What are the responsibilities and job description for the Referral Coordinator Apprentice position at Tanana Chiefs Conference?
Description
Job Title
Referral Coordinator Apprentice
Location
Fairbanks, AK, US
Organization Name
Clinical Services/Nursing
Job Summary
Job Summary: The Referral Coordinator Apprentice is learning to provide administrative and clinical support to the medical staff of Tanana Chiefs Conference throughout the clinics within multiple specialties to include but not limited to primary care, urgent care, OB/GYN, pediatrics, and internal medicine.
Adhere to the TCC Ch'eghwtsen' model of service and guiding principle which requires providing timely and effective service along with the ability to interact with others in a way that inspires trust and demonstrates respect, compassion and empathy.
Nursing Department Vision
Mission
Adhere to the TCC Ch'eghwtsen' model of service and guiding principle which requires providing timely and effective service along with the ability to interact with others in a way that inspires trust and demonstrates respect, compassion and empathy.
Nursing Department Vision
Delivering trusted, world-class care for the whole person with compassion, connection, and skill.
Mission
Staff of the TCC Nursing Division strive to work at the highest level of our professions, utilizing evidence based practice to deliver accessible holistic care to the individual, family, and community throughout the region. We promote the wellbeing of future generations by cultivating connection, honoring culture, and empowering patients to take control of their healthcare.
Essential Functions
Essential Functions: This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbent(s). Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.
Representative Duties: Under the direct supervision of the Lead Referral Coordinator, the job incumbent will be assigned from the following representative duties:
Clinical Duties
Leadership and Development
Operations
Quality and Compliance
Customer Service
Other Responsibilities:
During the Apprenticeship, the Apprentice shall receive work experience and job-related education in all necessary phases of the occupation, including safe work practices, to develop the skill and proficiency of a skilled professional.
Representative Duties: Under the direct supervision of the Lead Referral Coordinator, the job incumbent will be assigned from the following representative duties:
Clinical Duties
1. Coordinate Patient Referrals:
a. Collaborate with primary care and specialty providers to actively manage referrals for preventive, chronic, and acute care needs.
b. Facilitate transitions between TCC and external care providers by initiating and tracking referral communications.
c. Ensure all referrals are appropriately authorized (e.g., Purchased Referred Care [PRC], Veterans Administration [VA]) and
d. Accurately documents actions taken in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
e. Handle the transmission and receipt of protected health information (PHI) in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
f. Maintain a closed-loop referral process, ensuring providers receive follow-up documentation in a timely manner.
2. Patient and Care Team Communication:
a. Educate patients on the referral process and assist with follow-through steps.
b. Serve as a central liaison between care teams and specialty clinics, both internal and external.
c. Maintain regular communication via phone, email, and in-person to support care coordination.
d. Frequent communication electronically, by phone and in person with all members of the primary care team and the specialty clinics (both internal and external).
3. Video Teleconferences (VTC):
a. Provide assistance to higher level referral coordinators to prepare and assist patients for telehealth visits, including obtaining vitals and using diagnostic tools (e.g., ECG, digital otoscope).
b. Begin learning role as a tele-presenter during virtual consults with off-site specialists.
c. Communicate specialist requests to primary care providers and assist with coordinating any required follow-up
4. Attends and completes mandatory in-services including infection control, safety, CPR, equipment usage and procedures according to department policies.
5. Begin to learn about other Referral Coordination roles, including but not limited to: pediatrics, surgery, orthopedics, family medicine, subregional clinics etc.
Leadership and Development
1. Demonstrate flexibility and composure in high-pressure or fast-paced environments.
2. Attend departmental meetings and contribute to operational improvements.
Operations
1. Greet and escort patients; ensure seamless clinic flow during visits.
2. Assist with patient transport to ancillary departments as needed.
3. Monitor and maintain exam rooms and medical equipment, report repair needs.
Quality and Compliance
1. Follows departments regulatory standards for Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Care (AAAHC) and/or Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), including environment of care standards and infection control.
2. Participates in quality and compliance initiatives.
Customer Service
1. Provides excellent customer service and participates in customer service initiatives.
Other Responsibilities:
1. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Incumbents may meet minimum qualifications for this position with the following combinations of education, training, and experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Supervision: This position has no supervisory responsibility.
1. Alaska Native or American Indian Preferred.
2. High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
3. Must be eighteen (18) years old or older.
4. Enrollment in TCC’s referral coordination training program.
5. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or ability to obtain within three (3) months of hire.
6. Familiarity with medical terminology.
7. Regional travel on a periodic basis is required.
8. Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality.
9. Must pass background check pursuant to Federal Indian Child Protection and family Violence Prevention Act Requirement
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
1. Proficiency with typing, using Office computer (MS Office Suite) and clinical computer applications.
2. Good communication and interpersonal skills for working with diverse populations.
3. Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional ethics.
4. Attention to detail.
5. Adaptability to evolving systems, technologies, and healthcare environments.
Supervision: This position has no supervisory responsibility.
Supervision
Physical demands: Work requires walking, standing, and occasional lifting, bending, and pushing to assist patients, moving equipment, and issue supplies. Sedentary activities consist of sitting at a desk, typing, and computer operation. Knowledge of proper body mechanics and office ergonomics is required. Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds routinely and maximum of 50 pounds occasionally. Must be able to assist patients with safe transfers using appropriate body mechanics and/or equipment, including but not limited to from their vehicle to a wheelchair at TCC entrances. Incumbent must be able to work efficiently in a busy and sometimes stressful environment.
Work environment: Work is performed in a clinic setting responsible for treating patients with a wide variety of medical problems. The employee may be exposed to communicable disease during performance of duties. Job incumbent may travel to remote locations by vehicle, small plane, boat or alternate means of transportation. There is risk of exposure to toxic chemical agents and other medications.
Work environment: Work is performed in a clinic setting responsible for treating patients with a wide variety of medical problems. The employee may be exposed to communicable disease during performance of duties. Job incumbent may travel to remote locations by vehicle, small plane, boat or alternate means of transportation. There is risk of exposure to toxic chemical agents and other medications.
Summation
Summary: The key skills required for success in this position include strong administrative, technical, and interpersonal abilities, particularly in communication and problem-solving. A commitment to delivering the highest quality of service to medical staff and patients from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, with kindness and compassion, is essential.