Utilization Review Coordinator – Behavioral Health

Avenues Recovery•Toms River, NJ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Avenues Recovery Center is seeking a Utilization Review Specialist to join its corporate team in New Jersey and support authorization, clinical documentation integrity, and continued-stay coordination across its network of behavioral health treatment facilities. The role ensures timely authorization of client services, supports appropriate level-of-care determinations, and partners with clinical and billing teams to maintain accurate documentation and continuity of care. It requires strong communication, attention to detail, and collaboration across clinical, administrative, and billing departments. The position is based at the New Jersey corporate office and is full-time. The company provides individualized, evidence-based treatment across detox, residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient levels of care.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.
Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy.
Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines.
Sound judgment and critical thinking.
Flexible, team-oriented, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred.
Nursing background, clinical background, or healthcare knowledge strongly preferred.
At least 1 year of experience in behavioral health, healthcare, or a treatment setting preferred.
Experience with utilization review, insurance authorization, or medical billing strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Field incoming calls, emails, and documentation requests related to client authorizations.
Ensure timely approval and continuation of services at the appropriate level of care.
Manage client caseloads and support authorization workflows across facilities.
Advocate for continued stay based on clinical documentation and treatment needs.
Work with billing and clinical teams to identify and resolve authorization issues.
Communicate with facility leadership about utilization review status and documentation needs.
Support coordination between treatment teams and administrative departments.
Maintain accurate electronic records of utilization review activity and authorization communications.
Ensure documentation meets internal standards and payer requirements.
Assist in identifying charting gaps and improving documentation workflows.
Help create standardized templates and utilization review workflows across facilities.
Work with site leaders to ensure consistent implementation of processes.
Support improvements to internal utilization review systems and efficiency initiatives.