Position Summary:

The Referral Assistant Intern is an entry-level opportunity designed for individuals interested in gaining hands-on experience in healthcare administration, patient coordination, and referral management within a nonprofit community healthcare organization. This role provides practical training and work experience while supporting referral processes, administrative operations, and patient service functions in a healthcare setting.

The intern will work closely with referral coordinators, providers, and administrative staff to learn healthcare referral procedures, patient communication, and office operations. No prior healthcare experience is required; training will be provided.

Essential Functions:

• Assist with coordinating patient referrals to specialty providers and community resources 
• Help gather and organize referral documentation and medical records 
• Support appointment scheduling and referral follow-up activities 
• Assist with verifying patient demographic and insurance information 
• Answer and direct incoming phone calls professionally 
• Communicate with patients, provider offices, and internal departments regarding referral status updates 
• Assist with maintaining accurate patient and referral records within electronic systems 
• Support scanning, filing, and electronic document management tasks 
• Help track referral requests and ensure documentation is complete 
• Respond professionally to patient questions and requests 
• Maintain confidentiality of patient and organizational information in accordance with HIPAA guidelines 
• Participate in training sessions, team meetings, and professional development opportunities 
• Perform other administrative and patient support duties as assigned

Learning Opportunities:

This internship is designed to provide practical exposure and professional development in the following areas:

• Healthcare referral coordination and patient navigation 
• Medical office and healthcare administrative operations 
• Insurance verification and referral authorization processes 
• Professional communication and customer service 
• Electronic health record (EHR) systems and healthcare software 
• Healthcare compliance, confidentiality, and HIPAA standards 
• Time management, organization, and teamwork in a healthcare environment

Qualifications

No prior healthcare or office experience is required. Training and mentorship will be provided throughout the internship.

• High school diploma, GED, or currently enrolled in a high school, college, or vocational program 
• Interest in healthcare administration, public health, patient services, or nonprofit healthcare operations 
• Basic computer and keyboarding skills 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills 
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn 
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 
• Dependable attendance and willingness to support a team environment

Physical Demands:

• May sit for long periods of time
• Must be able to see and hear within normal range with or without correction device(s)
• Dexterity and hand to eye coordination as normally associated with operating office equipment, computers and telephones

Work Environment:

Professional, fast-pace office work environment