Academic Jobs - Home of Higher Ed Logo
Harvard University Jobs

Harvard University

Staff Assistant II

Closes:

374
Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Health Services (HUHS)?

Harvard University Health Services (HUHS), part of Harvard Central Administration, is the on-site multi-specialty medical practice and health administration for the Harvard community. It provides care to students, faculty, staff, eligible post-docs, retirees, and their dependents. HUHS also manages two university-owned health plans, HUGHP (for faculty and staff) and SHIP (for students), and collaborates with other departments to address public health needs. Learn more about HUHS at https://huhs.harvard.edu/ and about CADM at https://evp.harvard.edu/units-and-departments.

Job Description

Reporting to the Practice Manager, the HUGHP Behavioral Health staff assistant is responsible for the workflow at the front desk, serves as the primary contact with patients, and provides administrative support to the BH providers. Duties include greeting and assisting patients in the clinic, answering the clinic's telephones, scheduling and confirming clinical appointments, routing messages to providers, processing incoming and outgoing clinical correspondence, maintaining files, processing and tracking referrals, managing patient flow, collecting co-payments, serving as a liaison to the billing department, maintaining wait lists, assigning triage, processing insurance prior authorizations for medications, and problem-solving IT issues for clinical staff. As a collaborative team member, the Staff Assistant II facilitates access to health care and continuously strives to improve services provided, providing excellent customer service. Performs other related duties as needed.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:
  • Provides a variety of patient-centered services.
  • Prepares medical records for release of information ensuring that confidentiality is maintained.
  • Makes appointments, ensuring patient eligibility following proper protocols.
  • Checks in patients and collect co-payments.
  • Distributes mail.
  • Makes copies of charts and materials for the department.
  • Performs data entry.
  • Performs scanning of materials that are filed in the electronic record.
  • Archives records and files.
  • Performs transcription and other general office responsibilities such as typing and sending out letters, e.g., treatment referrals, patient satisfaction surveys, clinic schedules, room's schedules, forms, etc.
  • Assists clinicians with the hospitalization of patients by calling the ambulance, making copies of permission paperwork, etc.
  • Assists with special projects, e.g., health fairs, website, referral project, HUGHP workgroup, etc.
  • Has a working knowledge of HUGHP, HUHS and BC/BS insurance issues.
  • Assists with the processing of BC/BS patent authorizations and claims and problem solve with BC/BS representatives when issues arise.
  • Serves as a liaison to billing department.
  • Maintains wait list and assigns triage.
  • Processes insurance prior authorizations for medications, and problem-solves IT issues for clinical staff.
Professional/Team Workplace Accountability:
  • May be required to provide coverage for other areas.
  • Follows department policies and procedures for communicating and organizing information and carrying out protocols.
  • Attends staff meetings and educational offerings required by the departments.
  • Performs related duties as required.
Compliance:
  • Adheres to the expectations and professional responsibilities of the department.
  • Employs the standards, practices, and procedures of the department.
  • Completes and complies with HUHS training requirements including HIPAA Privacy and Security.
  • Reports non-compliance incidents to the supervisor, manager, and/or Compliance Officer.
Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Minimum of one year of administrative support or related professional experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
  • Excellent interpersonal, customer service, organizational, and Microsoft Office skills.
  • Experience in patient services, transcription, and/or Blue Cross Blue Shield (BC/BS) authorization processes preferred.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively resolve problems and handle confidential information with discretion.
  • Demonstrated sound judgment, strong attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize competing responsibilities, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Bilingual language skills are a plus.
Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week. Fully on site position.

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal, References

Other Information: This position has a 3 month orientation and review period

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 051. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
  • Generous paid time off including parental leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
  • Retirement plans with university contributions
  • Wellbeing and mental health resources
  • Support for families and caregivers
  • Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
  • Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Job details

Title
Staff Assistant II
Employer
Harvard University
Location
Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
Published
Sep 15, 2026
Closes:
Nov 14, 2026
Job type
Full time, Staff / Administration
Field
Health and Medical Services

Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!

