Authorization Specialist

Pay Range: $25.00 - $30.04. $1,000 Sign On Bonus at start and $1,000 Bonus after 12 months for qualified hire.

The Authorization Specialist works with payers and SEARHC clinical staff to obtain initial and ongoing authorizations for patient services, verifies insurance benefits, and maintains accurate records in the electronic medical record. The role requires strong communication and customer service skills and collaboration with payers, billing staff, and interdepartmental teams.

• Capture and record inbound and outbound authorizations for patients and/or referring physician’s offices.
• Obtain authorizations from insurance carriers via phone, written communication or email, ensuring accuracy.
• Process authorization‑related denials and coordinate the appeal process with Revenue Cycle staff.
• Document insurance verification, registration, and billing information, following up as needed.
• Respond to inquiries regarding the status of authorizations, assessing requests and providing needed information.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of patient and payer information.
• Meet team metric standards and expectations consistently.
• Support additional patient access related activities as assigned.
• Identify compliance or ethics issues and recommend operational improvements.

• High School Diploma or GED – required.
• Entry‑level experience needed; on‑the‑job training provided.
• Preferred experience in a healthcare office or customer service.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, CPT or procedure codes, or willingness to learn.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to prioritize work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Self‑start attitude and willingness to learn.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, correspondence and memos.
• Demonstrated time‑management, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Flexible hours with limited unplanned absence.
• Problem‑solving demeanor and ability to handle difficult customer situations positively.
• Comfort interacting with external healthcare professionals.

• Retirement plan.
• Paid time off.
• Paid parental leave.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Long‑term and short‑term disability.

Shift: OT 40.