The authorization specialist is responsible for obtaining and entering the service authorizations. In addition, this role enters all budgets and budget addendums for the company’s self-directed clients into the appropriate systems. This role ensures that all required authorizations are obtained in a timely and efficient manger, adhering to company policies, regulations, and industry standards. 

Position Title: Authorization Specialist

Department: Finance

Hours: Full-time 40 hours/week, Monday – Friday (Non-Exempt)

Location: Lifeworks Services – Richfield / 20% in-person

Compensation: $21 - $24 per hour

What we offer employees

Lifeworks offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• 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, Day after  Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and a Personal Holiday)
• Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D insurance, short & 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 your salary and matches up to 4% of employee contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Why Work at Lifeworks

Lifeworks  is an industry leader on the forward edge of partnering with people  with disabilities in innovative, person-centered ways. Disability  inclusion is our true north, guiding every service we provide and  ensuring that people with disabilities have opportunities, can thrive,  and defy expectations. The Lifeworks Team is collaborative, passionate,  and strategic, using a person-centered approach to increase access in  our communities.

You’ll succeed in this role if you: 

• Are capable of performing the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Able to understand and communicate written and verbal directions, including transmitting and maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Have regular attendance, reliability and punctuality is necessary to meet the needs of the business.
• Have excellent organizational skills.
• Possess excellent attention to detail, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Are able to work collaboratively with various departments.
• Have strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to navigate and provide exceptional customer service.
• Work independently with excellent time management skills. 
• Identify and resolve issues related to authorizations for service.
• Are proficient at entering and analyzing data.
• Able to meet deadlines.
• Must pass a background study with the Department of Human Services, a drug test, and have reliable transportation to use for work driving purposes (e.g., in-office, on-site training locations, etc.).

How you’ll be spending your time: 

• Ensuring all required documentation and information are complete and accurate for new budgets, renewals, and addendum requests for all Self-Directed services.
• Following up with appropriate staff on the status of authorization and addendum requests, as they pertain to the budgets, and address any issues timely.
• Keeping detailed records of all budget/addendum requests, changes, denials and correspondence.
• Reviewing and addressing any issues that arise during the budget/addendum entry process.
• Resolving issues and providing timely updates to all parties involved.
• Keeping detailed records of all service authorization requests and correspondence.
• Reviewing and entering authorization requests for all Self-Directed program services.
• Monitoring and analyzing authorization metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Preparing reports and summaries on authorization activities for management.
• Addressing inquiries from program leaders and staff, regarding authorization status and services delivered.
• Partnering with the Accounts Receivable team and others as needed, to resolve issues.
• Assisting in audits and reviews to ensure adherence to internal and external standards.

• Associate’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., healthcare administration, business administration) preferred, High school diploma or equivalent required. 
• Previous experience in healthcare, human services, insurance or a related field is highly desirable.
• Experience using computer applications, electronic health records (EHR) preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Equity Statement:

Lifeworks strives to be  radically accessible, diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We appreciate  the vibrancy of differences, center the voices of silenced and  marginalized people, and champion universal rights.

Lifeworks  Services is committed to hiring people from a variety of diverse  cultures with diverse life experiences. All qualified applicants will  receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color,  religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status,  disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression,  marital status, familial status; genetic information, or any other  characteristic protected by law.

Lifeworks Services is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage members of diverse groups to apply.