About the employer

Harvard University Jobs

Harvard University

4.0 Star Employer Ranking

Harvard University offers a diverse range of job and work opportunities across various categories, reflecting its status as a leading academic and research institution. These opportunities cater to different skill sets, academic backgrounds, and career stages. Harvard University Academic Positions - click here . Harvard University Staff Jobs - click here . The main types of jobs and work opportunities at Harvard: 1. Faculty and Academic Positions Tenure-Track Faculty : These roles include assistant, associate, and full professors across Harvard’s schools (e.g., Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Business School). Faculty engage in teaching, research, and service. Qualifications typically include a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree, a strong research portfolio, and teaching experience. Openings vary by department and school, with competitive hiring processes. Non-Tenure-Track Faculty : Includes lecturers, preceptors, and visiting professors. These roles focus primarily on teaching or short-term research projects and may require a Ph.D. or significant expertise in the field. Research Appointments : Postdoctoral fellowships, research associates, and scientists work on cutting-edge research in fields like medicine, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. These positions often require advanced degrees and are funded through grants or specific research programs. 2. Administrative and Professional Staff Administrative Roles : These include positions in academic administration (e.g., deans’ offices, registrar, admissions), student services, and program management. Examples include academic program coordinators, admissions officers, and financial aid advisors. These roles often require a bachelor’s or master’s degree and relevant experience. Professional Staff : Harvard employs professionals in areas like human resources, finance, communications, development (fundraising), and alumni relations. Examples include HR specialists, financial analysts, and marketing managers. These positions typically require specialized skills or certifications. Executive and Leadership Roles : Senior positions like directors, department heads, or executive administrators oversee operations in specific units or schools. These roles demand extensive experience and leadership skills. 3. Research and Laboratory Staff Research Support Staff : Includes lab managers, research technicians, and data analysts who support faculty and postdoctoral researchers in labs across disciplines like biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine. These roles often require technical skills, such as proficiency in lab equipment or data analysis software. Clinical Research Roles : At Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals, clinical research coordinators and specialists support medical and health-related studies. These positions may require certifications like Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training. 4. Technical and IT Staff Information Technology : Harvard employs IT professionals for roles like systems administrators, software developers, cybersecurity analysts, and data scientists to support its technological infrastructure. These positions require expertise in areas like cloud computing, AI, or network management. Library and Information Services : Harvard’s extensive library system hires librarians, archivists, and digital resource specialists. These roles often require a master’s degree in library science or related fields. 5. Support and Operations Staff Facilities and Operations : Includes roles in maintenance, custodial services, groundskeeping, and security. These positions ensure the smooth operation of Harvard’s campus and may not require advanced degrees but often need specific training or certifications. Dining and Hospitality : Harvard’s dining services employ chefs, food service workers, and catering staff to support campus dining halls and events. Administrative Support : Roles like executive assistants, office managers, and receptionists provide critical support to departments and faculty. 6. Student and Temporary Opportunities Student Employment : Harvard offers on-campus jobs for students, including work-study positions in libraries, dining halls, labs, and administrative offices. These roles are typically part-time and designed to accommodate academic schedules. Temporary and Seasonal Work : Temporary roles, such as event staff or short-term project assistants, are available for non-students as well. These are often listed through Harvard’s temporary staffing services. 7. Medical and Healthcare Roles Clinical and Healthcare Staff : Through Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals (e.g., Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital), opportunities exist for physicians, nurses, medical technicians, and other healthcare professionals. These roles require medical licenses or certifications. Public Health Professionals : The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health employs researchers, policy analysts, and program managers focused on global health initiatives. 8. Creative and Media Roles Arts and Culture : Harvard’s museums (e.g., Harvard Art Museums) and cultural institutions hire curators, educators, and exhibition staff. The American Repertory Theater employs artists, stage managers, and production staff. Communications and Media : Roles in writing, graphic design, social media, and public relations support Harvard’s outreach and branding efforts. Key Characteristics of Harvard Jobs Diversity of Roles : Harvard’s workforce spans academic, administrative, technical, and operational functions, with opportunities for both entry-level and highly specialized professionals. Competitive Benefits : Harvard offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and professional development. Faculty and staff also gain access to Harvard’s libraries, museums, and cultural events. Global Impact : Many roles, especially in research and public health, contribute to global advancements in knowledge and policy. Location : Most positions are based in Cambridge or Boston, Massachusetts, with some remote or hybrid options, particularly for administrative and IT roles. How to Find Opportunities Harvard Careers Portal : The primary resource for job listings is Harvard’s Human Resources website (hr.harvard.edu/jobs), which lists openings for faculty, staff, and temporary roles. School-Specific Listings : Each Harvard school (e.g., Harvard College, Harvard Law School) may post specialized positions on their websites. Networking and Referrals : Many academic and research roles are filled through professional networks or direct outreach to departments. X Platform : Searching for “Harvard University jobs” on X can reveal real-time discussions, job postings, or employee experiences, though these should be verified through official channels. Additional Notes Qualifications : Requirements vary widely. Faculty roles typically need advanced degrees, while support roles may prioritize experience or specific skills. Work Environment : Harvard emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement. Application Process : Most positions require an online application through Harvard’s careers portal, including a resume, cover letter, and sometimes additional materials like teaching statements or research portfolios.

Visit the employer page

Hire Experts… Post a Job

Post a Job

Roles… Create a Job Alert

Related Jobs

View All Jobs
Seattle, Washington57

Registered Medical Assistant - General Oncology

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Baltimore, Maryland77

Sr. Medical Office Coordinator (Surgery)

Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland73

Medical Assistant (DOM Cardiology)

Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland79

Community Health Nurse (Community Programs)

Johns Hopkins University
Ann Arbor, Michigan78

Outpatient Authorization Specialist

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, Michigan63

Extracorporeal Life Support Specialist (ELS SPECIALIST)

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Piscataway, New Jersey67

Assistant Nurse Manager

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Yardville, New Jersey79

Licensed Practical Nurse FT Eves UCHC GSYCF

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Gainesville, Florida63

OPS -Health Care Physician - Generalist -OB/GYN

University of Florida