Financial Counselor

Job DetailsJob Location: Klickitat Valley Health - GOLDENDALE, WA 98620Position Type: Full Time 40 hours/wkSalary Range: $21.82 - $26.66 HourlyJob Shift: EveningsJob Category: Non-ExemptAt Klickitat Valley Health, we understand that navigating healthcare billing and insurance can feel overwhelming, and we are committed to helping patients through the process with compassion, professionalism, and clarity. We are seeking a knowledgeable and customer-focused Financial Counselor to join our Business Office team, providing support to patients and assisting with a variety of financial and billing processes.

In this role, you will work directly with patients to answer billing questions, assist with insurance enrollment and payment options, and help connect individuals with available financial resources. You will also support important business office functions, including collections follow-up, prior authorizations, account management, deposits, and other financial support activities that help keep operations running smoothly.

The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, compassionate, and committed to delivering exceptional customer service while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality in every interaction. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys helping others, solving problems, and making a meaningful impact behind the scenes of patient care.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Financial Counselor ensures that various activities are carried out in accordance with departmental protocols and processes. The employee demonstrates excellent customer service in interactions with employees, managers/supervisors, and patients, in a professional, ethical, and knowledgeable manner.  Maintains a safe, clean, and organized work environment.  Will assist in notifying guarantors and/or third-party payers of delinquent accounts to solicit payment, keep records of collections and account status, and coordinate with customers to answer patient payment questions.  Provides billing assistance and general support to the business office.  This may include credit balances, bank deposits, prior authorizations, and any other support needed.  This position will assist patients with signing up for insurance through the insurance exchange.

Full-time benefits include medical, vision, dental, and prescription drug coverage, as well as HSA/FSA, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, retirement plans, and generous Paid Time Off.
QualificationsMinimum Education, Training & Experience (includes licenses or certifications):

Safety Sensitive per WASB5123: No

Education: 


High school diploma or GED required.


 

Experience:


At least 2 years of office/administrative experience required, including familiarity with everyday office equipment.
One (1) year of experience working in medical billing, A/R, or accounting is preferred.


 

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities: 


Requires critical thinking skills, the ability to make good decisions, listen and accept advice from others, demonstrate maturity and good judgment, and the ability to work with regular supervision.
Perform basic math skills as it relates to reconciling patient accounts and calculating payment formation.
Promote/deliver excellent customer service to both internal (employees and management) and external customers (auditors and other third parties).
Meet various sensory requirements, such as vision, touch, manual dexterity, and fine motor skills, to perform tasks using computers, computer screens, keyboards, copiers, faxes, and other office equipment.
Demonstrate positive and effective interpersonal and communication skills with colleagues, vendors, visitors, etc. 
Maintain a calm and composed manner in emergency/stressful situations, taking appropriate action as necessary.
Demonstrates attention to detail, follows oral and written instructions precisely, and maintains a high degree of accuracy; risk of error could result in significant monetary loss and hardship for KVH.
Excellent organizational, multi-tasking, and time management skills with the ability to anticipate tasks and prioritize assignments.
Work in a stressful/demanding environment and take appropriate action to ensure accurate and high-quality work is produced, and the ability to cope with the physical demands of the job.
Experience with using everyday computer electronic technology tools (e.g., email, spreadsheets, word processing, voicemail, and internet/intranet) and organizing and storing work-related data. Plus calculator, copier, fax, etc.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, including Excel and Word, is essential.
Good written and verbal communication skills, and general math skills.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.


 

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  


Interview clients to determine their current income, expenses, insurance coverage, tax status, financial objectives, r