Patient Financial Advocate at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System – Boone, North Carolina

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Full-Time | 8:30am - 5:00pm Monday - Friday

As a Financial Advocate at UNC Health Appalachian, you will play a key role in supporting patients through their financial journey by helping them understand insurance coverage, costs, and available assistance. You will serve as a trusted resource, ensuring a compassionate and transparent financial experience while supporting both patients and the healthcare team.

• Compensation: Starting pay begins at $16.97 /hour, based on experience, education, and internal equity
• Schedule: Variable shifts including days, evenings, and occasional weekends as needed
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical/dental/vision coverage, retirement with employer match, PTO, tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, wellness incentives, and employee discounts

• Serve as a primary point of contact for patients regarding financial questions and assistance
• Educate patients on insurance benefits, coverage, and expected financial responsibility
• Create cost estimates and review financial obligations with patients
• Collect payments and establish payment arrangements when appropriate
• Assist patients with financial assistance programs and applications
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams
• Support revenue cycle processes and ensure compliance with organizational policies
• Promote a positive, transparent, and compassionate financial experience

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in Patient Financial Services or revenue cycle required
• Prior experience in a similar role preferred

Licenses/Certifications:

• Licensure not required
• CAIA or FRM certification preferred

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Ability to explain complex financial and insurance information clearly
• Ability to collaborate with patients to identify optimal financial solutions
• Knowledge of healthcare revenue cycle and continuum of care
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

• Frequent sitting with occasional standing and walking throughout shifts
• Frequent hand, finger, and wrist repetition with moderate dexterity
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 20 lbs
• Frequent close visual work and communication tasks
• Minimal exposure to environmental hazards
• Irregular hours may be required, including occasional evenings or weekends

• Career Growth: Opportunities to advance within Patient Financial Services and healthcare administration
• Impactful Work: Help patients navigate financial challenges and improve access to care
• Team Environment: Work alongside a supportive, mission-driven healthcare team
• Community & Lifestyle: Enjoy life in Boone, NC — a vibrant mountain community with strong local culture and outdoor recreation

About UNC Health Appalachian
UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, includes three hospitals, 13 medical practices, the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. We are committed to promoting health, enhancing quality of life, and “making life better.”

About UNC Health
UNC Health is an affiliated entity of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 campuses, and over 500 clinics. Our mission is to improve health and well-being while supporting the education of future healthcare professionals. For more information, visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or other protected status. We are committed to a fair, respectful hiring process. For accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

For accommodations or additional information, contact recruitment@apprhs.org.