Team Lead - Verifications & Billing

Blackrock Clinic is the leading and longest established private hospital and clinic in Ireland. Since it opened in the mid-1980s, the clinic has consistently built an unparalleled reputation in new high-tech surgical procedures, medical treatments, and ground-breaking diagnostics.

Blackrock Clinic is now part of Blackrock Health private hospital group along with the Hermitage Clinic, Galway Clinic, and Limerick Clinic, some of the most advanced hospitals in Irish private healthcare. As a JCI accredited hospital, Blackrock Clinic is a progressive and pioneering hospital in which care for the patient is central to everything we do.

Job Title: Verification & Billing Team Leader 

Reports to: Patient Accounts Manager

Hours: 37 hours per week

ROLE PURPOSE

This role will be responsible for the insurance verification and billing functions of the finance department, leading a team of 3 to 4 direct reports, overseeing the day to day operations and delivering the KPI's and objectives set for the Accounts Receivable Team.

They will be involved in process mapping for the Team, identification and implementation of process improvements.

Their purpose will be to deliver both tasks within the set KPP's and ensure timely escalation of instances where targets are unachievable. There will be reporting, reconciliation and analysis responsibilities within the role.

The will ensure that all patients/staff and any other individuals contacting and attending the Blackrock Clinic are dealt with in an efficient, effective and timely manner at all times and be responsible for their own actions at all times.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead a team of 3-4 direct reports
• Reviewing resourcing on a daily basis in line with TCI reports, insurance cut-offs, monthly deadlines, targets and absence cover
• Close management of volumes and issues that arise that may affect the deliverance of KPI's and targets
• Billing lock request approvals and reviews to understand the reasons why these are required
• Weekly unbilled reviews with the team to track progress, set objectives, offer support, identify knowledge gaps and areas for process improvement
• Fortnightly unbilled and verification reviews with AR Manager and the team to report on progress and escalated items
• Cash flow and bad debt provision reporting assistance where advance notice can be given based on knowledge at verification or billing stage
• Timely escalation of queries and HR items to the AR Manager
• Delivering key department and individual KPI's and targets
• Linking with claims team on returned, pended and part paid reasons for process improvement opportunities and gaps in training
• Linking in with key stakeholders both internal and external for process improvement opportunities e.g. Admissions, Outpatients, Billing Agents and Consultants, etc.
• Driving key philosophies and values of the Department and Hospital
• Develop excellent professional relationships with commercial teams and patients
• Audit participation and lead for this function
• Attend meetings with various stakeholders and senior management relating to insurance contracts, insurer audits and debt arrears
• Utilisation of Excel and Word Processing skills to maintain up-to-date spreadsheets and statistics.
• Carry out other such duties as required by the Patient Accounts Manager.

 SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Previous experience with verifications and or billing is a bonus but not essential
• Highly numerical with strong analytical skills
• Interest in change management and process improvement
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel
• Excellent communication skills both verbal & written
• Flexibility
• Positive attitude

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Communicate appropriately with colleagues and other members of the health care teams to ensure a quality service is provided to all while constantly striving for excellence in patient/customer care.
• Communicate in a manner that avoids antagonism, reduces conflict and prevents undue anxiety.
• Recognise limitations and seek assistance where necessary.
• Attend and contribute to appropriate meetings.
• Accept constructive advice when appropriate.
• Report all incidents immediately, which may adversely affect a patient, colleague or the Blackrock Clinic.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

• This will be a working team lead role and the person is expected to maintain a ledger in addition to the new duties
• Support the philosophy, objectives and goals of Blackrock Clinic
• Observe the appropriate lines of authority
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all patients and the activities of Blackrock Clinic
• Demonstrate flexibility to changing work practises and by assisting in all areas of the hospital/clinic as required
• Participate in developing and providing quality care within Blackrock Clinic
• Assist in orientation of new personnel
• Continue to develop personal knowledge and skills and seeks outside educational opportunities
• Present a professional appearance and conform to the dress, hygiene and infection control policies of the Clinic
• Is always punctual on duty

