What are the responsibilities and job description for the Financial Counselor position at Vail Valley Medical Center?
Vail Health has become the world’s most advanced mountain healthcare system. Vail Health consists of an updated 520,000-square-foot, 56-bed hospital. This state-of-the-art facility provides exceptional care to all of our patients, with the most beautiful views in the area, located centrally in Vail. Learn more about Vail Health here .
About the Opportunity
Join Vail Health at our main hospital campus as a Financial Counselor and play a vital role in supporting patients during some of their most important moments. In this on‑site position, you’ll work under the direction of the Manager of Financial Counseling to administer the Patient Financial Assistance Program, ensuring patients have access to the financial resources and support they need.
In this role, you’ll partner directly with patients—both insured and uninsured—to assess financial needs, guide them through available assistance options, and connect them with external sponsorships, government programs, and charitable resources when appropriate. You’ll also review and process financial assistance applications, coordinate payment arrangements in alignment with Vail Health guidelines, and maintain key reporting data. As a senior member of the team, you’ll serve as a mentor and help train new financial counselors, reinforcing best practices and organizational values.
What You Will Do
- Screen patients in accordance with the Patient Financial Assistance Policy and Hospital Discounted Care Bill to determine eligibility.
- Refer patients to appropriate government, county, and charitable assistance programs.
- Stay current on available financial assistance programs and resources.
- Obtain, review, and verify patient financial documentation using the Financial Assistance Application.
- Communicate with patients regarding incomplete applications in accordance with established policies.
- Approve financial assistance applications up to designated limits and collaborate with leadership for approvals beyond defined thresholds.
- Partner with leadership to prepare and maintain monthly financial assistance data reports, including application volumes, approvals, appeals, and appeal outcomes.
- Monitor and comply with State of Colorado charity care requirements and maintain required internal documentation.
- Attend required state and regulatory trainings related to Hospital Discounted Care.
- Determine patient financial responsibility and educate patients or their representatives on payment plans.
- Counsel patients who are unable to meet standard payment schedules.
- Train and mentor new team members on policies, procedures, and protocols.
- Serve as a role model for Vail Health’s Organizational Values and Just Culture principles.
- Maintain strict HIPAA compliance at all times.
This description is intended to reflect the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities associated with the role.
What You Will Need
Experience
- Minimum of 2 years of financial counseling experience in a hospital or financial institution, or equivalent experience (required).
- Previous experience in hospital admissions or patient accounts (preferred).
- Bilingual in English and Spanish (preferred).
Licenses & Certifications
- HBI Financial Counseling Certification (required).
- Working knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking.
Education
- N/A
Benefits at Vail Health (Full Time) Include:
- Competitive Wages & Family Benefits:
- Competitive wages
- Parental leave (4 weeks paid)
- Housing programs
- Childcare reimbursement
- Comprehensive Health Benefits:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Educational Programs:
- Tuition Assistance
- Existing Student Loan Repayment
- Specialty Certification Reimbursement
- Annual Supplemental Educational Funds
- Paid Time Off:
- Up to five weeks in your first year of employment and continues to grow each year.
- Retirement & Supplemental Insurance:
- 403(b) Retirement plan with immediate matching
- Life insurance
- Short and long-term disability
- Recreation Benefits, Wellness & More:
- Up to $1,000 annual wellbeing reimbursement
- Recreation discounts
- Pet insurance
Pay is based upon relevant education and experience per hour.
Hourly Pay:
$22 - $28.39 USD