How to Start a Career at Kaiser Permanente
Does your career need a boost? Are you looking for a new career position that is both personally and professionally rewarding? One of the many healthcare roles at Kaiser Permanente could be the perfect match for you.
This career guide will cover everything you need to know about working at Kaiser Permanente, including common career paths, employee benefits, how to apply for a job, and what skills will help you succeed. You can launch a long and rewarding career at Kaiser Permanente with proper preparation.
What is Kaiser Permanente?
First founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the United States. The organization consists of two main parts: the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and the Permanente Medical Groups. The Kaiser Foundation Health Plan provides health insurance coverage to over 12 million people in 8 states and the District of Columbia.
In addition to its healthcare services, Kaiser Permanente operates one of the largest research programs in the country. The Kaiser Permanente Research Institute conducts studies on a variety of topics related to health and medicine.
The company history of Kaiser Permanente is one of steady growth. In the seven decades since its founding, Kaiser Permanente has become a leader in the healthcare industry. Many of the values that the company was founded on, such as a commitment to quality care and research, are still evident today.
With over 200,000 employees, Kaiser Permanente is a large and diverse organization. The company offers a vast range of career opportunities in fields such as data entry, customer service, direct patient care, and marketing activities. Numerous job openings are available at any given time, making Kaiser Permanente a great place to start or further your career.
Most common Kaiser Permanente careers
One of the incredible things about working at Kaiser Permanente is the variety of career paths that are available. Whether you are just merging into the workforce or are looking for a mid-level position, Kaiser Permanente has a role that is right for you. Here are some of the most popular Kaiser Permanente careers.
Appointment clerk
Appointment clerks are responsible for scheduling patient appointments and maintaining accurate appointment records. This position is often the first point of contact between patients and the Kaiser Permanente staff, so excellent customer service skills are an absolute must.
Billing specialist
Billing specialists process patient insurance claims and handle billing inquiries. They work closely with patients, insurance companies, and other members of the Kaiser Permanente staff to ensure that all claims are processed correctly.
Cashier
Cashiers are responsible for handling customer transactions in person and over the phone. They provide excellent customer service and ensure that all payments are processed correctly. Cashiers may also be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records.
Data entry specialist
Data entry specialists input patient information into the Kaiser Permanente computer system. They must be able to type quickly and have a good working knowledge of computers.
Certified nursing assistant
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) provides direct care to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse. CNAs may perform tasks such as bathing, dressing, and feeding patients, taking vital signs, and moving patients around the hospital or clinic.
Housekeeping staff
Housekeeping staff members are responsible for keeping the Kaiser Permanente facilities clean and safe. They may perform a variety of tasks, such as sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and dusting. Housekeeping staff members must be able to work quickly and efficiently while paying close attention to detail.
Receptionist
Receptionists are responsible for greeting patients and visitors, answering phones, and handling direct inquiries. They play a vital role in creating a positive first impression of Kaiser Permanente. Receptionists must have impeccable communication skills and be able to multitask effectively.
Patient access representative
Patient access representatives coordinate patient care services. They work closely with patients, doctors, and insurance companies to meet all patient needs. Patient access representatives must be excellent communicators and have strong organizational skills.
Kitchen staff
Kitchen staff members are responsible for preparing and serving food to patients, staff, and visitors. They must be able to follow recipes accurately and maintain a clean and safe work environment. Kitchen staff members may also be responsible for stocking supplies and keeping inventory records.
Home health aide
Home health aides provide basic care and assistance to patients who cannot care for themselves. They may perform tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming patients, preparing meals, and helping with light housekeeping. Home health aides must be compassionate and genuinely interested in helping others.
Medical assistant
Medical assistants are responsible for numerous tasks, such as taking medical histories, scheduling appointments, and handling insurance paperwork. They also may perform basic clinical tasks, such as taking vital signs and giving injections. Medical assistants must be able to multitask and have top-notch customer service skills.
Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists are responsible for collecting blood samples from patients. They must be able to accurately collect blood samples and be comfortable working with needles. This type of role may require certification from an accredited phlebotomy training program.
Patient transportation aide
Patient transportation aides are responsible for transporting patients to and from their appointments. They must be able to operate a variety of vehicles safely and have excellent customer service skills.
Medical records clerk
Medical records clerks are responsible for maintaining precise medical records. They may perform tasks such as filing, scanning, and data entry. Medical records clerks must be detail-oriented and have strong organizational skills.
These are just a few of the numerous types of positions that are available at Kaiser Permanente. With such a large and diverse workforce, Kaiser Permanente offers a career path for everyone. Whether you're interested in working directly with patients or behind the scenes in a support role, Kaiser Permanente has a place for you.
An overview of Kaiser employee benefits
With such a large workforce, Kaiser Permanente offers a variety of employee benefits. Some of the most common benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Health insurance: Kaiser Permanente offers a comprehensive health insurance plan that covers medical, dental, and vision care. Employees can choose from a variety of plan options to find the one that best meets their needs. Maintaining proper health coverage means avoiding expensive out-of-pocket medical care costs while obtaining important preventative care.
Retirement plans: Kaiser Permanente offers all eligible employees a 401(k) retirement savings plan. Employees can choose to contribute some of their paychecks to their 401(k) account, and Kaiser Permanente will match a certain percentage of those contributions. This benefit can help employees save for retirement and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in their golden years.
Paid time off: All Kaiser Permanente employees are entitled to paid vacation days, paid sick days, and paid holidays. This crucial benefit allows employees to take time off from work to relax and recharge. Paid time off can also be used for personal or family emergencies.
Robust employee wellness program: Kaiser Permanente offers a robust employee wellness program that includes fitness center discounts, free health screenings, and smoking cessation programs. This benefit helps employees maintain their health and well-being and can also lead to lower healthcare costs.
