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Patient Support Associate Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply for the Patient Transport Associate role. Legacy ... Perform a variety of service-related activities supporting the Patient Transportation Program ...

If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply for the Patient Transport Associate role. Legacy ... Perform a variety of service-related activities supporting the Patient Transportation Program ...

If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply for the Patient Transport Associate role. Legacy ... Perform a variety of service-related activities supporting the Patient Transportation Program ...

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Patient Support Associate information

See Portland, OR salary details

$14

$26

$71

How much do patient support associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient support associate in Portland, OR is $26.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patient support associate?

Patient Support Associates are healthcare professionals who assist patients and clinical staff in hospitals and other medical facilities. Their duties often include helping patients with daily activities, transporting patients, ensuring rooms are clean and stocked, and providing general non-medical support to enhance patient comfort and safety. They play a vital role in improving the patient experience and supporting the clinical team with routine tasks. Patient Support Associates typically work under the supervision of nurses or other healthcare staff, and strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for this role.

How does a patient support associate typically collaborate with nurses and other healthcare staff during a shift?

Patient Support Associates work closely with nurses and other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive timely and effective care. They frequently assist with transporting patients, updating medical staff on patient needs, and helping with daily living activities under supervision. Clear communication and teamwork are essential, as Patient Support Associates often relay patient observations and assist in maintaining a safe and comfortable environment. This role requires adaptability and a collaborative mindset, as priorities can shift quickly based on patient needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a patient support associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Patient Support Associate, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong organizational skills, and experience in healthcare environments. Familiarity with hospital information systems, electronic health records (EHR), and scheduling software is often required. Excellent interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to multitask help you manage patient interactions and coordinate care effectively. These skills ensure efficient patient flow, accurate information handling, and a supportive environment that enhances the overall patient experience.

What is the difference between Patient Support Associate vs Medical Assistant?

AspectPatient Support AssociateMedical Assistant
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; optional certificationHigh school diploma; certification or diploma from accredited program often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, outpatient facilitiesClinics, hospitals, physician offices
Job DutiesPatient check-in, scheduling, basic patient supportClinical tasks, patient prep, vital signs, administrative duties

While both roles support patient care, Patient Support Associates primarily handle administrative and patient check-in tasks, whereas Medical Assistants perform clinical procedures and direct patient care. The roles often overlap in healthcare settings, but Medical Assistants typically require more clinical training and certifications.

How do you become a patient support associate?

To become a patient support associate, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and strong communication skills. Relevant experience in healthcare or customer service is often preferred, and some employers may require certification in basic life support or patient care. On-the-job training is common, and the role often involves working in healthcare settings such as clinics or hospitals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Support jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Patient Support jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Patient Support Associate jobs in Portland, OR?

For Patient Support Associate jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Patient Support Associate jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Patient Support Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Patient Support Associate job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,738 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Bicultural Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) / Mental Health Specialist - Somali-Speaking ...

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR • On-site

$18 - $23.25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

About The Department of PsychiatryLink https://www.ohsu.edu/school-of-medicine/psychiatry

The fundamental purpose of OHSU and The Department of Psychiatry is to improve well-being.

The OHSU Department of Psychiatry is part of the OHSU Brain Institute, and focuses on providing excellent clinical treatment to our patients, leading innovative research, and offering hands-on training for the next generation of psychiatrists. Our specialists care for people of every culture and background and it is our mission to value and show appreciation for diversity, showing respect for all people who we treat, teach, and serve.

The Intercultural Psychiatric Program (IPP) provides outpatient mental health care, including case management, group and individual therapy, and medication management support to people in Oregon whose first language is other than English. IPP has about 7 psychiatrists and /or psychiatric residents, 13 QMHA & QMHP- level clinicians (mental health counselors), and an administrative staff of four persons. This staff currently serves roughly 1,300 patients.

Function/Duties of Position

The Bicultural Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) works closely with staff psychiatrists of the Intercultural Psychiatric Program (IPP) as part of an integrated team model to provide comprehensive, holistic care for individuals seeking mental health services in a culturally sensitive environment. This position adheres to the Oregon Health Authority Oregon

Administrative Rules 309 as it relates to Outpatient Mental Health Services. Duties and responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

The Bicultural Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) works in a dyad with staff psychiatrists of the Intercultural Psychiatric Program (IPP) to provide trauma-informed approach in language and cultural interpretation, individual and group services, and interventions to psychiatric outpatients to Somali-Speaking patients. This position provides clinical case management and other clinical support to Somali-speaking patients and potentially other IPP patients, as specified by the director or manager of the IPP clinical services. This position shall provide services as assigned by the supervisor in furtherance of the university's missions and goals of teaching, research, patient care, outreach, and public service.

Required Qualifications
  • Fluency in written and spoken English and fluency in written and spoken Somali.
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field OR 3 years of relevant work experience.
  • QMHAs must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, understand mental health assessment, treatment and service terminology and apply each of these concepts, implement skills development strategies, and identify, implement and coordinate the services and supports identified in an ISSP.
  • Requires basic skills in word processing and ability to complete reports and other documentation in electronic format.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and fluency in written and spoken English and fluency in written and spoken Somali.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of and comfort with culture of people from other cultures as well as be able to function cooperatively in a multicultural environment.
  • A strong patient-service orientation, the interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively in a diverse psychiatric outpatient program and the ability to work in a fast-paced team environment.
  • Must be registered as a QMHA with the Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) or hold QMHA Basic Certification (QMHA-I).
  • Registered candidates must meet OAR 309-019-0125 standards for initial qualification for employment in State Approved Mental Health Agencies.
  •  QMHA-R (registered) candidates must register prior to employment and become fully certified within 2 years.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Two to three years of employment or mental health field as a Bicultural Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA).
  • Experience working with immigrants and refugees in a clinical setting.
  • Experience delivering culturally appropriate interventions.
  • Knowledge of trauma-informed treatments.
Additional Details

***Apply here online. Upload cover letter and resume.  Please be sure to include months and years (MM/YYYY format) to the resume for jobs/work experience.***

Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: PART_TIME

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887