Program Specialist, Full Time 1.0 FTE - Days

Company: Summit Pacific Medical Center
Location: Elma
Posted on: April 3, 2026

Job Description:

Get to know Summit Pacific Medical Center: Your trusted partner in Health and Wellness, Summit Pacific is a vibrant and expanding public hospital district that operates a Critical Access Hospital with a Level IV trauma designation, three rural healthcare clinics, and a seven-day-a-week urgent care clinic. Our vision is “Through Summit Care, we will build the healthiest community in the Nation.” Our hospital is unique due to its size and accessibility. We pride ourselves on our ability to give patients quick access to a provider. Critical Access Hospital 24/7 Emergency Department Level II Cardiac Center Level III Stroke Center Level IV Trauma Care To learn more about Summit Pacific, visit www.summitpacificmedicalcenter.org Pay Range (depending on experience): $23.27 - $32.47 . Job Summary The Program Specialist is responsible for coordinating and managing the administrative tasks related to patient care for their assigned clinical service line. They serve as a primary point of contact for patients, assisting them with scheduling appointments, providing information about clinical services and insurance processes, submitting necessary orders, processing referrals, confirming authorizations, and ensuring a smooth and efficient patient experience. The Program Specialist works closely with healthcare professionals, including providers, technicians, clinical support staff, and the Patient Access Department, to facilitate the delivery of high-quality care to patients. Job Specific Duties and Responsibilities 1. Schedule appointments, consultations, follow-up visits, and other related appointments for patients within their service line(s). 2. Coordinate with Patient Access, management, providers, technicians, and other healthcare staff to ensure optimal scheduling and utilization of resources. Coordinates durable medical equipment (DME) as needed by department. 3. Communicate appointment details and instructions to patients, including any necessary preparations. 4. Serve as the expert on patient access workflows for their assigned service line(s), address inquiries, provide information, and ensure effective communication. 5. Educate patients on pertinent procedures and policies, including preparation instructions, duration, and expected outcomes. 6. Answer phone calls, respond to emails, and handle other forms of communication promptly and professionally. 7. Maintain patient records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality of information. 8. Coordinate referrals to and from other healthcare providers/service lines, as needed, and ensure appropriate documentation is obtained. Obtain necessary authorizations, insurance verifications, and pre-certifications needed for services. Verify acquisition of referrals and pre-authorizations for applicable services. Monitors for referral or authorization expirations and proactively seeks extensions. Monitors and closes inactive referrals when unable to schedule due to lack of patient contact. 9. Support department initiatives by working waitlists and special projects/patient lists as needed. 10. Collaborate with providers, clinical staff, and technicians to ensure seamless coordination of patient care. 11. Follow up with patients to provide test results, orders, answer questions, and address concerns. 12. Perform all functions according to established policies, procedures, regulatory and accreditation requirements, as well as applicable professional standards. Consistently demonstrate SPMC values and provide all patients/customers with an excellent service experience. 13. Performs special projects and other related duties as assigned. *Essential Job Function Staff Member Responsibilities 1. *Adapts to changes in the work environment: Asks clarifying questions and/or provides constructive input in a helpful and respectful manner. 2. *Builds and maintains working relationships: Maintains effective working relationships with supervisor and direct co-workers. 3. *Creates positive experiences for patients, customers and, co-workers: Consistently provides a level of service that meets SPMC standards. 4. *Demonstrates ongoing learning & development: Participates in ongoing skills training and competency development. 5. *Exhibits effective work skills: Successfully performs job duties in accordance with SPMC expectations for quality/accuracy, quantity, and timeliness. Re-priorities and/or shifts focus as needed to deliver expected results. 6. *Facilitates Teamwork: Actively engages in team activities. Welcomes and supports new team members; promotes a positive work environment. 7. *Fosters an environment of trust: Treats others with courtesy and respect. Does not engage in gossip or triangulation. 8. *Supports SP mission, vision, and values: Develops awareness of departmental contribution to mission, vision and strategy. Participates in department strategies and tactics. Organizational Responsibilities In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed above, all employees are expected to adhere to Summit Pacific behavior and patient experience standards, comply with policies, procedures, and regulatory guidelines; and act in an ethical, professional, respectful, and collaborative manner. Required Education and Experience • High school diploma or equivalent required, Associate Degree preferred. • Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a healthcare setting, preferably in patient access related functions. • Knowledge of relevant medical terminology. • Familiarity with medical insurance processes, including verification, authorization, and claims submission. • Proficiency in using electronic medical records (EMR) systems and other office software applications. Required Licenses, Certifications and/or Registrations 1. N/A Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities 1. Strong organizational skills: ability to prioritize, and reprioritize, work as needed to meet objectives. 