Patient Access Specialist I

Why Join KANA

Kodiak Area Native Association (KANA) is a Tribal health organization committed to elevating the lives of the people we serve. At KANA, employees are more than staff members; they are part of a mission driven team committed to meaningful work, community impact, and long-term growth.

Benefits & Perks

• 401(k) retirement plan with a 7% employer contribution beginning in year two, paid regardless of employee contribution
• Paid Parental Leave
• 80% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Access to 20+ medical plan options through federal OPM benefits
• Employer-paid life insurance at 2.5x annual salary
• AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability coverage
• Generous paid time off and 13 paid holidays
• Free gym membership to the KANA Wellness Center
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition assistance and reimbursement programs
• Leadership development and internal advancement opportunities
• Eligibility for IHS and NHSC loan repayment programs (role dependent)
• Potential temporary housing assistance for relocating employees, based on availability

Position Overview

The Patient Access Specialist I is responsible for managing incoming medical clinic phone calls and serves as a centralized communication hub for patients. This role specializes in high-volume call handling, structured triage, and accurate call routing; ensuring patients are efficiently connected to the appropriate department or team. This position is designed to focus on communication, information sharing, and call coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintains collaborative team relationships with peers and colleagues to contribute to the working group’s achievement of goals effectively, and to help foster a positive work environment.
• Protects confidentiality/privacy in verbal, written, and electronic forms of communication or information sharing.
• Communicates concerns in an appropriate manner and in accordance with KANA policy.
• Demonstrates professional phone etiquette and courtesy at all times.
• Answers and manages a high volume of incoming calls utilizing a multi-line phone system.
• Triages calls utilizing standardized workflows and routing protocols.
• Takes clear, concise messages when needed to ensure proper hand off.
• Educates callers on who they need to speak to next, and refers callers to the appropriate staff.
• Routes calls to appropriate departments, care teams, or staff in a timely manner.
• Checks voicemails and routes to appropriate team for follow-up.
• Monitors inbound patient text messages within the Luma Health chat hub.
• Provides standardized information including clinic hours, locations and directions; appointment dates and times (view-only); and general service line information.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required. One-year experience working in customer service or call-handling. Experience working in a health clinic preferred. Excellent customer service, organizational skills, attention to detail, problem solving skills, technical skills, and ability to multitask with a positive attitude in a fast-paced environment required.

Work Schedule

KANA’s standard work schedule is 37.5 working hours per week, consisting of 7.5 paid working hours per day plus a one-hour unpaid lunch break (8.5 hours on site per day).

Our Values

KANA’s work is guided by Courtesy, Caring, Respect, Sharing, and Pride. We seek leaders who embody these values in how they lead teams, steward resources, and serve the community.

Life In Kodiak

Located on beautiful Kodiak Island, this role offers the opportunity to build meaningful community connections while experiencing Alaska’s unique coastal lifestyle, outdoor recreation, and close-knit community.