Utilization Review Coordinator – Behavioral Health

Avenues Recovery • Lakewood Township, NJ

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Avenues Recovery Center is seeking a Utilization Review Specialist to join its corporate team in New Jersey. Avenues is a nationwide network of drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers with 18 locations across seven states, providing individualized, evidence-based treatment across detox, residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient levels of care.

The Utilization Review Specialist supports timely authorization of client services, appropriate level-of-care determinations, clinical documentation integrity, and continued-stay coordination across the network. The role partners with clinical, billing, administrative, and facility teams to maintain accurate documentation and continuity of care. It requires strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate across departments.

This is a full-time position based at the corporate office in New Jersey. Avenues describes its culture as supportive, collaborative, and purpose-driven, and says it provides tools, resources, and benefits to support employees personally and professionally.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• 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 skills.
• Flexible, team-oriented, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

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

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 regarding 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.
• Help identify charting gaps and support improvements to documentation workflows.
• Assist in creating 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.

Benefits

• 401(k) with employer match.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity coverage.
• Employer-paid life and AD&D insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability options.
• Legal coverage and identity theft protection.
• Pet insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.

What This Job Offers

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