Insurance Advocate

UC Santa Cruz Student Health Services is excited to announce a new opportunity for an Insurance Advocate. We're looking for a detail oriented, student focused professional to support insurance navigation at the UCSC Student Health Center. In this role, you will assist students with insurance questions, verify eligibility and coverage, coordinate referrals and authorizations, manage data across multiple systems, and partner with internal departments and external providers to ensure timely, accurate support.

UC Santa Cruz UCSC) is the county's largest employer and one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation. Perched on the coast overlooking Monterey Bay, our main campus offers a stunning setting and a vibrant community where over 3,100 staff members build meaningful careers, enjoy comprehensive benefits, and contribute to a mission that makes a difference.

UCSC offers staff a comprehensive benefits package designed to support health and well-being.

Here is a sample of benefit options:

* Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
* UC Retirement Pension Plan
* Optional life, legal, and pet insurance
* Paid holidays, plus accrued vacation and sick leave
* Discounts at UCSC recreation facilities

For details, please visit: UCnet-Benefits

Thank you for your interest in joining the UC Santa Cruz community.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 01/21/2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

UC Santa Cruz (UCSC) Student Health Services (SHS) is a full-service medical facility offering clinical, educational, and psychological support to UCSC students. SHS is deeply committed to ensuring affordable, well-integrated, multidisciplinary healthcare that effectively supports the university's diverse campus communities through equitable access and culturally competent, high-quality programs and services.

The Primary Care Program offers primary care and same-day care services, supported by on-site radiology, a COLA-accredited clinical laboratory, and the campus pharmacy offering prescription and over-the-counter products. Counseling and Psychological Services, Case Management and Psychiatry services are available for crisis intervention, mental health support, and outreach services.

Additional departments include Student Health Outreach and Promotion (SHOP), home of the Condom Co-op, the Cove Collegiate Recovery Program (CCRP), where students receive harm-reduction and recovery services; CARE (Center for Advocacy, Resources & Empowerment) the advocacy and prevention education office that supports those who have experienced sexual assault, stalking, and dating/domestic violence; Optometry, and Student Insurance and Referral Programs.

Student Health Services employs approximately 150 staff and welcomes staff with an interest and experience working with college students with a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and gender identities.

More information can be found at healthcenter.ucsc.edu

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director of Clinic Support, Billing, & Insurance performs a wide variety of tasks in the following areas: insurance claims, insurance authorizations, data entry, front desk, and administrative support.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary:$29.38/hourly
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Clerical Employees (CX)

Job Code Classification: BLANK AST 3 (004722)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

40% - Insurance Navigation and Student Support

• Assists students and staff with UC SHIP, CruzCare, and private insurance inquiries.
• Provides guidance on insurance policies, billing procedures, and benefit navigation.
• Educates students on referral processes and supports navigation of complex insurance requirements.
• Provides follow-up with students via email and secure messaging via EMR.
• Documents patient encounters and related communications.
• Provides vision benefit information and schedules Optometry appointments.

25% - Eligibility, Coverage Verification and Referrals

• Verifies eligibility and confirms insurance coverage.
• Tracks referrals and retro-referrals to support timely follow-up and quality monitoring.
• Obtains prior authorizations for advanced imaging by reviewing chart notes and submitting required clinical information.
• Communicates with UC SHIP and carrier representatives regarding coverage, benefits, and services.

20% - Administrative Duties and Data Management

• Processes quarterly UC SHIP waiver requests.
• Maintains insurance data in FileMaker and updates student account information in AIS.
• Processes Health Fund financial support applications.
• Coordinates and authorizes approved Uber Health ride requests.

15% - Interdepartmental & External Coordination

• Coordinates with internal UCSC units (Registrar, SBS, Cashiers, Graduate Division, Financial Aid) and external providers, facilities, and claims processors.
• Participates in annual plan review and process improvement efforts by contributing feedback on plan performance.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent experience
• One year experience in a medical office or healthcare administrative setting
• Knowledge of medical office procedures and medical records workflows
• Experience using medical terminology and strong understanding of healthcare delivery
• Experience with electronic medical records, scheduling, and data entry
• Experience working across multiple information systems and validating data accuracy
• Ability to explain complex information clearly in writing and verbally to diverse populations
• Ability to research and resolve complex administrative problems
• Strong organization and attention to detail; able to proofread for accuracy
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks with frequent interruptions
• Demonstrated customer service and active listening skills
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive situations with tact and professionalism
• Ability to work effectively with clinical staff, supervisors, external providers, patients, and families
• Awareness and respect for cultural and lifestyle diversity
  
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• One year of clerical experience in a medical healthcare environment with demonstrated proficiency in navigating electronic medical record platforms, coordinating and resolving insurance claim issues, obtaining clinical service authorizations, and managing high-volume, multi-line phone systems

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.

• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.

• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.

• Selected candidate will be required to take a TB test within 60 days of hire.

• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.

• Complete Health Insurance Portability and Accessibility (HIPAA) training within 30 days of hire.

• Will be required to comply with current Student Health Center employee health safety requirements for health care workers as defined by state and federal regulatory agencies. Current health safety requirements are discussed during interview.

• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.

• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.

• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.

• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.