Authorization Specialist

Lifeworks Services • Richfield, MN

6h • $21 - $24 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Authorization Specialist is responsible for obtaining and entering service authorizations and entering budgets and budget addendums for the company’s self-directed clients into the appropriate systems. The role ensures required authorizations are obtained efficiently and on time in accordance with company policies, regulations, and industry standards. The position is in the Finance department, based in Richfield with 20% in-person work. It is full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, and non-exempt. Compensation is $21–$24 per hour, with eligibility for a yearly bonus.

Lifeworks describes itself as an industry leader partnering with people with disabilities in innovative, person-centered ways. Its collaborative, passionate, and strategic team works to increase access in communities and promote disability inclusion. The organization states its commitment to accessibility, diversity, equity, inclusion, and an inclusive, accessible hiring process.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to understand and communicate written and verbal directions, including transmitting and maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Regular attendance, reliability, and punctuality.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, analytical skills, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate with various departments.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to provide exceptional customer service.
• Ability to work independently with excellent time management skills.
• Ability to identify and resolve issues related to service authorizations.
• Proficiency in entering and analyzing data.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Must pass a Department of Human Services background study and a drug test.
• Must have reliable transportation for work driving purposes, such as travel to the office or on-site training locations.

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 the status of authorization and addendum requests related to budgets, and address issues in a timely manner.
• Maintain detailed records of budget and addendum requests, changes, denials, and correspondence.
• Review and address issues arising 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 on authorization activities for management.
• Respond to 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: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and a personal holiday.
• 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; Lifeworks contributes 3% of salary and matches up to 4% of employee contributions.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Yearly bonus eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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