Utilization Review Specialist

Director of Utilization Review

Under the direction of the Director of Utilization Review, the Specialist will coordinate Medicaid Managed Care authorizations and re-authorizations for clients receiving behavioral healthcare services from Odyssey House's Part 820 residential programs. The Specialist will monitor claims and approvals, and coordinate internally and externally, to ensure uninterrupted service provision. This position is responsible for all verbal and written documentation as required by payers. Candidates must understand the various aspects of the managed care system including LOCATDR 3 criteria, behavioral health benefits, precertification, utilization review, peer reviews, discharge reviews, and appeals. Knowledge of substance use and mental health disorder treatments, including assessments, treatment planning, continuing care recommendations, DSM 5 and ICD 10 diagnostic codes, medications, and medicated assisted treatment is required.

Specific duties and responsibilities include:

1. Complete utilization review-based documentation and all required updates.
2. Complete utilization, discharge, and peer reviews.
3. Initiate and resolve appeals.
4. Ensure clinical documentation is up to date and complete.
5. Utilizes the Concurrent Review/LOCATDR 3 to identify and advocate for appropriate level of care placement.
6. Ensure that both effective utilization review management and client experience standards are maintained.
7. Monitor concurrent and retro-review status.
8. Help assess and implement systems and protocols to improve the utilization process.
9. Meet regularly with multi-disciplinary team members concerning consumer and program issues; assists in development or modification of procedures for improvement of services.
10. Stay abreast of new developments in the field of Quality Assurance/Improvement as related to substance use disorder and mental health treatment, recommend new policies and revise existing policies/procedures for compliance with all applicable laws and standards.
11. Assist with training on relevant topics to management team, clinical staff, and other relevant GRCR staff.
12. Prepare, file, and maintain department tracking systems related to authorizations and communications with clinical team as needed.
13. Attend regularly scheduled staff meetings and case conferences.
14. Attend all required in-service training seminars.
15. Other relevant duties as required.

Requirements:

1. Master's degree in social work preferred, Counseling, Psychology, Public Health, etc. with one (1) year experience working in a social service, health care insurance or utilization review role OR at least 5 years employment with progressive responsibility in a social service, health care or utilization review role.
2. Qualified Health Professional (LCSW, LMSW, LMHC, LMFT preferred) CASAC-T required with ability to secure CASAC within 6 months from hire.
3. Knowledge of OASAS regulations preferred.
4. Highly organized and ability to manage multiple projects and priorities to meet deadlines and revenue goals.
5. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
6. Ability to work within the context of a multi-disciplinary team, build relationships and foster partnerships.
7. Proficiency with computer operation (Microsoft Word, Excel, Electronic Health Records, and Outlook programs).

In addition to competitive salaries, Odyssey House offers:

• A 35-hour work week (as opposed to a 40-hour work week)
• Vacation Plan and Holiday Schedule
• Life Insurance
• Medical Insurance (Two Plans)
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Additional Insurance Coverages (hospitalization, accidental, critical illness coverage)
• Long-Term & Short-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account/Health Reimbursement Account
• 403(b) Plan
• Corporate Counseling Associates (CCA) EAP benefit
• Ability Assist Counseling Services (through The Hartford)
• Commuter Benefits
• Educational Assistance Programs
• Special shopping discounts through ADP Marketplace and PlumBenefits
• RUFit?! Fitness Program
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Assistance
• Optum Financial Service through ConnectYourCare
• Benefit Advocacy Center through Gallagher

Odyssey House is an equal opportunity employer maintaining a non-discriminatory policy on hiring of its personnel. Odyssey House, and its operational divisions, will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or citizen status in all employment decisions including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, training, rate of pay or other forms of compensation, layoff, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.