Utilization Specialist

Overview

Serenity Knolls, located in the San Geronimo Valley just 10 minutes west of Fairfax, is currently seeking an experienced Utilization Specialist.

Our facility has a capacity of 42 beds and serves individuals aged 18 and older, including 6 beds designated for detox. As a 12-step based, social model residential treatment center, Serenity Knolls combines traditional social models of care with contemporary cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, and evidence-based practices. We invite qualified candidates to apply today. 

PURPOSE STATEMENT:

Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective or behavioral.

Compensation for roles at Serenity Knolls varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific location, role, skill set, and level of experience. As required by local law, Serenity Knolls provides a reasonable hourly range of compensation for roles that may be hired in California as set forth below.

Pay rate: $28 - $30 per hour

Possible remote position

Responsibilities

​ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• ​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. 

​OTHER FUNCTIONS:  

• ​Perform other functions and tasks as assigned. 

Qualifications

​EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS: 

• ​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 

​LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:  

• ​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. 

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​ADDITIONAL REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS: 

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​While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances  (e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate. 

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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