Referral Specialist II

Northwest Human Services, Inc.; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare insurance

Life & Disability

Retirement 403(b)

Flexible Spending Account

Paid time off

Holidays

Education & Training

Wellness program

Job summary

Northwest Human Services is seeking a Referral Specialist II at the West Salem Clinic to help patients navigate the healthcare system by coordinating referrals, obtaining pre-authorizations, and supporting access to specialty care.

You will collaborate with primary care providers, specialists and insurance companies, document activities in patient records, and ensure timely referrals while delivering compassionate, patient-centered service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proficiency in medical terminology.
• Current working knowledge of health insurance coverage, referral procedures, and pre-authorization requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with patients, providers, insurance representatives, and the public.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate patient referrals and ensure timely processing.
• Obtain pre-authorizations for specialty services and medications.
• Respond to patient questions and coordinate appointments and interpreter services.
• Collaborate with providers, specialists and insurance representatives.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure records reflect referrals and authorizations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Customer service

Multitasking

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Northwest Human Services is a non-profit leader in providing advocacy, quality healthcare and social services in Marion and Polk counties since 1970.

Referral Specialist II

Location: West Salem Clinic | 1233 Edgewater St NW, Salem, OR
Schedule: Full Time | Monday–Friday
Status: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Patient Access Team Supervisor

Make a Difference in the Patient Journey

At Northwest Human Services (NWHS), we believe access to quality healthcare should never be a barrier to living a healthy life. As a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center, we are committed to providing compassionate, equitable, and affordable healthcare and social services to individuals and families throughout Marion and Polk counties.

We are looking for a detail-oriented and patient-focused Referral Specialist II who is passionate about helping patients navigate the healthcare system. In this role, you will play an essential part in coordinating specialty care, obtaining insurance authorizations, and ensuring patients receive timely access to the services they need.

As a Referral Specialist II, you will help bridge the gap between primary care providers, patients, specialists, and insurance companies to ensure a smooth and timely referral process.

What You'll Do

• Coordinate Patient Referrals: Monitor daily referral requests, facilitate specialty appointments, and ensure referrals are processed accurately and within established timelines.
• Navigate Insurance Requirements: Obtain pre-authorizations for specialty services, procedures, and medications through insurance companies, HMOs, and other third-party payers.
• Support Patients: Respond to patient questions, explain referral processes, coordinate appointments and interpreter services, and help resolve barriers to accessing care.
• Collaborate Across Care Teams: Communicate with providers, specialists, and insurance representatives to coordinate services and keep the referral process moving forward.
• Maintain Accurate Documentation: Track referrals, document authorization activity, and ensure consultation reports are received and recorded in patient medical records.

What Makes You Successful

• Patient-Centered Service: Treats patients with compassion, patience, and respect while providing clear, helpful communication.
• Attention to Detail: Accurately manages referral documentation, insurance authorizations, and follow-up activities while meeting deadlines.
• Problem-Solving: Takes initiative to identify barriers, resolve referral issues, and coordinate solutions among patients, providers, specialists, and insurance companies.
• Communication & Collaboration: Communicates effectively in person and by phone while building positive working relationships across departments.
• Accountability & Initiative: Works independently, exercises sound judgment, follows established procedures, and takes ownership of assigned responsibilities.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Proficiency in medical terminology.

• Current working knowledge of health insurance coverage, referral procedures, and pre-authorization requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with patients, providers, insurance representatives, and the public.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:

• Healthcare insurance plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Group Life: Short-Term & Long-Term Disability 100% paid by employer
• 403(b) retirement plan with 2% of employer contribution and up to 3% employer match
• Flex Spending Account
• PTO - 10 hours a month for FT positions 40 hrs./wk. up to 20 hours monthly as your tenure grows
• 7 ½ Paid Holidays a year + 2 paid floating holidays for full-time positions
• Continuing Education & Training Benefits
• Employee Healthy Living Program – Gym Membership & Smoking Cessation

Why NWHS?

At NWHS, you are more than an employee; you are part of a mission-driven team working to strengthen the health and well-being of our community.

Join our team and help make a difference in the lives of the people and communities we serve.

For more information, contact the HR/Recruiting Department at: [e-mail] | 503.588.5828

All candidates who receive a written offer of employment will be required to undergo a criminal records check.

Equal Opportunity Employer | We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Community | Compassion | Commitment | Integrity

Working together to empower individuals to improve their health, well-being, and safety