What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bilingual (English/Spanish) Patient Access Specialist position at Nash County, NC?
General Statement of Duties
Candidates must be bilingual in English & Spanish.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit: The Nash County Health Department comprises several offices and branches, including the headquarters in Nashville, the Rocky Mount branch (each featuring a WIC office), the Care Management branch at the MedPark Campus, and the Environmental Health office. Governed by the consolidated Human Services Board, the Health Department is dedicated to offering quality health care with a focus on education, prevention, and environmental protection for Nash County's citizens. Clinical Support positions are essential for ensuring the efficient operation of the department or office, providing project and program-based support. These roles involve administrative tasks such as answering phones, organizing medical records, reports, audits, appointment scheduling, patient registration, and overall office management.
Primary Purpose of Position: The Bilingual Patient Access Specialist supports daily clinic operations by providing Spanish-English interpretation for Hispanic patients and assisting across multiple administrative functions. This role helps ensure patients receive clear communication and timely access to services while maintaining efficient front desk, appointment scheduling, and switchboard operations. This position moves between coverage areas as needed and plays a key role in maintaining continuity of service, patient satisfaction, and accurate administrative workflows.
Work Schedule: Regular work schedule is 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday with additional hours as required to respond to the needs of the agency.
Essential Duties and Tasks
- Provide verbal Spanish-English interpretation for patients, families, and staff during registration, scheduling, check-in, check-out, and other routine interactions.
- Assist Hispanic patients in understanding appointments, instructions, forms, and general office processes.
- Support clear, respectful, and culturally responsive communication between patients and staff.
- Translate basic administrative information and routine documents as appropriate and within organizational policy.
- Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries when interpreting patient information.
Front Desk Support
- Greet patients and visitors in a professional, courteous, and helpful manner.
- Check patients in and out for appointments.
- Verify demographic, insurance, and contact information.
- Collect required forms, signatures, and other front office documentation as applicable.
- Answer routine questions and direct patients to the appropriate staff or service area.
- Maintain orderly patient flow and notify clinical staff of patient arrivals as needed.
Appointment Scheduling
- Schedule, reschedule, and cancel patient appointments accurately in the electronic scheduling system.
- Coordinate appointments according to clinic guidelines, provider availability, and patient needs.
- Contact patients regarding appointment reminders, changes, and follow-up scheduling.
- Enter and update patient information accurately and timely.
- Help reduce missed appointments by communicating clearly with patients in English and Spanish.
Switchboard / Telephone Support
- Answer incoming calls promptly and professionally.
- Route calls to appropriate departments, staff, or providers.
- Take accurate messages and document calls as required.
- Assist Spanish-speaking callers with appointment requests, general questions, and routing needs.
- Monitor high call volumes and help maintain efficient telephone coverage throughout the day
Knowledges, Skills and Abilities
Strong organizational and multitasking abilities with a keen attention to detail.
Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal).
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team of health professionals.
Personal Attributes:
Compassionate, professional, and empathetic demeanor when interacting with patients and colleagues.
Strong commitment to public health and community service.
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
Desirable Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent required
At least 1-2 years of administrative experience, preferably in a healthcare or public health setting.
Experience with EHR or case management software is preferred.
Salary : $38,665 - $62,266