Service Authorization Consultant

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) seeks a Service Authorization Consultant to ensure waiver service authorizations meet accountability standards and align needs with resources for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Key duties include reviewing Individual Support Plans, communicating results to CSBs and providers, and contributing to guidance materials. Central Office-based role with limited telework and occasional state travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field (e.g., sociology, social work, psychology).
• Experience or training in delivering services to individuals with developmental disabilities (DD).
• Ability to work with electronic information systems and multiple databases.

Responsibilities

• Perform clinical review and/or authorization of waiver and EPSDT services.
• Utilize knowledge of Medicaid regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Enter service authorization data accurately into WaMS and MES.
• Provide service authorization consultations and training to CSBs/private providers.
• Analyze trends and advise on guidance materials and training.

Skills

Professional standards

Healthcare needs

Electronic information systems

Oral and written communication

Regulations interpretation

Computer literacy (Word, Excel, Web)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services

Tools

Word

Excel

Internet

Job description

Title: Service Authorization Consultant

State Role Title: Health Care Compliance Spec II

Hiring Range: $59,754 to $65,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Central Office

Agency Website: www.dbhds.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) is seeking a highly motivated individual to ensure that the DBHDS Developmental Disabilities waivers’ service authorization system maintains all standards of accountability, proficiency and responsiveness to the users of the system which results in the alignment of needs and resources of all the individual’s receiving waiver funded services. Incumbent will be responsible for the review of Individual Support Plans, Supporting Documentation, and Service Authorizations for the waivers for individuals with developmental disabilities, assuring that all criteria are met from when the process initiates with the case manager/support coordinator through to the authorization of a service. This includes, but is not limited to, discussing appropriate service alternatives with support coordinators/case managers and their supervisors to include the provision of needed training and technical assistance; problem solving to ensure individuals receive the appropriate services according to their assessed needs; and communicating the results of the review process to CSBs, private providers and the VA Medicaid Management Information System. This is a Richmond Central Office (CO) position and while there may be an opportunity for limited telework, which is currently one day per week, the expectation is that the selected candidate will be working in CO. This position may require frequent state travel.

Additional Responsibilities Include

• Performing clinical review and/or authorization of waiver and EPSDT services for individuals with developmental disabilities for all new and revised service plans, as appropriate.
• Utilizing knowledge of authorization procedures and interpretation of Medicaid regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Accurately entering service authorization information into the Waiver Management System (WaMS) & the Virginia Medicaid Enterprise System (MES).
• Providing service authorization related consultation and training to assigned Community Services Boards/private providers of case management services.
• Analyzing trends and problem areas within localities; providing recommendations and assistance to other DDS staff regarding technical support, training, and the development of guidance materials.
• Abiding by all legal and regulatory standards promulgated by state, federal and professional regulatory organizations and will engage in conduct that is professional and ethical at all times, to the best of my knowledge and understanding.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of professional standards of supports and services for individuals with developmental disabilities (DD), including knowledge of best practices.
• Knowledge of the health care needs of persons with disabilities (physical, cognitive, emotional), health and social service programs and issues, community resources, state and federal DD regulations, negotiation techniques, problem resolution, medical terminology, and medical standards of treatment.
• Ability to work with electronic information systems.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work assignments, and to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to research and identify changes in program requirements and policies and to interpret state and federal regulations.
• Ability to use a range of computer programs and database applications such as Word, Excel, and the Internet.

Additional Considerations

• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field (including, but not limited to, sociology, social work, special education, rehabilitation counseling, or psychology).
• Demonstrated training/professional experience in the delivery of services to individuals with DD.
• Experience in social, behavioral science, education, or related human services field.
• Understanding of best practices in developmental disability (DD) services or understanding of how best practices are adopted and ability to translate experiences and training within the DD system.

Contact Information

Name: Keiana Bobbitt

Phone: N/A

Email: [e-mail]

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note

Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.