Operator/Customer Service Specialist

Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 19,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Meridian Healthcare is seeking an Operator/Customer Service Specialist in Gainesville, FL to be the first contact for individuals seeking behavioral health services. You will help connect clients to care, assist with appointment coordination, provide admin support, and maintain a welcoming clinical environment.

Responsibilities include answering calls, scheduling appointments, verifying insurance, and supporting daily office operations in a fast-paced healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• AA degree in Business or related field with clerical/customer service experience.
• Or a HS diploma with 2+ years office/secretarial experience, including 1+ year direct customer service in healthcare.
• Experience with insurance verification and third-party billing preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills required.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Answer and direct calls via the telephone console.
• Assist with inquiries and appointment scheduling.
• Coordinate urgent medication-management appointments with Program Managers.
• Provide excellent customer service to callers and visitors.
• Verify insurance and obtain authorizations when required.
• Maintain AR records, deposits, petty cash, and related documentation.
• Create, update, and maintain electronic records and databases.
• Support daily office operations in a fast-paced healthcare setting.
• Collaborate with team to ensure quality client care.
• Travel may be required; cover other Meridian locations as needed.

Education

AA degree in Business or related field

HS diploma or equivalent with 2+ years office/secretarial experience

Job description

Join Meridian Healthcare as an Operator/Customer Service Specialist

Location: Gainesville, FL
Pay: $16.87/Hour | Non-Exempt

Make a Difference with Every Call

Meridian Healthcare is seeking a compassionate, professional, and customer-focused Operator/Customer Service Specialist to serve as the first point of contact for individuals seeking behavioral health services. In this vital role, you will help connect clients to care, assist with appointment coordination, provide administrative support, and contribute to a welcoming and efficient clinical environment.

What You'll Do

• Answer and direct incoming calls through the telephone console.
• Assist clients with inquiries, appointment scheduling, and appointment changes.
• Coordinate with Program Managers to secure urgent appointments for clients needing medication management or follow-up services.
• Provide exceptional customer service to both telephone and in-person visitors.
• Verify insurance eligibility and obtain authorizations when required.
• Maintain accounts receivable records, deposits, petty cash, and related documentation.
• Create, update, and maintain electronic records, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Support daily office operations in a fast-paced healthcare setting.
• Collaborate effectively with team members and departments to ensure quality client care.

Additional Responsibilities (Position Dependent)

• Perform Financial Counselor duties, including insurance verification, co-pay collection, and Consent to Treat documentation.
• Update payer information within the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.
• Perform Medical Records functions.
• Provide coverage at other Meridian locations as needed.
• Travel may be required.

Qualifications

Preferred:

• Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Business or a related field, plus clerical, receptionist, secretarial, or customer service experience.

OR

• High school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of office, clerical, or secretarial experience, including one year of direct customer service experience, preferably in a healthcare or clinical setting.

Experience with insurance verification and third-party billing preferred
Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills required
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply

Why Meridian?

At Meridian Healthcare, you'll do more than answer phones. You'll help individuals and families access essential behavioral healthcare services while supporting our mission of promoting hope, recovery, and wellness throughout the communities we serve.

Background Screening Requirement:
For information on Florida's Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse and screening requirements, visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Meridian is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.