Referral Coordinator, Bilingual (Spanish)

Esperanza; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

BCBS PPO plans

Dental & Vision coverage

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays & PTO

Job summary

Esperanza Health Centers in Chicago offers a Hybrid Referral Coordinator role focused on managing specialist referrals and patient access within the PCMH framework. You will register patients, contact insurers, and resolve barriers with Care Coordinators to ensure smooth care journeys.

The role requires bilingual English/Spanish proficiency, healthcare experience, and mobility between clinic sites. Join a mission-driven team dedicated to accessible, personalized care.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and 2 years healthcare experience, or Associate’s Degree.
• Experience with Electronic Health Records, preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish, required.
• Able to travel between Health Clinic sites, required.

Responsibilities

• Assists patients in obtaining appointments with specialists and coordinating referrals.
• Ensure complete and accurate registration and current insurance information.
• Assemble patient clinical background and referral needs.
• Contact review organizations and insurers to confirm prior approvals.
• Collaborate with Care Coordinators to solve health-care access issues.
• Serve as the system navigator and primary contact for patients and families.
• Advocate with carriers for necessary supplies and services.
• Keep primary care chart up to date with specialist info and visits.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Healthcare experience

Referral coordination

Patient-centered care

Education

High school diploma

Associate’s Degree (preferred)

Tools

Electronic Health Records

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Hybrid Position

Location: 2001 S California Ave.

Hourly Rate: $20 – $23 /hr

Why You'll Love Working With Us

At Esperanza Health Centers, we’re more than a clinic—we’re a vibrant, mission-driven community where compassionate care meets professional growth. Our team operates under the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model, and every day, you’ll be part of making healthcare accessible, welcoming, and personalized. We believe in supporting you—offering benefits that go beyond the basics:

• BCBS Medical PPO Plans
• Ameritas Dental & Eye Med Vision Coverage
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to $5,000/year)
• 10 Paid Holidays + 16 Days of Paid Time Off

Your Role & Impact

Referral Coordinator will ensure the effective management of all incoming specialist referrals. Perform a wide variety of tasks associated with referral tracking to be compliant with Patient Centered Medical Home and to ensure patient safety.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists patients in obtaining appointments with specialists and acquiring special medical procedures.
• Ensure complete and accurate registration and current insurance information.
• Assemble information concerning patient's clinical background and referral needs.
• Contact review organizations and insurance companies to ensure prior approval requirements are met.
• Work with Care Coordinators to assist patients in problem solving issues related to the health care system, financial or social barriers.
• Be the system navigator and point of contact for patients and families.
• May assume advocate role on the patient's behalf with the carrier to ensure approval of the necessary supplies and/or services.
• Ensure patient's primary care chart is up to date with information on specialist consults, hospitalizations, ER visits and community organization related to their health.

Requirements

What We’re Looking For

• High school diploma and 2 years healthcare experience, or Associate’s Degree
• Experience as a Medical Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant or in Medical Office, preferred.
• Previous experience with Electronic Health Records, preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word), preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish, required.
• Able to travel between Health Clinic sites, required.

What You Get in Return

• A deeply mission-aligned workplace where your work matters—and you’re valued
• Opportunities to grow your career in a supportive, community-focused healthcare setting
• A culture built around trust, respect, and collaboration, where you’ll truly feel part of the family

Ready to Join Our Team?

We’d love to hear from you. If you're the kind of person who radiates compassion, thrives in teamwork, and thrives in making a difference—start a conversation with us.