Utilization Specialist

We are seeking a full-time Utilization Specialist to proactively monitor utilization of services for patients to optimize reimbursement for the facility.  

Coastal Pines is a modern, purpose-built facility and a cornerstone of behavioral health care in Northeast Florida, designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality psychiatric services in the region.  The 144-bed behavioral health hospital, located in St. Johns, will offer a full continuum of services including inpatient psychiatric care, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).

• ​Act as liaison between managed care organizations and the facility professional clinical staff. 

• ​Conduct reviews, in accordance with certification requirements, of insurance plans or other managed care organizations (MCOs) and coordinate the flow of communication concerning reimbursement requirements. 

• ​Monitor patient length of stay and extensions and inform clinical and medical staff on issues that may impact length of stay.  

• ​Gather and develop statistical and narrative information to report on utilization, non-certified days (including identified causes and appeal information), discharges and quality of services, as required by the facility leadership or corporate office. 

• ​Conduct quality reviews for medical necessity and services provided.   

• ​Facilitate peer review calls between facility and external organizations.  

• ​Initiate and complete the formal appeal process for denied admissions or continued stay.  

• ​Assist the admissions department with pre-certifications of care.  

• ​Provide ongoing support and training for staff on documentation or charting requirements, continued stay criteria and medical necessity updates. 

• ​Perform other functions and tasks as assigned. 

• ​Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent. 

• ​Preferred Education: Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master’s degree in Social Work, Behavioral or Mental Health, Nursing, or a related health field. 

• ​Experience: Clinical experience is required, or two or more years' experience working with the facility's population. Previous experience in utilization management is preferred 

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We are committed to providing equal  employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual’s characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.

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• ​Preferred Licensure: LPN, RN, LMSW, LCSW, LPC, LPC-I within the state where the facility provides services; or current clinical professional license or certification, as required, within the state where the facility provides services. 

• ​CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility.   

• ​First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.