Referral Specialist I

Referral Specialist Healthcare Services At Father Joe’s Villages, access to healthcare is essential to supporting stability, recovery, and long-term well-being. The Healthcare Services team ensures individuals experiencing homelessness receive coordinated, timely medical care by removing administrative and system barriers that can delay treatment and services.The RoleAs a Referral Specialist, you will coordinate clinical referrals from initiation through completion, helping patients successfully access specialty care, diagnostic services, and community-based medical resources. You will serve as a liaison between providers, insurance payers, and patients to ensure referrals, authorizations, and follow-up care are completed accurately and efficiently.This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who enjoys coordinating care, navigating healthcare systems, and supporting equitable access to medical services for underserved populations.Your Role in Supporting Access to Care Review electronic health records (EHR) to identify and process provider-submitted referrals within established timeframes.Coordinate referrals between clinicians, specialty providers, insurance payers, and patients to ensure continuity of care.Verify patient insurance eligibility and benefits through insurance portals and electronic systems.Prepare and submit prior authorization and pre-certification requests in accordance with payer and department requirements.Schedule specialty appointments, diagnostic services, Durable Medical Equipment (DME), or ancillary services as authorized by care providers.Monitor referral work queues and maintain accurate documentation to ensure referrals progress from initiation through completion.Follow up with providers to obtain consultation reports and upload results into the electronic health record.Provide patients with clear information regarding appointments, procedures, and preparation instructions.Assist patients with transportation coordination or connection to supportive resources when needed.Communicate referral outcomes with care teams to ensure the referral loop is closed.Cross-train and provide coverage for Patient Service Representative functions as needed.Complete required trainings and perform other related duties as assigned.Desirable Candidate Profile Minimum Requirements High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.Minimum of six (6) months to (1) year of experience in a healthcare, medical office, patient services, care coordination, or similar administrative healthcare environment.Experience working with electronic health records or scheduling systemsWorking knowledge of HIPAA privacy and confidentiality requirements.Basic computer proficiency and experience working with electronic health records or similar systems. Key Competencies and ExperienceKnowledge & Skills Familiarity with medical terminology and healthcare documentation practices.Experience verifying insurance eligibility or supporting authorization and referral processes.Familiarity with CPT, ICD-10, or medical procedural coding concepts.Experience using electronic health records (EHR) and payer portals or willingness to learn new healthcare systems.Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple referrals and competing priorities simultaneously.Ability to track workflows, follow up on outstanding items, and ensure timely completion of referral processes.Ability to communicate clearly and compassionately with patients, providers, and interdisciplinary teams.Professionalism and discretion when handling confidential patient information.Commitment to providing respectful, patient-centered service to individuals from diverse backgrounds.Work Schedule Full-time position, typically Monday through Friday, supporting clinic operations. Schedule flexibility may be required to meet patient or operational needs.Compensation and Benefits Pay for this position is based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity. The anticipated starting pay range for this role is $21.30 to $23.31 per hour.In addition to competitive pay, Father Joe’s Villages offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plan options, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Employees also have access to wellness programs and employee assistance resources to support work-life balance, health, and overall well-being.Why Join Father Joe’s Villages Work with a mission-driven organization committed to improving health access and strengthening San Diego communities. Collaborate with compassionate healthcare professionals while helping patients successfully navigate complex systems of care.Conditions of EmploymentEmployment is contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre- and post-employment requirements, which may include background checks, health screenings, and other role-related requirements following a conditional offer of employment.Equal Employment OpportunityFather Joe’s Villages is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary : $21 - $23