Patient Advocate Specialist - Intermountain Health, Saint Joseph Hospital

The Patient Advocate Specialist plays a critical role in identifying, educating, and enrolling eligible hospital patients into the Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) Program. This is a full-time, 5-day-per-week on-site role based at Intermountain Health, Saint Joseph Hospital, where you’ll work directly with patients and hospital partners. You'll clearly explain program details, gather required documentation, and serve as a compassionate, professional advocate throughout each step of the enrollment process. 

This role demands mission-driven advocacy, proactive problem-solving, empathetic communication, and resilience—all while balancing compassion with an urgency to ensure patients receive timely support. By facilitating employer-sponsored health insurance coverage, the Patient Helper Program helps medically complex Medicaid beneficiaries access comprehensive care. 

We’re looking for driven individuals with a “can-do” spirit, unwavering perseverance, and the capacity to support diverse patient populations navigating complex healthcare systems. 

Key Responsibilities 

Patient Engagement & Advocacy 

• Educate patients and families in a clear, compassionate, and culturally sensitive manner about the HIPP program. 
• Assess family dynamics and adapt communication style to effectively meet their needs. 
• Obtain necessary authorizations and documentation from patients/families. 
• Foster trust with patients while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. 
• Demonstrate cultural competence and empathy when engaging with vulnerable populations. 

HIPP Enrollment & Case Management 

• Accurately collect all essential data for HIPP applications (e.g., employer information, insurance details). 
• Employ proactive problem-solving to overcome barriers and ensure timely, accurate submissions. 
• Collaborate seamlessly with the Patient Financial Assistance (PFA) team to finalize enrollments. 
• Consistently deliver against performance metrics such as enrollments completed, case resolution time, and documentation accuracy. 

Program Maintenance & Benefit Coordination 

• Clarify how employer-provided health insurance works in coordination with Medicaid. 
• Verify and update ongoing patient eligibility for HIPP to maintain continuity. 
• Assist with resolving insurance-related issues upon request from patients or clients. 

Technology & Documentation 

• Utilize PFA’s CRM/case management system to manage referrals and patient records. 
• Upload, scan, and securely transmit required documentation. 
• Record patient interactions meticulously in compliance with privacy and legal standards. 
• Efficiently operate Apple tools such as iPads and iPhones for enrollment-related tasks. 

Client & Hospital Relationship Management 

• Represent PFA as the onsite contact at the hospital. 
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with hospital staff, state agency personnel, and community partners. 
• Always uphold the organization’s values with ethical integrity and professionalism. 

Required Qualifications 

• High school diploma or GED and completion of formal training in customer service, patient services, healthcare administration, social services, or case management. 
• Foundational knowledge of healthcare terminology and insurance processes gained via coursework or certification. 
• Ability to pass hospital credentialing, including vaccinations and drug/alcohol screening. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, or related field. 
• Training in motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, or medical billing/coding. 
• Continuing education in Medicaid/Medicare eligibility, health equity, or patient advocacy. 
• Three-Five years’ experience in patient-facing roles within a healthcare setting. 
• Full Bilingual proficiency in Spanish is strongly preferred. 

Core Skills & Competencies 

Technical Skills-Preferred 

• Proficiency with CRM or case management systems. 
• Knowledge of Medicaid/Medicare eligibility and benefits coordination. 
• Ability to interpret medical billing and insurance documents. 
• Strong compliance-based documentation practices. 

Interpersonal Skills 

• Active listening and empathetic communication. 
• De-escalation tactics for emotionally distressed patients. 
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity in communication. 
• Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including hospital and internal staff. 

Key Traits for Success 

• Mission-Driven Advocacy – Consistently puts patient needs first. 
• Ego Resilience – Thrives amid adversity and changing demands. 
• Empathy – Provides compassionate support while ensuring professionalism. 
• Urgency – Balances speed and sensitivity in patient interactions. 
• Detail Orientation – Ensures accuracy and completeness in documentation. 
• Cultural Competence – Demonstrates respect and understanding of diverse experiences. 
• Adaptability – Successfully operates in evolving policy and procedural environments. 

Our Benefits – Supporting You Inside and Out
At Patient Funding Alternatives, we know that caring for others starts with caring for our own people. That’s why we offer a comprehensive, industry-leading benefits package designed to support your health, your future, and your wellbeing. Our team members enjoy medical, dental, and vision coverage through UnitedHealthcare and Guardian, employer-paid life and disability insurance, and a 401(k) plan with company match. We also invest in your wellness — with up to $100 annual reimbursement for fitness, mindfulness, and wellness activities, plus access to mental health tools like the Calm Health app and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Program. From flexible spending accounts to nationwide fitness programs and virtual care, PFA is committed to helping you stay healthy, balanced, and thriving — at work and beyond.