The Patient Intake Specialist is the primary point of contact for patients and visitors at The People's Health Clinic and is responsible for delivering consistent, professional, and compliant front-desk operations. This role requires fluency in Spanish and the ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including managing challenging interactions in a calm, respectful, and professional manner. The Patient Intake Specialist is accountable for the accurate creation and maintenance of patient records; timely and accurate scheduling and coordination of patient appointments; and adherence to clinic policies, workflows, and confidentiality standards to support efficient clinic operations and a positive patient experience.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Patient Engagement & Front Desk Operations
- Greet patients and visitors in a professional, respectful, and welcoming manner
- Answer incoming calls within three rings and route calls appropriately
- Provide accurate and current information about clinic services to patients and prospective patients in person and by telephone
- Check patients in and out in accordance with established clinic protocols
- Monitor patient flow in the waiting area and communicate delays or changes to patients and clinical staff in a timely manner
- Coordinate with medical assistants, providers, and care teams to ensure accurate and timely patient handoffs
Scheduling & Appointment Management
- Schedule, reschedule, and cancel patient appointments in accordance with clinic policies
- Prepare, collect, and obtain documentation required for patient appointments, including medical and vaccine records
- Accurately enroll patients into required systems to support appointment scheduling and clinical workflows
- Maintain and manage waitlists in compliance with clinic policy
- Conduct reminder calls, texts, or messages as assigned to reduce missed appointments
- Identify and communicate patient-reported barriers to care (e.g., transportation, language, scheduling conflicts) to appropriate staff for follow-up
Patient Records, Data & Compliance
- Distribute patient registration packets to new patients and ensure completion
- Collect, verify, and enter patient demographic and contact information into clinic systems on a daily basis
- Review and update patient demographic and contact information at each visit
- Ensure all required patient forms, consents, and documentation are completed accurately and timely
- Scan, upload, and appropriately index patient documents into the electronic health record (EHR)
- Maintain complete, accurate, and timely documentation in compliance with clinic policies, HIPAA, and confidentiality requirements
Financial & Administrative Responsibilities
- Request monetary donations from patients when appropriate, using respectful, non-coercive, and clinic-approved language
- Accurately complete daily cash handling, balancing, and reconciliation in accordance with clinic policy
- Complete required end-of-day front desk financial reports accurately and on time
Patient Support & Communication
- Provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and patient-centered service consistent with clinic standards
- Assist patients in understanding clinic processes, paperwork, and next steps in their preferred language
- De-escalate patient concerns or complaints professionally and escalate issues in accordance with clinic procedures
Clinic Environment, Safety & Team Support
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the front desk and waiting room areas throughout the day and at close of business
- Observe, document, and report safety concerns in the waiting room or front desk area promptly
- Assist with opening and closing procedures for the front desk as assigned
- Monitor and restock front desk supplies, patient forms, and informational materials as needed
- Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, and quality-improvement activities
- Support onboarding and training of new front desk staff when assigned
- Perform other duties as assigned to support clinic operations
COMPETENCIES & QUALIFICATIONS
- Prior experience in a medical or clinical environment preferred
- Fluency in English and Spanish required
- Demonstrated commitment to customer service, professionalism, and confidentiality
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Professional demeanor and reliability in patient-facing interactions
- Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements
- Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a team environment
- Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn new systems
- Strong organizational, time-management, and attention-to-detail skills
- Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities in a fast-paced clinical environment
- Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) or patient management systems preferred
- Experience working with uninsured or underserved populations preferred