COMPETENTICES

Achieving

• 'Owns' the strategy: takes personal responsibility for getting done what needs to be done
• Deals with problems quickly and directly; doesn't let them fester
• Volunteers for tough assignments and projects
• Finds opportunities to improve ways of working or outputs
• Encourages others to come up with ideas for ways to do their work better
• Finds out what customers (internal or external) really want
• Resolves customer service problems promptly
• Perseveres with extra effort to reach objectives when progress is blocked
• Comes up with proposals and suggestions to enhance the performance of the unit
• Sets clear, measurable objectives and time-scales for self and others
• Clarifies how individual roles contribute to achieving business goals
• Prioritises work and activities for oneself and/or others
• Allocates time and resources needed for activities
• Adapts plans to accommodate changing circumstances
• Specifies actions to be taken in response to identified issues and problems
• Deals calmly and effectively with crises, unexpected or stress-provoking situations
• Displays stamina in pursuing goals and objectives
• Works systematically and according to plan in response to tight deadlines

Leading

• Adapts personal style to suit the circumstances and people involved
• Shows recognition and appreciation to others for their contributions
• Conveys confidence to individuals in their ability to succeed
• Supports and encourages team members to overcome problems and challenges
• Takes personal responsibility for the consequences of own actions and decisions
• Conveys confidence in own ability, decisions and actions
• Assigns responsibilities and tasks to staff in line with their abilities and interests
• Provides sufficient support to staff carrying out delegated tasks
• Shares expertise and experience, even where there may be little personal gain
• Builds people's confidence in their ability to succeed
• Gives honest feedback in a non-punitive manner to guide development
• Finds out subordinates' development needs and career goals
• Behaves in a manner consistent with the organisation's values and promotes the organisation's interests even where personal interests are challenged
• Sets an example to others through commitment to high personal standards and organisational goals
• Gives recognition - makes people feel their contributions matter
• Sets an example to others through commitment to high standards
• Seeks and probes others' points of view - generates involvement

Relating

• Persuading: designs arguments to appeal to others' interests and concerns, pointing out the benefits for them
• Keeps people informed and up-to-date through regular, informal contact and meetings
• Encourages two-way communication - avoids 'put-downs' and destructive criticism
• Presents information in a structured, systematic manner that is easy to follow
• Knows how the organisation works, both formally and informally
• Recognises what is feasible in the organisation and what is unacceptable
• Secures the support of key decision makers for plans and proposals
• Concedes own viewpoint in the interests of team goals
• Works co-operatively with others from various functions and backgrounds
• Being readily approachable and available to others
• Listens to others and clarifies issues before proposing solutions
• Sees things from other people's points of view
• Handles confidential personal information with respect and integrity
• Delivers what has been promised
• Behaves in a way that is consistent with what he/she says - 'walks the talk'
• Accepts feedback from others without defensiveness
• Abides by standards and principles, even when inconvenient or disadvantageous
• Encourages and accepts points of view that differ from his/her own
• Treats colleagues fairly, regardless of their cultural background, gender or lifestyle
• Draws on the diverse skills and talents of others, of all levels

Understanding

• Evaluates arguments critically, weighing up the pro's and con's
• Links information from different sources to identify patterns, trends and solutions
• Investigates causes of problems systematically and logically
• Recognises limitations of available data; spotting assumptions and risks
• Evaluates when it is appropriate to refer decisions upwards
• Draws on past experience to anticipate where problems are likely to arise
• Copes with ambiguities: does not demand certainty in data to make decisions about approach to adopt
• Knows who or where to go to get information
• Brings together data from many sources to understand the broad picture
• Recognises the wider impact and significance of own decisions and actions
• Ensures that documentation is accurate and up-to-date
• Uses correct grammar, spelling and punctuation
• Experiments with different approaches to find solutions
• Grasps the essence and implications of changing situations

Why work at the Blackrock Clinic?

At the Blackrock Clinic, we are passionate about our people and believe in their development and growth. As a member of the team you can benefit from: 

Competitive salary

Onsite parking

Pension

Annual bonus*

Discounted cafe

Sports and Social club

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted onsite pharmacy

Please Note:

Job descriptions are a reflection of the present service requirements and may be subject to review and amendments to meet the changing needs of the service. Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.

Blackrock Clinic is an Equal Opportunities employer, and we are committed to creating an environment that promotes equality and dignity at work.

Blackrock Clinic is committed to providing reasonable accommodation when needed. Please advise if you have particular requirements, so that we can look into arranging reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. You can contact us at recruitment@blackrock-clinic.com

It is essential that you have valid work permission for the Republic of Ireland to take up employment for this position, or in the case of critical skills, you must be eligible for a work permit.