Transfer Center Associate - Per Diem

CH_050 Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca, Inc.; Hayts Corner (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Cayuga Health is seeking a Transfer Center Associate to facilitate smooth patient transfers between hospitals, coordinating with RNs, physicians, and EMS teams. The role emphasizes strong communication and organizational skills to manage transfer requests, arrange transportation, and document patient details accurately.

Initial onsite at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, NY with a move to Montour Falls, NY in 2025; 2 On / 2 Off rotation. Pay range $20.50–$26.00 per hour plus benefits.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; CPR Certification; EMTALA knowledge; CMS guidelines understanding; strong organizational and time-management abilities; excellent customer service and communication skills; familiarity with payer authorizations and EMR systems.

Responsibilities

• Builds trusting relationships with referring parties to address transfer needs effectively.
• Coordinates and facilitates hospital transfers, ensuring EMTALA compliance and appropriate care levels.
• Collaborates with physicians, nurses, Administrative Supervisors, and Patient Access teams to gather clinical information, assign beds, and initiate patient registration.

Skills

CPR Certification

EMTALA knowledge

CMS guidelines

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Payer authorization processes

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

Job description

About Cayuga Health

About Cayuga Health Cayuga Health offers patient-centered, comprehensive health services at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca; Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls; and more than 40 medical offices in the Finger Lakes and Central New York. Cayuga Health employs more than 450 providers from 40+ specialties. Additional services include a neo-natal intensive care unit, a home health care agency, an addiction recovery organization, and a skilled nursing facility. Cayuga Health is a member of Centralus Health, a community-based integrated delivery system. Our mission is to deliver high-quality care, empower our teams to succeed, and improve the wellbeing of the communities we serve. Our commitment to quality personalized care begins with our exceptional team—over 6500 employees strong. At Cayuga Health, you will work in a collaborative environment that values excellence, integrity, compassion and stewardship. Together, we create an environment where empathy, honesty and a dedication to quality thrive, empowering us to make a positive impact on the lives we touch. We offer competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and professional development opportunities to help our employees grow and thrive. Whether you are just starting your career or taking the next step in healthcare, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of care in our communities. Learn more at www.cayugahealth.org.

Summary

Summary: The Transfer Center Associate plays a key role in facilitating seamless patient transfers between hospitals, working closely with RNs, physicians, and EMS teams. They leverage strong communication and organizational skills to manage transfer requests, arrange appropriate transportation, and ensure all required documents and patient details are accurately recorded. This position is essential in supporting exceptional care and ensuring smooth transitions for patients.

Roles and Responsibilities

Builds trusting, professional relationships with referring parties, providing empathetic and exceptional customer service to address patient transfer needs effectively. Coordinates and facilitates hospital transfers, ensuring compliance with EMTALA laws, hospital policies, and proper levels of care. Collaborates with physicians, nurses, Administrative Supervisors, and Patient Access teams to secure clinical information, assign beds, and initiate patient registration before transfer. Ensures accurate documentation of transfer requests, capturing patient demographics, clinical details, provider information, and payer authorizations in the electronic medical record. Coordinates transportation logistics, including ground and air transport, while keeping all stakeholders informed of updates or changes impacting the transfer process.

Required Skills and Experience

High School Diploma or equivalent experience Basic Life Support (CPR) Certification to ensure immediate patient care when necessary. Exceptional organizational and time management abilities, enabling efficient coordination of patient transfers and adherence to legal standards. Functional understanding of EMTALA law and CMS guidelines, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements during patient transfers. Outstanding customer service and communication skills, fostering trust and professional relationships with patients, families, and healthcare teams. Proficiency in electronic medical records and payer authorization processes, ensuring accurate documentation and seamless transfer procedures.

Preferred Skills and Experience

Regularly operates a computer keyboard and other office equipment, requiring precise coordination and control. Occasionally transports items weighing up to 40 pounds, such as boxes, equipment, or IV solutions, positioning them as needed. Moves within the workspace to access various areas, including low shelves and file drawers, which may involve bending, stooping, or kneeling. Remains in a stationary position, whether sitting or standing, for extended periods during work hours. Capably uses all necessary job-related equipment to perform essential functions effectively.

Physical Requirements

Regularly operates a computer keyboard and other office equipment, requiring precise coordination and control. Occasionally transports items weighing up to 40 pounds, such as boxes, equipment, or IV solutions, positioning them as needed. Moves within the workspace to access various areas, including low shelves and file drawers, which may involve bending, stooping, or kneeling. Remains in a stationary position, whether sitting or standing, for extended periods during work hours. Capably uses all necessary job-related equipment to perform essential functions effectively.

Location and Travel Requirements

Initially onsite at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, NY moving to Montour Falls, NY in 2025 2 On / 2 Off Schedule Rotation

Pay Range Disclosure

$20.50 to $26.00 per hour plus benefits

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Cayuga Health System and its affiliates are committed to treating all patients, providers, staff and volunteers equitably and with dignity, ensuring the highest levels of safety, care and respect, and striving to recognize and overcome biases and policies that contribute to disparities in healthcare access, equitable care and positive health outcomes for all. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, supporting the growth and health of our employees and community by embracing the rich diversity, needs and circumstances of all peoples and prioritizing opportunities to build a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable protected characteristics. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the Cayuga Health Talent Acquisition team at [e-mail].

We're excited you're considering joining our team. At Centralus Health, we foster a culture of care, trust, and belonging. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to grow and thrive in your career while making meaningful connections with patients, families, colleagues, and communities.