Access Manager, Surgical Oncology
The University of California, San Diego
About this position
Position Description
The Access Manager, Surgical Oncology, is a key access leader responsible for ensuring an exceptional patient scheduling experience across our comprehensive breast health services. This role provides direct staff supervision, oversees daily access operations, supports staff through consistent coaching and development, and drives accountability for established workflows and protocols. This position plays a vital role in optimizing appointment scheduling and supporting faculty practices. Working closely with Oncology Access and Surgery Leadership, the Access Manager helps advance initiatives to improve access metrics and enhance the patient experience. This role collaborates directly with physicians and clinical leaders on access-related workflows and priorities. Serves as a first-line decision-making resource for staff and patient concerns. Key Responsibilities Oversee daily access operations for Surgical Oncology, ensuring efficient scheduling of new patient consults, clinic visits, and surgical cases. Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management to access and scheduling staff. Partner with the call center leader to ensure continuous communication regarding clinical operations that impact call center workflow. Proactively manage key access metrics, including third-next-available, no-show rates, room utilization, and appointment utilization, identifying trends and recommending improvements. Ensure appropriate utilization of appointment slots and manage overbooks to minimize patient impact. Plan, assign, and direct work; onboard, orient, and train new team members; and address performance issues as they arise. Implement and reinforce standardized workflows, protocols, and service expectations. Serve as a knowledgeable resource for outpatient scheduling requirements and procedures. Collaborate closely with physicians and clinical teams to improve patient access pathways. Conduct operational and financial analysis to support process improvement initiatives and recommend changes to enhance access and efficiency. Maintain a compassionate and supportive team culture that prioritizes patient-centered service and operational excellence. While not required, a cover letter is highly recommended when applying to this position.
Qualifications
Nine (9) years of related experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor’s degree in a related area plus five (5) years of related experience/training, including two (2+) or more years in healthcare operations or a related field, preferably in access. Demonstrated critical thinking and innovative problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly analyze problems, determine the appropriate level of intervention, and develop and apply effective solutions. Strong customer service abilities, with a commitment to supporting both internal and external stakeholders. Demonstrated supervisory and organizational skills to supervise staff effectively and to manage the complex workflow and multiple priorities involved with clinic/center administration. Effective interpersonal, time management, written, and verbal communication skills. Proficiency with computer systems and scheduling applications.