Referrals Coordinator

Fair Haven Community Health Care 

For over 54 years, FHCHC has been an innovative and vibrant community health center, catering to multiple generations with over 165,000 office visits across 21 locations. Guided by a Board of Directors, most of whom are patients themselves, we take pride in being a healthcare leader dedicated to delivering high-quality, affordable medical and dental care to everyone, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Our extensive range of primary and specialty care services, along with evidence-based programs, empowers patients to make informed choices about their health. As we expand our reach to underserved areas, our commitment to prioritizing patient needs remains unwavering. FHCHC's mission is to enhance the health and social well-being of the communities we serve through equitable, high-quality, and culturally responsive patient-centered care.

We are seeking a compassionate, organized, and detail-oriented Referrals Navigator to support patients and clinical teams and when necessary navigate patients through the health care system from the initiation of the referral, to obtaining prior authorization, scheduling appointments and tracking and following up on results.

Duties and responsibilities

• Works in close partnership with the clinical teams to manage all aspects of external referrals.
• Obtains prior authorization for referrals when necessary.
• Makes appointments and any additional referral arrangements with patient referral sites.
• Documents all aspects of the referrals process in the patient’s Electronic Health Record and communicates with referring clinicians when patients cannot be reached.
• Educates patients related to requirements of referrals, referral sites/ locations and/or appointment specifics. 
• Works with the Referrals Supervisor to educate clinicians on changes to the referrals process.
• Works with the Referrals Supervisor, Executive Management and Department Chairs to identify Performance Improvement needs and strategies for managing, tracking and following up on referrals.
• Manages a system for follow up of referrals, by maintaining a searchable database, as directed by the Referrals Supervisor.
• Works with teams and individual providers to clarify access issues, or other barriers for particular referrals or groups of referrals.
• Familiarizes self with and acts as an expert related to insurance practices and coverage or referrals by various payer sources.
• Ensures patient confidentiality, and provides patients with needed information.
• Performs other necessary duties as required by FHCHC to achieve the goal of providing high quality services and primary health care
• Providing coverage for departments under operations portfolio (i.e. front desk) as necessary, including extended leaves

Qualifications

• One year of experience in a health care setting required
• Referrals experience preferred
• Principles of proficient data entry, preferably using a database such as Excel and/or Access
• Excellent communication skills, pleasant attitude, ability to accept constructive criticism, and an ability to work well with staff and patients
• Fluency in English and Spanish required.

Technical Qualifications

• High School diploma
• Computer skills