Financial Advocacy Associate (2026-1009)

Valley Medical Center & Clinics; Renton (WA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Valley Medical Center & Clinics in Renton, WA is seeking a Financial Advocacy Associate to help patients navigate payer sources, obtain coverage, and secure self-pay estimates prior to services. This role supports the Financial Advocacy department and reports to the Manager, Financial Access.

Responsibilities include insurance verification, Medicaid eligibility applications, and communicating financial responsibilities to patients with accuracy and empathy.

Qualifications

• Associate (2 year) degree required or equivalent experience, college (4 year) degree preferred.
• Minimum three years' experience with insurance verification, Medicaid eligibility application, revenue cycle functions, hospital/physician offices or related areas
• Ability to use Microsoft Word and Outlook; EPIC system experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Screen uninsured or underinsured patients for COBRA, Medicaid, Financial Assistance or other payer sources; complete and submit applications.
• Maintain Navigator certification with Washington Health Benefit Exchange.
• Research billing questions using EMR and billing systems; resolve or refer to appropriate resource.
• Communicate with all customers; internal and external; patients and caregivers.
• Collaborate with referring physician offices, insurance payers and financial clearance team members to complete financial clearance of services.
• Explain patient liability clearly and accurately while detailing deductible, coinsurance and copayment impacts.

Skills

Organizational skills

Conflict resolution

Payer reimbursement knowledge

Medical terminology

Independent problem solving

Reliability/attendance

Manual dexterity

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

EPIC system

Job description

Job Title: Financial Advocacy Associate
Req: 2026-1009
Location: VMC Main Campus
Department: Financial Advocate
Type: Full Time
FTE: 1
City State: Renton, WA
Category Administrative/Clerical
Salary Range: Min $25.92- Max $43.32/hrly. DOE

Job Description:

VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER

Job Description

The position description is a guide to the critical duties and essential functions of the job, not an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, qualifications, physical demands, and work environment conditions. Position descriptions are reviewed and revised to meet the changing needs of the organization.

TITLE: Financial Advocacy Associate

JOB OVERVIEW: This position is responsible to provide financial advocacy for patients and Valley Medical Center by exploring payer sources as well as payment options to ensure accounts are financially secure prior to rendering services. This position provides self-pay price quotes, alternative financing information and information regarding financial assistance programs. All communications are conducted in a manner that will result in positive patient relations and reimbursement for services.

DEPARTMENT: Financial Advocacy

WORK HOURS: As assigned

REPORTS TO: Manager, Financial Access

Prerequisites:

Associate (2 year) degree required or equivalent experience, college (4 year) degree preferred.

Minimum three years' experience with insurance verification, Medicaid eligibility application, revenue cycle functions, hospital/physician offices or related areas

Ability to use Microsoft Word and Outlook; EPIC system experience preferred.

Qualifications:

Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks

Strong conflict resolution skills as well as interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with a wide variety of individuals

Knowledge of payer reimbursement processes and insurance terminology

Basic understanding of procedure codes (CPT, HCPCS, ICD-10 coding, etc.)

Working knowledge of medical terminology

Ability to identify and solve problems independently

• Demonstrates reliable attendance and job performance
• Requires manual and finger dexterity and vision corrected to normal range.

Unique Physical/Mental Demands, Environment, And Working Conditions:

See Generic Job Description for Administrative Partner.

Performance Responsibilities:

Generic Job Functions: See Generic Job Description for Administrative Partner.

Essential Responsibilities And Competencies:

Responsible to screen uninsured or underinsured patients for COBRA, Medicaid, Financial Assistance or other payer sources completing and submitting applications as required

Responsible for maintaining Navigator certification with Washington Health Benefit Exchange

Ability to research billing questions using EMR and billing systems, payer resources and is able to resolve or refer the customer to the appropriate resource

Responsible for timely communication with all customers; internal and external; patients and caregivers

Ability to research and identify circumstances affecting payment of self-pay accounts

Ability to partner with referring physician offices, insurance payers and financial clearance team members to complete financial clearance of services

Ability to communicate patient liability clearly and accurately while adequately explaining concepts such as deductible, coinsurance and/or copayment and how they may affect the cost of care

Responsible for complete documentation of all actions, conversations with patient, staff, referring offices that may collaborate on account/services

Collaborates with PFS, HIM, UM and IT regarding appropriate documentation. Coordinates insurance referral/authorization requirements with UM. Ensures accuracy of all in-patient insurance related registration.

Collaborates in all workflow design or process improvement work groups, as assigned by coordinator, manager or director and demonstrates awareness of financial risk containment both for Valley and the patient

Connects with self-pay patients to explore assistance options; may work with financial counseling or the business office

Informs patients of any convenient payment options (e.g., portal, mobile App)

Sends price estimates to patients before their day of care but not so far in advance that benefits could change

Attends continuing education workshops and other activities as assigned by management to keep current in all related hospital billing practices.

Maintains confidentiality of records or medical center information at all times

Willingness to perform all other duties as assigned

Performs all job functions in a manner consistent with Valley's cultural expectations defined as Valley's Mission, Vison, Mission and Values Statement. These characteristics include quality performance, demonstrating compassion, respect, teamwork, community-centered awareness and innovation.

Created: 1/25

Grade: OPEIUF

FLSA: NE

CC: 8560

Qualifications:

Job Qualifications:

Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks

Strong conflict resolution skills as well as interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with a wide variety of individuals

Knowledge of payer reimbursement processes and insurance terminology

Basic understanding of procedure codes (CPT, HCPCS, ICD-10 coding, etc.)

Working knowledge of medical terminology

Ability to identify and solve problems independently

• Demonstrates reliable attendance and job performance
• Requires manual and finger dexterity and vision corrected to normal range.