Support Staff

LE001 Richmond Medical Center; New York (NY); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Richmond University Medical Center is seeking a patient access specialist to greet behavioral health patients, register for evaluations and services, verify demographics and insurance, obtain referrals, and collect copays in a compassionate, professional manner.

The role requires HIPAA compliance, teamwork with clinical staff, and the ability to handle high-stress situations, including psychiatric crises, while maintaining patient dignity.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associates degree preferred.
• Experience in healthcare or behavioral health is a plus.
• Familiarity with EHR and HIPAA requirements helpful.

Responsibilities

• Greet and assist behavioral health patients and families.
• Register patients for psychiatric evaluations, therapy sessions, crisis interventions, and admissions.
• Verify patient demographics and insurance information in the EHR.
• Obtain authorizations and referrals for behavioral health services.

Skills

Customer service

EHR proficiency

HIPAA knowledge

Communication

Empathy

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma

Associate's degree or behavioral health experience

Tools

EHR systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing! We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business. Day Shift - 7.5 Hours (United States of America)

Key Responsibilities:

• Greet and assist behavioral health patients and their families in a compassionate, professional manner.
• Register patients for psychiatric evaluations, therapy sessions, crisis interventions, inpatient admissions, and other behavioral health services.
• Verify patient demographic and insurance information, ensuring accuracy in the electronic health record (EHR) system.
• Obtain necessary authorizations and referrals for behavioral health services as required by insurance providers.
• Collect and process copays, deductibles, and financial obligations while discussing financial assistance options when needed.
• Ensure all required consent forms and confidentiality agreements (HIPAA, informed consent, etc.) are completed.
• Coordinate with clinical teams, case managers, and social workers to support patient care and follow-up.
• Maintain sensitivity to patients experiencing emotional distress, crisis situations, or psychiatric emergencies.
• Assist with crisis protocols by following facility guidelines for patient safety and emergency situations.
• Communicate effectively with psychiatric providers, therapists, and nursing staff to ensure seamless patient access to care.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (Associate’s degree or experience in behavioral health preferred).
• Prior experience in healthcare, behavioral health services, or medical office administration is a plus.
• Knowledge of behavioral health terminology, insurance verification, and prior authorization processes.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations.
• Proficiency in using electronic health record (EHR) systems and Microsoft Office.
• Understanding of HIPAA, patient confidentiality, and mental health laws and regulations.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy, discretion, and respect for patient dignity.

Work Environment:

Behavioral health hospital, psychiatric clinic, or mental health facility. May involve working with patients experiencing acute mental health crises. Shift work may be required, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Requires extended periods of sitting, standing, and occasional lifting of office materials.

Salary Range:

$23.913/hr - $25.201/hr

Employment Non-Discrimination:

Richmond University Medical Center is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment and provides full and equal employment opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions and needs including lactation accommodations, physical or mental disability, age, immigration or citizenship status, veteran or active military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

We the staff of Human Resources are proud to share a long-standing tradition of excellence at Richmond University Medical Center.

We uphold the mission by providing premier quality patient care through a full spectrum of emergent, acute, primary, behavioral health and educational services, and value the pride and integrity that motivate us to always be more, and always be better.

We are committed to our mission and values because WE CARE!

We are Welcoming, Energized, Compassionate, Advocates, Respectful and Excellent in our interaction with our patients, families, visitors and co-workers.

WE CARE W We are welcoming and gracious toward each other, and toward all who come to receive our services.

E Personnel are energized for quality, creativity, commitment and teamwork.

C Compassion is the way we share deep concern and care toward each person.

A Advocacy is our activity that promotes the rights and responsibilities of patients, families, and staff, in the hospital setting and in the community.

R We show respect by recognizing the basic dignity of every person in all our interactions and in the formulation of policies and procedures.

E Excellence is our way of demonstrating that we can always be more and always be better.