Eligibility Specialist I

Savista; Center (SD); On-site; USD 28,929 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) with company match

PTO 17 days

Job summary

Savis­ta is seeking an Eligibility Specialist I to help patients navigate financial assistance programs and access essential healthcare services. You will meet directly with patients, often at the bedside, and guide them through Medicaid, Medicare, disability, and hospital charity applications.

You will collaborate with hospital teams, maintain confidential records under HIPAA, handle a high caseload, and explain options clearly with empathy, making a meaningful daily impact on patient care.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in English and Spanish; able to communicate clearly with patients and families.
• 1+ years of experience in a customer-facing role within healthcare, social services, or financial counseling preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a patient advocate, meeting with patients in-person, including bedside, to assess eligibility for financial assistance programs.
• Guide patients through complex application processes for Medicaid, Medicare, Disability, and hospital charity care, ensuring timely submission of accurate documentation.
• Collaborate across teams, acting as a liaison between patients, hospital staff, and government agencies to secure coverage and resolve eligibility issues.
• Manage a high caseload effectively, prioritizing tasks, following up on pending applications, and meeting deadlines while maintaining productivity and quality.
• Communicate with clarity and empathy, explaining financial responsibilities and assistance options in ways patients can understand.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records in compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Use multiple systems to document, track, and report patient information.
• Support operational needs, including providing limited staffing coverage at nearby hospital locations as needed.
• Complete special projects as assigned.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Here at Savista, we enable our clients to navigate the biggest challenges in healthcare: quality clinical care with positive patient experiences and optimal financial results. We partner with healthcare organizations to problem solve and deliver revenue cycle improvement services that enable their success, support their patients, and nurture their communities, all while living our values of Commitment, Authenticity, Respect and Excellence (CARE).

Work Schedule and Location

Work Hours: Full time, 40 hours per week, hourly position. Flexibility required, with shifts available between Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm to meet business needs.

Primary Hospital Locations

• Mercy Medical Center – 1325 N Highland Ave., Aurora, IL. 60506

Additional Locations (Support as needed, in limited capacity, for vacancy coverage)

• St. Joseph Medical Center – 333 Madison St., Joliet, IL. 60435
• St. Joseph Hospital – 77 N Airlite St., Elgin, IL. 60123

Why You’ll Love This Role

As an Eligibility Specialist I, you’ll get to make a difference in patients’ lives every day! You will be a lifeline for patients navigating some of the most stressful moments of their healthcare journey. In this role, you’ll meet directly with patients and families, listen to their stories, and help them access financial assistance programs that can remove barriers to receiving essential medical care.

You’ll use your compassion, communication skills, and problem‑solving abilities to guide patients’ step‑by‑step through applications for Medicaid, Medicare, disability, and hospital charity programs. Every interaction you have helps someone understand their options, feel supported, and move forward with confidence.

If you’re motivated by meaningful, people‑centered work – and you want a role where your efforts make a clear and immediate difference – this position offers the opportunity to build relationships, grow your skills, and positively impact patient lives every day.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as a patient advocate, meeting with patients in-person, including bedside, to assess eligibility for financial assistance programs.
• Guide patients through complex application processes for programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, Disability, and hospital charity care, ensuring timely submission of accurate documentation.
• Collaborate across teams, acting as a liaison between patients, hospital staff, and government agencies to secure coverage and resolve eligibility issues.
• Manage a high case load effectively, prioritizing tasks, following up on pending applications, and meeting deadlines while also adhering to productivity and quality expectations.
• Communicate with clarity and empathy, explaining financial responsibilities and assistance options in ways that patients can understand.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records, ensuring compliance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Use multiple systems and tools to document, track, and report on patient information.
• Support operational needs, including providing limited staffing coverage at nearby hospital locations as needed.
• Complete special projects, as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

• High school diploma or GED
• Proficiency in English and Spanish
• 1+ years of experience in a customer‑facing role (financial counseling, healthcare, social services, or similar environments preferred).
• Basic knowledge of state and federal assistance programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security Disability.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to explain complex information clearly and empathetically.
• Comfort working in fast‑paced environments with changing priorities
• Genuine care for patients’ needs and concerns.
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.
• Occasional local travel may be required based on operational needs.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA accounts, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, accident insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, critical illness insurance, life insurance, supplemental insurance, spouse and dependent life insurance, pet insurance, and legal insurance
• Wealth benefits: 401(k) with company match, company HSA contributions, and access to certified financial planners
• Generous paid time off: 17 days PTO for full‑time colleagues with increases based on tenure, 9 paid holidays and 40 hours of paid volunteer time each year through our Heart & Soul program
• Learning & career development: premium LinkedIn Learning access and our SOAR development program
• Wellness benefits: free Calm Premium subscription for meditation, stress relief, and sleep support as well as access to our Colleague Assistance Program (EAP) that provides access to licensed professional counselors and work/life resources
• Employee discounts: Perk Spot, discounted cell‑phone plans through Previ, and home/auto insurance discounts
• A collaborative, mission‑driven culture built on teamwork, empathy, and growth

Pay Transparency Disclaimer

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 $21.00 to $24.00. 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.

Keywords

Patient Financial Counselor, Financial Counselor, Financial Assistance Counselor, Patient Financial Advocate, Patient Advocate, Medicaid Enrollment Specialist, Charity Care, Hospital Financial Assistance, Eligibility Specialist, Case Management

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

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