Patient Support Associate - Part-time in South Boston, Massachusetts at SOUTH BOSTON COMMUNITY HEALTH

About South Boston Community Health Center

South Boston Community Health Center (SBCHC) is a mission-driven, community-based health organization committed to providing accessible, high-quality, and compassionate care to all patients, regardless of status or ability to pay. We serve a diverse patient population and are dedicated to advancing health equity, collaboration, and excellence in care.

Our vision is to meet the healthcare needs of the community through consistently high-quality primary and preventive care while serving as a trusted leader in community health. We are guided by our core values of Respect, Commitment, Diversity, Competence, Education, Research, and Cost Effectiveness.

Work Environment & Culture

SBCHC offers a fast-paced, team-oriented healthcare environment that values collaboration, professionalism, and continuous learning. Employees work closely with interdisciplinary teams and are expected to provide high-quality, patient-centered care to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Position Summary

The Patient Support Associate (PSA) serves as the first point of contact for patients and their families, both in person and over the phone. This role is essential to delivering a positive patient experience by providing courteous, efficient, and knowledgeable service throughout the patient visit.

The PSA is responsible for ensuring accurate patient registration, maintaining demographic and insurance information, and supporting the smooth flow of front desk and administrative operations. Working closely with clinical teams, billing, and referral departments, the PSA plays a key role in optimizing patient access and care coordination.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Greet patients and family members in a friendly, professional, and attentive manner.
• Register patients in the electronic medical record (Epic), ensuring accurate demographic, insurance, and billing information.
• Confirm patient identity using required identifiers to ensure HIPAA compliance.
• Answer incoming phone calls and assist patients with scheduling, inquiries, and general support.
• Schedule appointments in accordance with organizational guidelines and the Patient-Centered Medical Home model.
• Proactively contact patients prior to appointments to resolve discrepancies related to insurance or demographic information.
• Inform patients of referral requirements and assist with the coordination of care as needed.
• Collaborate with billing and referral departments to support a smooth and accurate revenue cycle.
• Collect and reconcile daily payments, including co-pays and other patient balances.
• Process and monitor forms related to insurance plan updates and PCP assignment changes.
• Maintain high-quality written and verbal communication with patients, coworkers, and leadership.
• Support overall front desk operations and contribute to a positive, team-oriented environment.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Previous experience in a healthcare, customer service, or administrative role preferred
• Experience working with electronic health records (Epic preferred)
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, especially with data entry and patient information
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to providing respectful, patient-centered service

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a community health or outpatient setting
• Bilingual skills preferred but not required

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple patient needs effectively
• Excellent communication and patient education skills
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Commitment to culturally responsive, patient-centered care
• Ability to remain calm, efficient, and professional in a fast-paced clinical environment
• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods

Benefits & Perks

SBCHC offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being and work-life balance, which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off, holidays, and sick time.
• Retirement plan options.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Other benefits in accordance with employment status and union agreements.

Compliance & Employment Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and reference checks.

Proof of COVID-19 and other required vaccinations may be required in accordance with SBCHC policy and applicable laws.

Selected candidates must meet all licensing, certification, or credentialing requirements applicable to the role.

Equal Opportunity Statement

South Boston Community Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

SBCHC is dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities and creating an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and during employment.