2. Professional and effective written and verbal communication skills. Ability to identify and employ communication strategies appropriate to the audience. Grammar and punctuation skills as needed to compose professional documents. 3. Proficient in the use of current technology and software, including intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook). 4. Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion. Ability to develop and maintain accurate documentation and records. 5. Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration skills. Strong customer service and interpersonal skills; ability to maintain composure and interact calmly and professionally with co-workers, providers, patients and visitors in a fast-paced, high-stress environment. 6. Ability to work independently using good judgment, problem-solving, organization, and prioritization skills to complete assignments in a timely, accurate, and effective manner. Physical Requirements Never = 0% of time Seldom = 1-10% Occasional = 10-30% Frequent = 30-70% Constant = over 70% Lifting Lifting 10-35 lbs X Lifting >35 lbs X Carrying Carrying 10-35 lbs X Carrying >35 lbs X Pushing/Pulling 0-35 lbs X Sitting X Standing X Walking X Bending/Stooping X Crouching X Exposure to BBP X Vision Within normal range with or without corrective devices Hearing Within normal range with or without corrective devices. Speech Within normal range with or without corrective devices. FTE: 1 Work Shift: SVC Contract 8 hour shifts in a 40 hour work week Working Location: Elma, Washington Benefits: Our uniquely designed benefits are here to support you and your family in staying well, growing professionally and achieving financial security! We take care of you, so you can focus on delivering our mission of caring for everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our communities. Benefits offered by SPMC: Competitive Compensation Medical Prescription Dental (including Orthodontia) Vision Healthcare FSA and daycare FSA Daycare subsidized benefit Life Insurance Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Short- and long-term disability Generous employer 403b match contributions for retirement 457 retirement account for additional funds Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Tuition reimbursement Smoking Cessation Assistance Employee Wellness Program Employee Committees to participate in such as Spirit Team Beautiful on-site gym for employees Instructor led fitness classes for employees, including Yoga, Kettlebells and Bootcamps Walking trails on site Additional Information: Summit Pacific is a vibrant and expanding nonprofit public hospital district serving east Grays Harbor County, Washington. Founded in 1982, Summit Pacific now operates three locations comprised of a critical access hospital, primary care clinics, an urgent care clinic and range of ancillary and specialty services. Far enough to have privacy and enjoy the small-town lifestyle, yet close enough to have the benefits of the city. There are many year-round recreational activities in and around Grays Harbor such as: Hiking/ walking trails – whether you’re looking for short easy walking trails or long hikes you can find many trails located either on site or just miles from Summit Pacific. There are many great hiking trails about an hour away at the Quinault Rainforest which is also the home of some of the largest trees in the world! Kayaking – There are many areas that are easily accessible and have beautiful views. Nature viewing – Multiple whale watching towers and tours, state parks, Olympic Game Farm (where you can feed the animals straight from your car) Fishing & Hunting – If you’re looking for areas to hunt/ fish or looking for guided tours this is a great area! Westport is just 42 miles away with many opportunities to catch or buy fresh fish off the docks! Other activities – Multiple museums, winery, arcades, rentable mopeds, Seabrook (vacation beach town), many areas to surf for experienced surfers and surfing lessons for those who want to learn. Nearby colleges – Grays Harbor College is a community college located in Aberdeen with other community colleges located in surrounding areas, as well as some state colleges and universities in other areas of WA state. Summit Pacific Medical Center is an equal opportunity provider and employer that is committed to a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, arrest and court record, sexual orientation, and status as a covered veteran. This policy covers admission and access to, and participation in, treatment and employment in the hospital’s programs, activities, services, and employment. This organization participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is a service that verifies authorization to work in the U.S. through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Social Security (SSA). For further information on E-Verify contact DHS at 1-888-464-4218.

Keywords: Summit Pacific Medical Center, Bellevue , Program Specialist, Full Time 1.0 FTE - Days, Administration, Clerical , Elma, Washington