The Benefits Coordinator serves as a key member of the behavioral health team, ensuring clients have timely access to services by managing insurance verification, benefits coordination, and administrative support functions. This position dedicates approximately 65% of time to benefits coordination activities and 35% to front desk and reception responsibilities, helping create a welcoming, professional, and client-centered environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Verify client eligibility, co-pays, deductibles, and authorization requirements through Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) and commercial insurance portals prior to appointments.
- Identify services requiring prior authorization and monitor coverage limitations and carve-outs under specific MCO structures.
- Coordinate with billing staff to resolve insurance discrepancies and coverage issues.
- Assist uninsured or underinsured clients in gathering required demographic and income documentation.
- Determine eligibility for grant-funded programs, sliding fee scales, and other available funding resources.
- Contact clients 24–48 hours prior to appointments to confirm demographic information, insurance coverage, and contact details.
- Obtain updated insurance cards and ensure client records remain current.
- Review client records to identify missing consent forms, behavioral health assessments, screenings, and other required documentation.
- Assist clients with completing required intake and registration forms.
- Ensure accurate documentation within the Electronic Medical Record (EMR/EHR) system.
- Explain co-pays, sliding scale requirements, and other financial obligations to clients.
- Collect and securely process client payments in accordance with agency procedures.
- Maintain a welcoming, safe, and professional reception area. Greet clients, visitors, community partners, and staff with courtesy, professionalism, and sensitivity.
- Provide exceptional customer service while supporting a trauma-informed and culturally responsive environment.
- Support a calm environment and assist with de-escalating minor concerns when appropriate.
- Answer multi-line telephone systems and respond to general inquiries.
- Route calls to the appropriate departments and staff members.
- Immediately transfer crisis-related calls to designated clinical or crisis response personnel.
- Assist clients with intake paperwork and registration requirements.
- Scan and upload completed documentation into the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Notify clinicians of client arrivals and assist with appointment flow coordination
Educational Requirements:
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- 1-3 years of experience in benefits coordination, front desk, or patient care coordination services
- Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
Benefits:
- Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
- 401K Retirement Plan and Life Insurance.
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick Leave, and Paid Company Holidays.
- Opportunities for leadership training and professional development.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) to support your professional and personal well-being.
Salary:
$25.00 - $30.00 per hour, based on experience
Skills Required
- High School Diploma or GED
- 1-3 years experience in benefits coordination, front desk, or patient care coordination services
- Experience using EMR/EHR (Electronic Health Record) systems
- Experience verifying insurance and using Medicaid MCO and commercial insurance portals
- Reception experience, multi-line telephone system operation, and strong customer service skills
- Bilingual (encouraged)
What We Do
Hillcrest Children and Family Center is a behavioral health care and social services agency in Washington, DC, dedicated to providing behavioral health treatment and prevention. The organization offers a wide range of community and social services, including employment support through resume building, job coaching, and interviewing skills, aimed at improving the lives and wellbeing of children and families within the DC community.







