Senior Financial Counselor

Cancer Treatment Centers of America; Zion (IL); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Hope seeks a Senior Financial Counselor to assist oncology patients and families with financial obligations, insurance benefits, and patient assistance programs. The role collaborates across inpatient/outpatient teams to verify benefits, qualify for charity care, and guide patients through billing processes.

The position requires strong knowledge of Medicare/Medicaid, HIPAA, and clear communication.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum six years experience in hospital admissions, patient access, or related financial operations.
• Minimum two years in financial counseling, patient assistance programs, benefits verification, or charity care.
• Strong knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, and payer requirements.
• Ability to interpret insurance terminology and coverage quotes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and basic office software.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.
• Knowledge of HIPAA, EMTALA, patient rights, privacy, and security regs.
• Medical terminology knowledge; CPT/ICD coding knowledge preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality advocacy on financial obligations and insurance benefits.
• Support patient financial concerns across inpatient/outpatient continuum.
• Collaborate with clinics, care management, guest services, Stem Cell Transplant team, and travel representatives.
• Assist with patient assistance programs, charity care qualification.

Skills

Financial counseling

Medicare/Medicaid knowledge

HIPAA knowledge

Communication skills

Regulatory compliance

Analytical skills

Microsoft Outlook

CPT/ICD coding knowledge

Attention to detail

Education

Associate degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Senior Financial Counselor

About City of Hope

City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life‑threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked top 5 in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope's uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. City of Hope's growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas.

• Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid (1 day remote per week)
• Highly Preferred: Bilingual in Spanish

Position Summary

The Sr Financial Counselor is responsible for assisting patients, primarily oncology patients, and their caregivers by delivering a high-quality advocacy experience focused on providing clear, accurate, and timely information regarding financial obligations and insurance benefits. This role supports patients through financial counseling, patient assistance programs, benefit verification, charity care qualification, and Stem Cell Transplant financial counseling services. The specialist works collaboratively with inpatient and outpatient clinics, Financial Counselors, Care Management, Guest Services, the Stem Cell Transplant team, and Travel & Accommodation Representatives to ensure patient financial concerns are addressed throughout the continuum of care and inpatient stay.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Business, Healthcare Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience considered.
• In lieu of a degree, a minimum of six (6) years of experience in hospital admissions, patient access, registration, business office operations, financial counseling, or insurance-related services.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience with financial counseling, patient assistance programs, benefits verification, and charity care qualification.
• Strong knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, insurance company requirements, and regulatory compliance standards.
• Ability to interpret insurance terminology, coverage quotes, reimbursement percentages, out-of-network benefits, secondary networks, and national insurance plans.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, basic computer applications, and standard office equipment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with patients, caregivers, insurance representatives, assistance organizations, and hospital leadership.
• Knowledge of HIPAA, EMTALA, patient rights, privacy and security regulations, and hospital compliance requirements.
• Medical terminology knowledge required.
• CPT/ICD coding knowledge preferred.
• Demonstrated professionalism, reliability, and strong attendance record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in Spanish.
• Experience supporting oncology and/or Stem Cell Transplant patient populations.
• Experience working in a healthcare financial counseling or patient access environment.

City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.

City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria: work experience, qualifications, and work location.

Each of us at City of Hope believes in and is dedicated to turning hope into reality. Every researcher, nurse, doctor, administrative professional or IT specialist brings his or her unique creativity and talent to the fight against cancer, diabetes and other life‑threatening illnesses. Whether your interest is in the clinical, business, science or support service area, at City of Hope you will collaborate with the best and brightest colleagues, be challenged by engaging tasks and impact the lives of many people.