What is a Correspondence Clerk?

Job Description: Compose letters or electronic correspondence in reply to requests for merchandise, damage claims, credit and other information, delinquent accounts, incorrect billings, or unsatisfactory services. Duties may include gathering data to formulate reply and preparing correspondence.

Life As a Correspondence Clerk: What Do They Do?

• Compute costs of records furnished to requesters, and write letters to obtain payment.
• Obtain written authorization to access required medical information.
• Ensure that money collected is properly recorded and secured.
• Submit completed documents to typists for typing in final form, and instruct typists in matters such as format, addresses, addressees, and the necessary number of copies.
• Respond to internal and external requests for the release of information contained in medical records, copying medical records, and selective extracts in accordance with laws and regulations.
• Compose correspondence requesting medical information and records.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Correspondence Clerk?

Correspondence Clerks state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Types of Correspondence Clerk

• Authorization Coordinator
• Collection Correspondent
• Costumer
• Correspondence Renew Clerk
• Sales Correspondent

Job Opportunities for Correspondence Clerks

There were about 7,200 jobs for Correspondence Clerk in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 2.8% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 200 new jobs for Correspondence Clerk by 2026. There will be an estimated 800 positions for Correspondence Clerk per year.

The states with the most job growth for Correspondence Clerk are Oregon, Oklahoma, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in Colorado, Illinois, or Ohio. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Average Correspondence Clerks Salary

The salary for Correspondence Clerks ranges between about $24,460 and $56,550 a year.

Correspondence Clerks who work in Rhode Island, New Jersey, or Massachusetts, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Correspondence Clerks in different U.S. states.

State	Annual Mean Salary
Alabama	$29,640
Arizona	$42,990
California	$45,530
Colorado	$40,620
Connecticut	$41,470
Florida	$38,880
Georgia	$44,360
Hawaii	$38,260
Illinois	$36,600
Indiana	$30,600
Iowa	$29,840
Kansas	$37,610
Louisiana	$43,360
Maine	$35,920
Maryland	$42,440
Massachusetts	$44,930
Michigan	$31,580
Missouri	$36,350
New Hampshire	$36,510
New Jersey	$45,370
New York	$43,140
North Carolina	$38,700
Ohio	$32,630
Oklahoma	$37,540
Oregon	$39,000
Pennsylvania	$41,490
Rhode Island	$46,820
South Carolina	$40,930
South Dakota	$29,110
Tennessee	$39,240
Texas	$41,750
Virginia	$40,290
Washington	$32,300

What Tools & Technology do Correspondence Clerks Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Correspondence Clerks may use on a daily basis:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Outlook
• Data entry software
• SAP
• Microsoft SharePoint
• Electronic health record EHR software

How to Become a Correspondence Clerk

Education needed to be a Correspondence Clerk:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Correspondence Clerks Sector

The table below shows the approximate number of Correspondence Clerks employed by various industries.

Related Careers

Those thinking about becoming a Correspondence Clerk might also be interested in the following careers:

• Credit Checkers

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: via

More about our data sources and methodologies.