Authorization Specialist

Adolescent Wellness Academy; North Carolina; On-site; USD 24,796 - 41,328; Full time

Job summary

Adolescent Wellness Academy is seeking an Authorization Specialist to manage insurance authorizations for our PHP and IOP programs on-site, ensuring timely pre-certifications, reviews, and appeals so access to treatment remains uninterrupted.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in UR/authorization for mental health or substance use facilities, working knowledge of ASAM LOCUS CALOCUS, strong EMR skills, and excellent communication to advocate with payers.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of UR/authorization experience at PHP/IOP levels for mental health or substance use facilities.
• Working knowledge of ASAM, LOCUS, and CALOCUS criteria and medical necessity standards.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple authorizations and deadlines.
• Familiarity with EMR platforms and authorization software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to advocate with payers.
• Eligible for DCF and AHCA Level 2 Background Check.

Responsibilities

• Verify benefits and eligibility prior to admission and throughout treatment.
• Complete pre-certifications, concurrent reviews, and re-certifications for PHP/IOP levels of care.
• Obtain Single Case Agreements with out-of-network payers.
• Build the medical necessity case using ASAM, LOCUS, and CALOCUS criteria.
• Prepare and submit appeals on denied authorizations.
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready authorization, denial, and SCA records.

Skills

UR/authorization experience

ASAM/LOCUS/CALOCUS knowledge

Organizational skills

EMR proficiency

Communication skills

Background check eligibility

Job description

Authorization Specialist

On‑Site | Full‑Time | 9a‑5p Monday‑Friday | $25‑$30/hour

About the Role
This role manages insurance authorization for clients across our PHP and IOP programs — completing pre‑certifications, concurrent reviews, verifying benefits, obtaining Single Case Agreements, and managing appeals so that client access to treatment is never disrupted by a payer issue.

Backgrounds that translate well: Utilization Review · Insurance Authorization/Precertification

What You'll Do

• Verify benefits and eligibility prior to admission and throughout treatment
• Complete pre‑certifications, concurrent reviews, and re‑certifications for PHP/IOP levels of care
• Obtain Single Case Agreements with out‑of‑network payers
• Build the medical necessity case using ASAM, LOCUS, and CALOCUS criteria
• Prepare and submit appeals on denied authorizations
• Maintain accurate, audit‑ready authorization, denial, and SCA records

What We're Looking For

Required

• 4+ years of experience as a UR/authorization specialist at the PHP and IOP levels of care for a mental health or substance use facility
• Working knowledge of ASAM, LOCUS, and CALOCUS criteria and medical necessity standards
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple authorizations and deadlines concurrently
• Strong familiarity with EMR platforms and authorization software
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to advocate effectively with payers
• Eligible for DCF and AHCA Level 2 Background Check

Preferred

• CPT/ICD‑10 and DSM‑5 familiarity
• Multi‑payer SCA experience
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Kipu or similar EMR experience

AWA and PRC are dual behavioral health organizations operating PHP and IOP programs across South Florida. We exist to serve clients and families at their most critical moments — and this role sits at the front door of that mission.

Learn More: Adolescent Wellness Academy · Principles Recovery Center