Senior Authorization Specialist
- Category
- Administrative
- Date posted
- 06/21/2026
- Job ID
- #16825323
Our pediatric specialists are committed to providing high-quality pediatric services that help children and families live their best lives. We empower our community of clinicians to meet children where they are by providing the support and resources necessary to decrease administrative burdens. This focus allows our clinicians to obtain optimal work-life balance.
Senior Authorizations Specialist
Position Summary:
The Senior Associate role serves as a subject matter expert and escalation point within the revenue cycle team. This role requires advanced knowledge of revenue cycle operations, independent problem-solving, and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset. This position requires ownership of complex cases, drives resolution strategies, and delivers exceptional service to both internal and external stakeholders. This position is ideal for a seasoned professional who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Obtain prior authorizations and pre-certifications for in-home nursing services for a dedicated caseload of pediatric clients.
- Verify insurance benefits, coverage limitations, and authorization requirements for Medicaid, managed Medicaid, commercial and federal plans.
- Submit complete and accurate authorization requests through payer portals, phone, or fax.
- Track authorization status and follow up with payers to ensure timely approvals.
- Request, negotiate and complete single case agreements and letter agreements.
- Communicate authorization determinations, requirements, and delays to providers, scheduling teams, and patients.
- Review clinical documentation to ensure it meets payer medical necessity criteria.
- Identify and escalate authorization denials or delays for appeal or peer-to-peer review.
- Maintain accurate records of authorization activity in company EMR systems.
- Track authorization-related denial trends and escalate recurring payer issues.
- Stay current on payer policies, authorization rules, state and federal regulations, and out-of-network reimbursement rules.
- Support denial prevention initiatives and revenue cycle performance improvement efforts.
Education, Experience, and Competencies:
· Minimum 3 years of experience in healthcare revenue cycle management, with a focus on billing, A/R, or authorizations.
· Demonstrated success in resolving complex RCM issues independently.
· High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
· Advanced proficiency with EMR systems, payer portals, and Microsoft Office tools.
· Strong understanding of payer policies, coding, and reimbursement methodologies.
· Exceptional communication and customer service skills, with the ability to de-escalate and resolve sensitive issues.
· Proven ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a remote work environment.
General Duties and Responsibilities:
· General understanding of the departments and functions across the organization, especially those that interlock workflow with RCM) in order to assist and direct possible issues to the appropriate department or expertise when needed.
· Manage and resolve high-complexity revenue cycle issues, including escalated claims, denials, and payer disputes.
· Independently analyze and troubleshoot systemic issues impacting billing, collections, or authorizations.
· Serve as a resource and mentor to junior associates, providing guidance on best practices and complex scenarios.
· Collaborate cross-functionally with clinical, operational, and technical teams to streamline workflows and improve outcomes.
· Identify and implement process improvements that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
· Maintain detailed documentation of actions taken and outcomes achieved in EMR and other systems.
· Represent the revenue cycle team in cross-departmental meetings and initiatives.
· Adherence to the company’s telecommuter policy.
Core Competencies:- Autonomous Ownership: Takes full responsibility for assigned tasks and sees them through to resolution with minimal oversight.
- Advanced Problem-Solving: Uses critical thinking and data analysis to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
- Escalation Expertise: Skilled in navigating payer systems and internal processes to resolve high-level issues.
- Customer-Centric Mindset: Delivers outstanding service to patients, providers, and internal teams.
- Process Improvement: Continuously seeks opportunities to enhance workflows and reduce inefficiencies.
- Mentorship & Collaboration: Supports team development and fosters a culture of knowledge-sharing.
Job Title:Senior Associate, Authorization Services
Classification: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Lead, Manager or Director of Revenue Cycle
Salary Range: $45,000.00 to $55,000.00/year
Location: Hybrid/Remote
What we Offer:
- A supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Opportunity to Join a Rapidly Growing, Fast-Paced Organization!
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous Paid Time Off
- 401K
- A chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.
Care Options For Kids is an equal opportunity employer. The Equal Employment Opportunity Policy of Care Options For Kids is to provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all associates and job applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. Care Options For Kids hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. Care Options For Kids believes that associates should be provided with a working environment which enables each associate to be productive and to work to the best of his or her ability. We do not condone or tolerate an atmosphere of intimidation or harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. We expect and require the cooperation of all associates in maintaining a discrimination and harassment-free atmosphere.
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