Patient Support Associate- Eye and Dental Department in South Boston, Massachusetts at SOUTH BOSTON COMMUNITY HEALTH

THE OPPORTUNITY

At South Boston Community Health Center (SBCHC), we believe that every patient's healthcare experience begins long before they see a provider. As a Patient Support Associate (PSA), you will play a critical role in helping patients access care by serving as one of the first people they interact with when contacting or visiting the health center.

This role exists to create a welcoming, efficient, and patient-centered experience for individuals and families seeking care. Through appointment scheduling, patient registration, insurance verification, and compassionate customer service, you will help remove barriers to healthcare while ensuring patients feel respected, supported, and connected to the services they need.

As a PSA, you will serve as a key member of the care team and contribute directly to the success of each patient visit. Your attention to detail, commitment to service, and ability to build positive relationships will help create an environment where patients feel valued from the moment they walk through our doors.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys helping people, thrives in a fast-paced healthcare setting, and wants to make a meaningful impact within a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving community health.

WHO WE ARE

South Boston Community Health Center is a federally qualified community health center dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to all members of our community, regardless of their ability to pay.

For decades, SBCHC has been committed to delivering patient-centered care while improving health outcomes and reducing barriers to healthcare access throughout South Boston and neighboring communities.

Our team works collaboratively across departments to ensure patients receive exceptional care and support throughout their healthcare journey. We value respect, compassion, diversity, teamwork, and continuous learning, and we strive to create an environment where both patients and employees can thrive.

What makes SBCHC unique is our commitment to serving a diverse patient population. Our multilingual workforce and culturally responsive approach help ensure every patient feels welcomed, understood, and supported.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

As a Patient Support Associate, you will serve as the primary point of contact for patients and visitors while supporting patient access, registration, scheduling, and front-office operations.

• Welcome patients, families, and visitors in a friendly, professional, and attentive manner.
• Serve as a positive first impression of South Boston Community Health Center.
• Register patients accurately within Epic electronic medical records.
• Verify and update patient demographic, insurance, and billing information.
• Confirm patient identity using required patient identifiers.
• Schedule appointments according to departmental guidelines and patient care needs.
• Support patient-centered scheduling practices aligned with the Patient-Centered Medical Home model.
• Answer incoming telephone calls professionally and efficiently.
• Assist patients with questions regarding appointments, registration, and health center services.
• Perform reminder calls and appointment outreach activities as needed.
• Collect and record patient co-payments and other authorized payments.
• Maintain high standards for written and verbal communication.
• Collaborate closely with providers, nurses, medical assistants, and administrative staff.
• Ensure patient information remains accurate, confidential, and secure.
• Assist with additional administrative and operational duties as assigned.

SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE LOOKS LIKE

• Creating a welcoming and positive experience for every patient interaction.
• Building trust with patients and families through professionalism and compassion.
• Maintaining accurate patient registration and insurance information.
• Supporting efficient clinic operations and patient flow.
• Scheduling appointments accurately and effectively.
• Providing excellent customer service both in person and over the phone.
• Communicating clearly and respectfully with patients, colleagues, and providers.
• Contributing to a collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Helping patients access the right care at the right time.

WORK STYLE & STATUS

Full-Time

On-Site at South Boston Community Health Center

Schedule may vary based on departmental needs and clinic operations.

• Occasional schedule flexibility may be required to support patient care and operational needs.
• Overtime may occasionally be required.
• Weather-related operations follow SBCHC's established Snow Emergency Protocol.
• Participation in departmental meetings and training activities may be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Our Patient Access and Administrative teams are collaborative, fast-paced, and patient-focused. Team members are expected to balance multiple priorities while maintaining professionalism, accuracy, and exceptional customer service.

This position involves frequent interaction with patients, family members, providers, and staff throughout the organization. Success requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, adaptability, and a commitment to creating a positive healthcare experience for every patient.

WHO YOU ARE

You are someone who genuinely enjoys helping people and understands the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive experience for patients.

You excel in a fast-paced environment where organization, communication, and teamwork are essential. You understand that even small interactions can make a significant difference in a patient's experience and satisfaction.

• Friendly and approachable
• Patient-centered and compassionate
• Professional and dependable
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Adaptable and flexible
• Team-oriented and collaborative
• Respectful and culturally sensitive
• Strong communicators
• Positive and solution-focused
• Comfortable managing multiple tasks simultaneously

You approach each interaction with professionalism, empathy, and a commitment to excellent service. Beyond administrative duties, success in this role means helping patients feel welcomed, respected, and supported throughout their healthcare experience.

WHAT YOU BRING

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to work effectively in a customer service-focused environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn healthcare software systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree.
• Customer service experience in a healthcare setting.
• Experience working in a medical office, clinic, hospital, or community health center.
• Experience using Epic Electronic Medical Records.
• Experience scheduling appointments and performing patient registration functions.
• Multilingual language skills.

Valuable Transferable Skills

• Customer service excellence
• Patient engagement
• Professional communication
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Organization and accuracy
• Team collaboration
• Adaptability
• Conflict resolution
• Attention to detail

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

At SBCHC, we believe transparency and a comprehensive benefits package are important components of supporting our employees and their families.

Eligible employees may receive:

• Competitive salary
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid vacation time
• Sick time
• Paid holidays
• Retirement plan options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development opportunities
• Additional benefits in accordance with employment status and applicable union agreements

WHY JOIN SBCHC?

When you join South Boston Community Health Center, you become part of an organization committed to making a meaningful difference in people's lives every day.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Help patients access high-quality healthcare services.
• Serve as an important part of the patient care experience.
• Build meaningful relationships with patients and colleagues.
• Work in a supportive, collaborative environment.
• Develop healthcare administration and patient access skills.
• Contribute to an organization dedicated to health equity and community wellness.

If you are passionate about customer service, healthcare access, and making a positive impact in your community, we encourage you to apply.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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 throughout the hiring process and employment relationship.