Patient Access Specialist

About the job Patient Access Specialist


Patient Access Specialist

Klickitat Valley Health
Goldendale, Washington

Salary: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
Position Type: Full Time | 32 hours per week
Schedule: Varied Shifts
Classification: Non-Exempt

Search managed in partnership with Rural Staffing Services. Initial conversations for this opportunity begin with the RSS team.

Our Process

This opportunity is being supported by Rural Staffing Services in partnership with Klickitat Valley Health.

We believe rural healthcare hiring should be transparent, thoughtful, and built on real connection.

That means:

You see the hospital, location, and compensation up front
You have a real conversation with us, not just submit a resume
Your experience, goals, and approach to patient service are shared in a meaningful way with the organization

Rural Staffing Services serves as the first step in this process.

We work directly with hospital leadership to present thoughtfully vetted candidates so their teams can stay focused on patient care while we focus on connection.

To be considered for this opportunity, please apply through Rural Staffing Services using the link below.

If you apply directly to the hospital, we may not be able to include you in this process.

This is a relationship-first hiring process where your approach to patient service and teamwork matters.


Position Overview

Every patient interaction begins with someone who helps them feel welcomed, supported, and guided through the healthcare experience.

Rural Staffing Services is supporting Klickitat Valley Health in recruiting a Patient Access Specialist to join their Hospital Registration team.

This role plays an important part in supporting patient flow, collecting accurate patient information, and ensuring individuals and families feel supported from the moment they enter the hospital.

For someone who enjoys helping people, staying organized, and contributing to a collaborative healthcare team, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day.

About Klickitat Valley Health

Klickitat Valley Health is a trusted Critical Access Hospital serving the residents of Klickitat County and surrounding communities in south-central Washington.

The organization provides emergency and inpatient care along with a wide range of services including diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, general surgery, respiratory therapy, physical and occupational therapy, behavioral health, dental, optometry, pain management, and hospice care.

Klickitat Valley Health also operates a well-established primary care clinic on the hospital campus and employs more than 300 staff dedicated to serving their community.

Providers and staff work in a collaborative environment where relationships matter and patient care is the shared priority.

About the Community

Goldendale, Washington

Goldendale sits on the sunny side of the Columbia River Gorge, surrounded by wide open landscapes, rolling hills, and stunning views of Mount Hood.

Local highlights include:

Hiking, fishing, and boating along the Columbia River Gorge
Access to Mount Hood for skiing and outdoor recreation
Goldendale Observatory State Park, one of the nation's premier public observatories
Local wineries and agricultural communities throughout Klickitat County
A welcoming small-town community where people truly know their neighbors

Goldendale offers the opportunity to build a meaningful career while enjoying the beauty and pace of life in rural Washington.

Why This Role Matters

Patient access is often the first point of contact in the healthcare experience.

This role helps ensure patients are welcomed, information is accurate, and care teams have the information they need to provide timely services.

Strong patient access processes support both patient satisfaction and the smooth operation of the entire hospital.

The Opportunity

Provide friendly and professional customer service to patients and visitors
Answer and direct calls through a multi-line phone system
Assist with hospital reception and patient flow in the lobby
Collect and enter patient demographic and clinical information into the EMR
Maintain accurate patient status and daily census information
Process payments and balance assigned cash boxes
Prepare and manage documentation related to patient services
Collaborate with departments across the organization to support patient care
Maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming environment for patients and visitors

What We Are Looking For

High school diploma or GED required

One year of experience working in a busy office setting

One year of experience in a healthcare or medical office preferred

Strong customer service and communication skills

Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks

Comfort working with electronic medical record systems

Ability to work varied shifts when needed

Compensation and Benefits Highlights

Hourly wage: $20.95 - $25.54 depending on experience

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Prescription drug coverage

Health savings and flexible spending accounts

Life insurance and long-term disability coverage

Retirement plan

Generous paid time off

A Role That Welcomes the Community

For many patients, the Patient Access Specialist is the first face they see when entering the hospital.

At Klickitat Valley Health, this role helps create a welcoming and supportive environment where patients feel respected and cared for from the very beginning of their healthcare experience.

About Rural Staffing Services

Rural Staffing Services is a mission-driven recruiting firm dedicated to supporting rural hospitals across the country.

We believe healthcare is strongest when communities are supported by the right people in the right roles at the right time.

Our approach is relationship-based, transparent, and built on trust.

How to Apply

Please apply through Rural Staffing Services to be considered for this opportunity.

We will connect with you directly and guide you through the process.

Candidates who learn about this opportunity through Rural Staffing Services are asked to apply through RSS so we can ensure proper coordination with the organization.