oriented, and skilled at navigating healthcare systems to support patients in receiving the care they need.

Work Schedule and Location

Work Hours: Full time, 40 hours per week, hourly position. Flexibility required, with shift available Tuesday - Friday 10:00am to 6:30pm and Saturday 8:00am- 4:30pm to meet business needs.

Primary Hospital Location: This position is onsite and will be required to service the primary hospital location of: Olympia Fields Hospital - 20201 Crawford Ave. Olympia Fields, IL 60461

Key Responsibilities

• Meet with patients in-person, including bedside visits, to assess financial assistance eligibility and provide compassionate guidance on available programs.


• Facilitate the application process for programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, Disability, and hospital charity care, ensuring timely submission of accurate documentation.


• Act as a liaison between patients, hospital staff, and government agencies to establish eligibility, secure funding and resolve coverage issues.


• Responsible for a high caseload, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and ensure effective follow-up on pending applications.


• Clearly communicate financial obligations, funding options, and program details to patients in an empathetic and professional manner.


• Maintain accurate and confidential records in compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies.


• Consistently achieve productivity and quality metrics, contributing to the organization's financial counseling objectives.


• Efficiently use multiple systems and databases to gather, track, and report on patient data.


• Assist with vacancy coverage, as needed.


• Complete special projects, as assigned.

Qualifications & Competencies

Required

• High school diploma or GED


• Proficiency in English and Spanish


• At least 1 year of experience in a customer-facing role, preferably in healthcare or financial counseling.


• Flexibility to provide support at nearby hospital locations within assigned market area, as needed for vacancy coverage.


• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and maintain accuracy and attention to detail.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly and empathetically.


• Ability to identify solutions to financial challenges, leveraging program knowledge to benefit patients.


• Capability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and patient needs.


• Demonstrate genuine care for patients' needs and concerns, building trust and rapport.


• Work effectively with colleagues, hospital staff, and external agencies to achieve shared goals.


• Ensure all documentation is accurate, complete, and submitted on time.


• Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license.

Preferred

• Experience in healthcare revenue cycle, financial counseling, or insurance verification.


• Familiarity with state and federal assistance programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security Disability.


• Knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare accounts receivable processes

Savista is required by state specific laws to include the salary range for this role when hiring a resident in applicable locations. The salary range for this role is from $20 to $22 per hour. However, specific compensation for the role will vary within the above range based on many factors including but not limited to geographic location, candidate experience, applicable certifications, and skills.

SAVISTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, age, veteran status, disability, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity or any other federal, state or local protected class.