Patient Scheduler – Bilingual Somali/English Position Overview:
Gargar Urgent Care and Clinic is seeking a professional, organized, and dependable Patient Scheduler who is fluent in both Somali and English to join our team.
The Patient Scheduler serves as an important first point of contact for patients and is responsible for scheduling appointments, answering telephone calls, assisting patients with general questions, and supporting the daily administrative operations of the clinic.
The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and customer-service skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to remain organized while working in a busy medical office. Previous healthcare or medical scheduling experience is preferred but not required for a candidate who is dependable, professional, and willing to learn.
Responsibilities
- Answer incoming telephone calls in a courteous, professional, and timely manner.
- Communicate effectively with patients in both Somali and English.
- Schedule, reschedule, and cancel patient appointments according to clinic scheduling guidelines.
- Assist patients in selecting the appropriate appointment type and provider based on the information provided.
- Maintain an accurate and organized appointment calendar.
- Confirm appointments and communicate appointment instructions to patients.
- Collect and verify patient demographic, contact, and insurance information.
- Create new patient records and update existing patient information as needed.
- Notify patients of any scheduling changes, delays, cancellations, or additional information needed before their appointments.
- Coordinate with providers, medical assistants, laboratory staff, and clinic management to support an efficient patient flow.
- Document patient telephone messages accurately and route them to the appropriate staff member or provider.
- Respond to general questions regarding clinic hours, services, appointment availability, and clinic procedures.
- Assist patients with referral, prescription, medical-record, or follow-up inquiries by directing requests to the appropriate department or staff member.
- Review voicemail messages, electronic communications, and scheduling requests and respond or route them appropriately.
- Provide respectful and culturally responsive customer service to all patients.
- Protect patient privacy and maintain the confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA requirements and clinic policies.
- Follow clinic policies regarding attendance, professionalism, telephone etiquette, patient communication, and workplace conduct.
- Assist with scanning, faxing, filing, medical-record requests, and other administrative duties as assigned.
- Support the front desk and other clinic operations when additional assistance is needed.
Required Qualifications
- Fluency in both Somali and English, including the ability to communicate clearly with patients by telephone and in person.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent customer-service and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to accurately enter and update patient information.
- Ability to manage multiple telephone calls, appointments, and administrative tasks.
- Ability to remain professional and composed in a busy, fast-paced medical office.
- Dependable attendance and punctuality.
- Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements.
- Basic computer skills and the ability to learn electronic health record and scheduling systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience as a patient scheduler, medical receptionist, front-desk representative, or healthcare administrative assistant.
- Experience working in a primary care, urgent care, specialty clinic, hospital, dental office, or other healthcare setting.
- Experience using an electronic health record or medical scheduling system.
- Experience with Practice Fusion, Updox, or similar healthcare software.
- Familiarity with medical terminology, health insurance, referrals, and appointment scheduling procedures.
- Experience serving Somali, East African, immigrant, or multilingual patient populations.
Skills and Competencies
- Professional telephone etiquette.
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity.
- Accuracy and attention to detail.
- Time management and prioritization.
- Teamwork and collaboration.
- Problem-solving abilities.
- Patience and empathy when assisting patients.
- Ability to follow established policies and procedures.
- Ability to appropriately handle difficult, upset, or confused patients.
Work Environment
This position is performed in a busy outpatient medical clinic. The employee will frequently communicate with patients, providers, staff members, pharmacies, insurance companies, and other healthcare organizations. The position requires regular computer use, telephone communication, and the ability to remain seated or standing for portions of the workday.
Employment Information
This is a paid employment position. Compensation, work schedule, benefits eligibility, and employment status will be discussed during the interview and hiring process.
Employment may be contingent upon satisfactory completion of applicable background checks, employment verification, confidentiality agreements, HIPAA training, and other onboarding requirements.
Gargar Urgent Care and Clinic is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, performance, and the operational needs of the clinic.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $23.50 per hour
Medical Specialty:
Ability to Relocate:
- Minneapolis, MN: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
