Access Specialist
Job Description
Join Blue Ridge Care as an Access Benefits Specialist
At Blue Ridge Care, we deliver extraordinary care to improve life’s journey. As a mission-driven, not-for-profit healthcare system, we provide integrated services in hospice, serious illness care, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), community thrift shops, and grief support. Our goal is simple: to reimagine how communities experience aging, serious illness, and end-of-life care through compassionate, personalized, and high-quality services.
Position Summary
Blue Ridge Care is seeking a dedicated, organized, and patient-focused Access Benefits Specialist to join our Access Department. This role serves as a critical link in ensuring timely and accurate access to hospice services by verifying insurance benefits, securing authorizations, and supporting referral and intake workflows.
As a key member of the Access team, this individual will also be cross-trained to support the Access Specialist function, including serving as the first point of contact for patients, families, and referral sources during assigned coverage times.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, adaptable, and service-driven, with a strong understanding of healthcare insurance processes and a commitment to delivering excellent customer care.
Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, with participation in a monthly weekend rotation. Schedule subject to change based on organizational needs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Serve as an initial point of contact for referrals, patients, families, and referral sources as needed
Verify patient insurance coverage, eligibility, benefits, and financial responsibility
Obtain preauthorizations and approvals for hospice services via phone, fax, and payer portals
Accurately enter and maintain patient demographics, insurance information, and documentation in the EMR/EHR
Schedule initial provider appointments and assessment nurse visits
Collect and review data to support eligibility for hospice and palliative care services
Communicate clearly with patients and families regarding insurance coverage and potential financial obligations
Resolve insurance-related discrepancies efficiently and ensure accurate benefit coordination
Maintain timely communication with physicians, referral sources, and internal interdisciplinary teams
Support referral processing, intake workflows, and medical record retrieval
Stay current on payer requirements, insurance regulations, and compliance standards (including HIPAA)
Provide exceptional customer service through professional, compassionate communication
Demonstrate proficiency with the Perfect Phone Encounter process
Assist in supporting administrative functions and team collaboration across departments
Perform additional duties as assigned
Education and Experience
High school diploma or GED required; associate degree or higher preferred
Minimum of one year of healthcare administrative experience, with a strong focus on insurance verification and benefits coordination
Strong knowledge of insurance processes, including eligibility, authorizations, and coverage coordination
Experience working with insurance providers via phone, fax, and online portals
Familiarity with out-of-state payors preferred
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and EMR/EHR systems
Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Professional phone presence with a customer service mindset
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment
Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license
Your Benefits
Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
Retirement Plan with Company Match
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Paid Volunteer Time
Thrift Shop Discount
Voluntary Benefits including Critical Illness
Why Blue Ridge Care?
For more than 40 years, Blue Ridge Care has been a trusted, not-for-profit provider dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality care across our region. We are committed to celebrating diversity, fostering inclusivity, and supporting both our patients and our team members in meaningful ways.
Blue Ridge Care is a non-profit, equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and patients served.