Opportunities for professional development and advancement: Kaiser Permanente offers many opportunities for professional development and advancement. Employees can participate in job shadowing, mentorship programs, and leadership development courses. These programs can help employees gain new skills and knowledge, leading to higher-paying positions.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion: Kaiser Permanente is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The company strives to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Kaiser Permanente also offers a variety of resources for employees, including a wellness program and discounts.
With the many different types of benefits that Kaiser Permanente offers, it's easy to see why many choose to start their careers with the company. Whether you're looking for comprehensive health coverage, retirement savings, or paid time off, Kaiser Permanente has a benefit that will meet your needs.
Tips for landing a job at Kaiser Permanente
With such a large workforce, it can be difficult to stand out when applying for a job at Kaiser Permanente. However, you can do a few things to improve your chances of landing a new position.
Research the company and any available positions.
Before applying for a new job, take some time to research Kaiser Permanente and the specific position you're interested in. This will help you understand the organization's mission and values and give you a chance to learn more about the job requirements.
Tailor your resume and cover letter.
When applying for a new job, be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific position you're interested in. This will show the company and hiring manager that you're knowledgeable about the job and have the skills required to succeed.
Highlight your relevant experience.
If you have any relevant experience, be sure to highlight it on your resume and cover letter. This could include previous healthcare experience, customer service experience, or any other type of experience that would benefit the job you're applying for.
Practice your interviewing skills.
Before your interview, set aside time to practice your interviewing skills. This will help you feel more confident and prepared when meeting with the hiring manager. It's recommended to have a few questions of your own ready to ask during the interview as well.
Stand out from the rest of the applicants.
There are often many qualified applicants for each open position at Kaiser Permanente. Try to stand out from the other applicants to improve your chances of being hired. This could include volunteering for additional assignments or taking on extra responsibilities at your current job.
Kaiser Permanente application process
When you apply for a job at Kaiser Permanente, you'll likely go through a multi-step process that includes an online application, phone screen, in-person interview, and background check.
Online application: The first step in the process is to fill out a Kaiser Permanente online application. This will include fundamental information about yourself, such as your work history and education.
Phone screen: Once your application has been reviewed, you may be contacted for a phone screen. This is an opportunity for the organization to learn more about you and see if you're a good fit for the position.
In-person interview: If you pass the phone screen, you'll be invited to an in-person interview. This will give you a chance to meet with the hiring manager and other members of the team. Be sure to dress professionally and arrive prepared with questions of your own.
Kaiser Permanente background check
Like most employers, Kaiser Permanente will conduct a background check on all applicants they consider for jobs. This is to ensure that you are the best fit for the position and that you align with the company's values.
The background check is not intended to discriminate against any applicants. However, if you have any concerns about your background, be sure to raise them with the hiring manager during your interview.
Your background check may be conducted before, during, or after the interview and may include a review of your criminal history, credit report, and employment history. The specific information that is checked will depend on the position you're applying for. Some roles, such as those in the healthcare field, may require a more extensive background check.
Many job seekers are concerned about how their background will affect their chances of being hired. However, it's important to remember that everyone has a different background and that each case is evaluated on its own merits. All experience levels are welcome to submit their resume for a job at Kaiser Permanente. Your unique skill set is valuable and can contribute to the organization's success.
Skills Kaiser employees should master
With the wide variety of roles available at Kaiser Permanente, there are a few skills that all employees should master to succeed.
Strong communication skills: As a patient-focused organization, Kaiser Permanente emphasizes strong communication skills. Whether you're interacting with patients, their families, or other members of the healthcare team, it's important that you're able to communicate effectively.
Ability to work well in a team environment: Most positions at Kaiser Permanente will require you to work closely with employees in a team setting. It's important that you're able to take direction from your teammates and contribute to the overall goal.
Flexibility: The healthcare industry is constantly changing, which means that Kaiser Permanente employees need to be flexible in their roles. Things may not always go as initially planned, and it's important that you're able to adapt and adjust as needed.
Dedication to continuous learning: In order to provide the best possible care to patients and keep the company's operations running smoothly, employees need to be dedicated to continuous learning. This means keeping up with the latest updates in the healthcare industry and completing any required training.
Excellent time management: With the fast-paced nature of the healthcare industry, it's important that employees manage their time effectively. This means being able to prioritize crucial tasks and staying organized in order to complete everything in a timely manner.
Compassion and empathy: As a patient-focused organization, Kaiser Permanente places high importance on compassion and empathy. These qualities are essential to providing the best possible care to patients and their families.
Cultural competence: Kaiser Permanente is a diverse organization, and it's important that employees can work effectively with people from all backgrounds. This includes understanding and respecting different cultures. Diversity in healthcare is essential to providing the best possible care to all patients. For some roles, such as those in customer service, fluency in multiple languages is a bonus.
These skills are just some of the qualities that all Kaiser Permanente employees should possess. If you have them, you're well on your way to success in any role at the organization.
However, it's important to remember that all your skills are valuable and can contribute to the success of Kaiser Permanente and your career. You may not have all of the skills listed here, but that doesn't mean you're not qualified for a position at Kaiser Permanente. So don't be nervous about applying for a job if you don't have all of the required skills. You never know what you can accomplish.
Apply for a job at Kaiser Permanente today
Kaiser Permanente is a diverse and patient-focused organization that is always looking for qualified employees. If you have strong communication skills, are able to work well in a team setting, and are dedicated to continuous learning, then Kaiser Permanente may be the perfect place for you.
Additionally, the benefits for those with a Kaiser Permanente career are excellent. These include medical and dental coverage, a retirement plan, and paid time off. If you're ready to embark on a new career path, check out the Jobcase Getting Hired Resource Center for more tips on landing a job at Kaiser Permanente.