What are the responsibilities and job description for the Temporary Financial Counselor position at Discovery Behavioral Health?
Discovery Behavioral Health
Discovery Behavioral Health (DBH) is a national leader in behavioral healthcare and one of the fastest growing companies in the field. DBH offers world-class treatment for those struggling with eating disorders, mental health, and substance use and places a high priority on seeking employees who share our passion for improving the lives we serve.
Since 1997, Discovery Behavioral Health has helped thousands of patients discover their path to the full and rewarding lives they deserve with evidence-based and inclusive treatment options.
Position Summary:
The Patient Financial Counselor plays a critical role in ensuring patients understand and manage their financial obligations throughout their care journey. This position requires exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to provide compassionate guidance to patients regarding their financial responsibilities. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with admissions, billing, and clinical teams to support accurate financial planning, documentation, and resolution of payment concerns.
Essential Job Functions:
Knowledge, Education, & Experience:
We are proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Discovery Behavioral Health (DBH) is a national leader in behavioral healthcare and one of the fastest growing companies in the field. DBH offers world-class treatment for those struggling with eating disorders, mental health, and substance use and places a high priority on seeking employees who share our passion for improving the lives we serve.
Since 1997, Discovery Behavioral Health has helped thousands of patients discover their path to the full and rewarding lives they deserve with evidence-based and inclusive treatment options.
Position Summary:
The Patient Financial Counselor plays a critical role in ensuring patients understand and manage their financial obligations throughout their care journey. This position requires exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to provide compassionate guidance to patients regarding their financial responsibilities. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with admissions, billing, and clinical teams to support accurate financial planning, documentation, and resolution of payment concerns.
Essential Job Functions:
- Financial Consultation:
- Educate patients on their financial obligations, including co-insurance, deductibles, and fees related to various care levels (RTC, PHP, IOP, Continuing Care, Aftercare).
- Review verification of benefits (VOB) and patient responsibilities, addressing inquiries regarding billing, step-down services, and other fees.
- Payment Coordination:
- Track and manage recurring patient payments, issuing invoices and receipts for each transaction.
- Maintain a detailed calendar of payment schedules, ensuring timely follow-up on outstanding balances, co-insurance, and authorized services.
- Conduct follow-ups on declined transactions and collaborate with patients to resolve payment issues.
- Documentation and Reporting:
- Prepare and process financial paperwork for new admissions and ongoing care programs.
- Scan, upload, and maintain accurate financial records in KIPU/EHR systems.
- Provide financial documentation to third-party vendors such as pharmacies or other service providers.
- Team Collaboration:
- Communicate with the billing department and internal teams to resolve ongoing billing issues and ensure accounts are updated.
- Keep internal metrics and patient financial data current in Salesforce, KIPU, and other designated systems.
- Compliance and Support:
- Ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.
- Support patients with financial inquiries, offering clear explanations and appropriate options for payment plans or adjustments.
Knowledge, Education, & Experience:
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in finance, healthcare administration, or a related field preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in healthcare finance, billing, or a similar patient-facing financial role.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a patient-centered approach.
- Proficiency in financial systems and software, such as KIPU, Salesforce, or similar tools.
- Familiarity with insurance verification, benefits coordination, and medical billing practices is highly desirable.
We are proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.