Patient Financial Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

At ERC Pathlight, we're on a mission to change lives—and we're looking for people who feel called to do the same.

As one of the nation's leading treatment providers for eating disorders and mood, anxiety, and trauma-related conditions, we bring innovative, evidence-based, and deeply compassionate care to patients across the country. With multiple locations nationwide and extensive virtual programming, we meet patients exactly where they are and help them move toward lasting recovery.

Founded in 2008 by renowned psychiatrists and psychologists, ERC Pathlight now supports more than 6,000 patients each year. And as the need for world-class mental health care continues to rise, our commitment is stronger than ever: to expand access, elevate the standard of care, and empower every patient to rebuild their life with dignity and hope.

When you join ERC Pathlight, you become part of a team that shows up every day to make a real difference. You'll work alongside passionate clinicians, dedicated support staff, and mission-driven leaders who believe in collaboration, growth, and doing the right thing—always.

Here, your work matters. Your ideas matter. You matter.

If you're energized by purpose, motivated by impact, and ready to help transform the future of mental health treatment, you belong here.

Come build hope. Come save lives. Come grow with us.

Required Working Hours:

10:30am - 6:00pm Mountain Time.

What You'll Be Doing:

The Patient Financial Specialist (also known as The Patient Financial Counselor I) plays a critical role in ensuring patients understand and manage their financial obligations throughout their care journey. This position requires exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to provide compassionate guidance to patients regarding their financial responsibilities. The ideal candidate will collaborate closely with admissions, billing, and clinical teams to support accurate financial planning, documentation, collections, and resolution of payment concerns.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Consultation:

• Educate patients on their financial obligations, including co-insurance, deductibles, and fees related to various care levels (RES, PHP, IOP, VIOP, etc).
• Review verification of benefits (VOB) and estimated patient responsibilities, addressing inquiries regarding billing, step-down services, and other fees.
• Process, review, and support the patient throughout the financial aid application process. Communicate clearly with internal teams and the patient the results of the application.

Payment Planning & Accessibility:

• Set up Payment Plans when needed.
• Bill all lodging charges as applicable
• Post all Financial Aid adjustments & Payments for Lodging
• Manages and resolves patient share of cost balances in alignment with organizational cash flow targets.

Coordination with Clinical & Admissions Teams:

• Help plan transitions between levels of care when required
• Communicate insurance interruption w/ treatment teams when needed.
• Obtain signed patient MAFR due to insurance non-coverage when needed.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Prepare and process financial paperwork for new admissions and ongoing care programs as it applies to financial aid, payments, and RFPs.
• Scan, upload, and maintain accurate financial records in appropriate systems as applicable.

Team Collaboration:

• Communicate with the claims department and internal teams to resolve ongoing billing issues and ensure accounts are updated & accurate.
• Keep internal metrics and patient financial data current in Salesforce, MMD, Nova, and/or other designated systems.

Compliance and Support:

• Ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.
• Support patients with financial inquiries, offering clear explanations and appropriate options for payment plans or adjustments.

Education Requirements:

• Highschool Diploma or GED- Required
• BA in Healthcare or related field (preferred)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal skills. Clear communication skills, both verbally and in writing. Must have a commitment to excellent customer service and a strong understanding of mathematical principles ( REQUIRED )
• Healthcare related higher education (post high school) (PREFERRED)
• 1+ year of experience in healthcare setting to include: payment/adjustment posting, identification and management of patient responsibility and patient financial counseling. Preferred experience in Behavioral Healthcare. (PREFERRED)
• Willingness to work occasional nights and weekends.

Location & Schedule:

This position is posted as remote; however, per company policy, candidates residing within a 35‑mile radius of ZIP code 80230 will be required to follow a hybrid schedule, even if they applied to the remote posting.

• Remote : Mondays and Fridays
• On-site in our Denver Office: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

The compensation range for this position is based upon candidate experience and market expectations.

Colorado pay range

$19.50—$26 USD

What We Offer

At ERC Pathlight, caring for people is our mission and that begins with caring for our own team. Your well-being matters, and our benefit program is designed to support every part of your life.

We offer competitive compensation; comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; generous Paid Time Off; Parental Leave benefits; Retirement benefits; and tuition reimbursement to help you continue growing in your career.

We also recognize that mental health is part of every person's experience. That's why we strive to create a workplace where you feel supported, seen, and encouraged—personally, professionally, and at home.

When you thrive, you can do your best work. And your best work changes lives.