Client Support Specialist bei The Cowlitz Indian Tribe

POSITION TITLE: Client Support Specialist
DEPARTMENT: HHS � Behavioral Health
LOCATION: Tukwila, WA (Mobile Clinic)
REPORTS TO: Administrative Supervisor
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt; Full-Time
WAGE RANGE: $29.05-$33.40 per hour

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled (First Review 9/19/2025)

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Ensures the efficient and effective delivery of program services by providing support to clients and providers in the form of care coordination and service navigation. Serves as a key point of contact for clients accessing services through the mobile MAT clinic, helping ensure timely enrollment and navigation of available supports. Provides administrative backup within the program as needed. Maintains professionalism in all interactions with internal and external stakeholders. Adheres to HIPAA and confidentiality requirements. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe (CIT) and the Health and Human Services (HHS) department.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Operates in a mobile clinic setting, providing services in various community locations. Ensures the van is prepared for client interactions, maintains a clean and organized workspace, and adapts to changing environments and schedules.
• Welcomes, orients, and registers new and existing clients during walk-in visits on the mobile MAT clinic van.
• Verifies tribal enrollment and insurance benefits and enters and scans client information into the electronic health record system to ensure accurate documentation and service access.
• Evaluates client eligibility for tribal and community services, as well as potential funding resources. Works to identify and eliminate barriers to accessing these services.
• Assists clients in applying for and acquiring benefits as a certified Tribal Assister through Washington Healthplanfinder.
• Verifies insurance and alternate resources for behavioral health coverage, ensuring eligibility and coverage details are documented, communicated to billing, and accurately entered into the patient registration system on an ongoing basis.
• Collects fees and payments from clients, ensuring accurate and timely processing.
• Conducts outreach to clients regarding insurance or benefit lapses, outstanding balances, and other billing issues to help maintain clients' accounts in good standing.
• Coordinates care with internal and external providers and agencies as requested by a CIT clinician, including arranging detox, inpatient, or outpatient treatment services, often while working in the field from the mobile MAT van.
• Supports client engagement by identifying needs, coordinating with program staff, and referring to internal services and external partners.
• Documents client contacts and care coordination activities within required timeframes in the electronic health record system.
• Tracks, records, and reports on client and program data as requested.
• Assists clients in determining eligibility for Tribal enrollment and supports the enrollment process. Maintains documentation of contact information and Tribal enrollment criteria for federally recognized Tribes.
• Conducts urinalysis tests as requested by clinicians and prepares urinalysis requisitions.
• Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness to client needs and environmental changes while working in a mobile, fast-paced clinic setting.
• Serves as a backup to program assistants and other administrative staff by providing coverage, scheduling appointments, answering a multi-line phone, and performing other administrative tasks as requested.
• Manages the client intake support clinic schedule in the electronic patient registration and scheduling system (BPRM). Enters client contacts as appointments, blocks time for accountability tasks, and ensures availability is visible for other staff to schedule or coordinate services.
• Participates in staff meetings as requested.
• Maintains awareness of surroundings and safety protocols while working in community settings.
• Assists with setup and breakdown of mobile clinic operations as needed.
• Works collaboratively in a team environment to achieve shared goals.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional forms of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of community resources and services, including how to assist clients in obtaining identification, tribal enrollment, and access to benefits.
• Knowledge of proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology and
• office software such as Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe preferred.
• Knowledge of patient registration processes and general front office responsibilities in a healthcare setting is required.
• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and confidentiality standards, as well as Medicare, Medicaid, and insurance programs.
• Skill in navigating electronic health record systems and scheduling software in a Windows environment.
• Skill in interpersonal communication, especially in high-traffic, close-quarters settings like a mobile clinic.
• Skill in adapting to changing environments, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining professionalism in a fast-paced, community-based setting.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to contribute to = an inclusive and respectful environment for clients and colleagues.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clients, staff, and external partners.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small team environment and maintain flexibility in scheduling and duties.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and respond to client needs with empathy and efficiency.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED; AA degree preferred.
• Five years� related experience is required.
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
• A valid driver�s license and auto insurance are required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Obtain and maintain BLS/CPR and AED certifications.
• Experience working within American Indian and/or Alaska Native communities preferred.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT�s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, including education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks, including fingerprint verification.
• Has not been found guilty of, charged with, received a deferred sentence, received a conditional discharge of, or entered a plea of not contest to, or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and communicate effectively. The employee occasionally is required to move throughout the facility; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office/clinical setting with a moderate noise level. Employees may be exposed to bodily fluids, bloodborne pathogens, and infectious diseases. Situations occur where PPE (personal protective equipment) is needed. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.