Authorization Specialist

Lifeworks Services • Richfield, MN

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Authorization Specialist obtains and enters service authorizations and enters budgets and budget addendums for the company’s self-directed clients into the appropriate systems. The role ensures required authorizations are obtained in a timely and efficient manner while adhering to company policies, regulations, and industry standards. This full-time, non-exempt position is in the Finance Department, based at Lifeworks Services in Richfield, with 20% in-person work. The schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Compensation is $21–$24 per hour, and the position is eligible for a yearly bonus.

Lifeworks describes itself as an industry leader partnering with people with disabilities in innovative, person-centered ways. The organization emphasizes disability inclusion, collaboration, accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Pass a Department of Human Services background study and a drug test.
• Have reliable transportation for work-related driving, including travel to the office and on-site training locations.
• Be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Be able to understand and communicate written and verbal directions, including transmitting and maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Maintain regular attendance, reliability, and punctuality.
• Have excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Have analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Be able to work collaboratively with various departments.
• Have strong interpersonal and communication skills and provide exceptional customer service.
• Work independently and demonstrate excellent time management.
• Identify and resolve issues related to service authorizations.
• Be proficient at entering and analyzing data.
• Be able to meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree in a relevant field, such as healthcare administration or business administration.
• Previous experience in healthcare, human services, insurance, or a related field.
• Experience using computer applications and electronic health records (EHR).

Responsibilities

• Ensure required documentation and information are complete and accurate for new budgets, renewals, and addendum requests for all Self-Directed services.
• Follow up with appropriate staff on authorization and addendum request status and address issues in a timely manner.
• Maintain detailed records of budget and addendum requests, changes, denials, and correspondence.
• Review and address issues that arise during the budget and addendum entry process.
• Resolve issues and provide timely updates to all parties involved.
• Maintain detailed records of service authorization requests and correspondence.
• Review and enter authorization requests for all Self-Directed program services.
• Monitor and analyze authorization metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Prepare reports and summaries of authorization activities for management.
• Address inquiries from program leaders and staff regarding authorization status and services delivered.
• Partner with the Accounts Receivable team and others as needed to resolve issues.
• Assist with audits and reviews to ensure adherence to internal and external standards.

Benefits

• 18 days of PTO accrued in the first year of employment.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• AD&D insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Savings Account (FSA), and prescription drug coverage.
• Up to $3,000 annually in tuition reimbursement.
• 403(b) retirement plan, with a 3% employer contribution and a match of up to 4% of employee contributions.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Yearly bonus eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED