REGISTRATION & ELIGIBILITY SPECIALIST

About the Team

This role is situated within the Behavioral and Mental Health department, specifically under the BHO Admitting/Registration unit at the University of New Mexico Health Systems (UNM). The team serves as the critical first point of contact for patients entering the healthcare system, ensuring a seamless transition from arrival to care. The department is dedicated to maintaining high standards of operational efficiency while providing compassionate support to individuals navigating complex mental health and behavioral health needs.

About the Role

As a key member of the Admitting and Registration team, you will manage the pre-registration and registration functions for the Ambulatory and Outpatient Operations area. This position is vital for verifying insurance coverage, benefits, and required referrals prior to a patient's visit. You will act as the primary liaison between patients, families, clinical staff, and insurance providers to coordinate financial benefits and prior authorizations.

Your day will involve a blend of administrative precision and customer service excellence. You will interview patients and families to collect accurate demographic and financial information, ensuring all necessary signatures and documentation are obtained. A significant portion of the role involves navigating patients through their financial options, including UNM Health Systems financial assistance, NM Medicaid, and other state and federal programs. You will also serve as the first contact for Persons in Custody of Law Enforcement Agencies (PICLEA) arriving for care, requiring a professional and empathetic approach.

In addition to patient intake, you will handle professional phone calls via the ACD system, assist walk-in patients, and manage after-hours information desk coverage. The role requires maintaining strict adherence to hospital policies while ensuring data accuracy across various hospital systems, including Cerner and Siemens document imaging. You will also play a supportive role in training registration personnel and clinical areas to maintain efficient process flows and open communication.

Hiring Process

Candidates with a High School diploma or GED equivalent and at least two years of directly related experience are encouraged to apply. Bilingual proficiency in Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, Zuni, or Navajo is highly valued and may be considered a non-essential preference. The interview process will focus on verifying your experience in patient registration, data entry, and financial assistance navigation, as well as your ability to work effectively in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where all team members can thrive.