Patient Services Specialist

Department:
Health and Human Services

Union Affiliation: AFSCME

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday

Total Hours Per Week: 40

Position is eligible for 5% premium pay if bilingual Spanish.

Tillamook County follows Oregon Pay Equity laws in reviewing education, experience and seniority for wage offers.

The Patient Services Specialist provides administrative and front desk support for healthcare services, ensuring efficient patient registration, scheduling, and coordination between patients and medical staff. This role requires a strong understanding of medical records, patient privacy regulations, and healthcare operations. The Patient Services Specialist is responsible for processing patient documentation, verifying insurance, handling financial transactions, and assisting with Electronic Health Records (EHR) management.

This position also provides customer service, crisis management, and resource guidance to patients while ensuring compliance with healthcare policies and procedures.

The individual in this role is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Knowledge of medical front desk operations, including patient scheduling and registration.
• Knowledge of EPIC EHR or similar electronic health record systems.
• Knowledge of insurance verification and financial assistance processes.
• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and patient confidentiality requirements.
• Knowledge of customer service principles, including professional patient communication.
• Understanding of mental health, substance abuse concerns, and crisis intervention procedures.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with patients, medical staff, and the public.
• Skill in scheduling and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced healthcare setting.
• Skill in handling financial transactions and payments accurately.
• Skill in problem-solving and effectively addressing patient concerns.
• Skill in multitasking while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.

• Ability to work independently while managing multiple responsibilities efficiently.
• Ability to provide empathetic and compassionate customer service, particularly to patients in distress.
• Ability to handle sensitive patient information confidentially and in compliance with healthcare regulations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, over the phone, and through written correspondence.
• Ability to recognize patient crises and elevate appropriately for medical or behavioral health intervention.
• Ability to function as a liaison between patients and healthcare providers.

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Two (2) years of experience in healthcare administration, patient registration, scheduling, or a related field.

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience.

• If the position requires driving, must possess a valid Oregon driver’s license and maintain an acceptable driving record.

• Must be able to maintain compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Must pass a pre‑employment criminal history background investigation.

• Act as registration staff for all healthcare providers in the office.
• Schedule and register patients for upcoming and same‑day appointments.
• Verify patient insurance, update demographic information, and process necessary consent and HIPAA documentation.
• Assist patients with financial aid applications and eligibility determination.
• Contact patients via phone or text to confirm appointments and reduce no‑shows.
• Process controlled substance prescription requests and ensure proper documentation.

• Greet patients, check them into appointments, and provide assistance with…