Utilization Management Specialist 1

SUN Kentucky; Erlanger (KY); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

SUN Behavioral Kentucky seeks an Utilization Management Specialist 1 in Erlanger, KY to coordinate case management from pre-admission through discharge and assist with admission authorizations. This role requires coordinating with physicians, nurse practitioners, and care teams to ensure appropriate levels of care and timely documentation.

The position emphasizes adherence to safety, integrity, compassion, and teamwork while supporting performance improvement activities and clinical review

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification required.
• Associates or Bachelor's degree preferred; may substitute experience for education.
• One year of experience in a behavioral healthcare setting required.
• Previous experience in Utilization Management or as a Mental Health Tech preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate case management from pre-hospitalization through discharge.
• Assist with authorization of admissions to hospital and maintain documentation in EMR.
• Conduct retroactive reviews and appeals; prepare letters for insurance providers.
• Communicate with physicians, nurses, and other care teams to ensure appropriate level of care.
• Participate in performance improvement activities and safety initiatives.

Education

High school diploma or GED

CPR certification

De-escalation technique certification

Associates or Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

# Utilization Management Specialist 1SUN Behavioral Kentucky - Erlanger, KY 41018## OverviewPosition TypePRNJob ShiftDaysEducation LevelHigh School/GEDTravel PercentageNoneCategoryHealth Care## Description**Position Summary:**Responsible for the coordination of case management strategies pursuant to the Case Management process. Assists and coordinates care of the patient from pre-hospitalization through discharges. Responsible for assisting with authorization of admissions to hospital. Processes retroactive reviews and appeals, copies needed documentation and writes retro/appeal letters for insurance companies to ensure coverage for patient admissions. Conducts follow up calls with insurance companies to ensure coverage for patient admissions. Participates in performance improvement activities. Attends 80% of staff meetings. Coordinates care for patient through communication with Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Services, Nursing, Assessment and Referrals Department.**Position Responsibilities:***Clinical / Technical Skills* (40% of performance review)* Provides thorough documentation and timely updates regarding patient status on log sheets that are prepared for daily meetings concerning admissions, reviews and discharges; including case s with limited benefits, cases in peer review/denial and /or unplanned discharges* Coordinates with managed care companies or other third-party payors regarding peer reviews, retrospective reviews and appeals. Document s and updates the denial log to reflect same.* Consults Business Office and/or admission staff as needed to clarify data and ensure authorization processes are complete.* Documents in EMR the results of admission and concurrent reviews.* Stays informed about changes in Medicare and Medicaid.* Ability to stage local laws, ordinances and practices governing involuntary hospitalization and ensure compliance with same.* Reviews the quality of documentation for each level of care to ensure clinical effectiveness and appropriateness of treatment.* Maintains an active involvement and awareness of all patient admissions, discharges and transfers to alternate levels of care. Oversees continuity of care for each level of care transition.* Develops and maintains processes to minimize denials and communication of same to CFO and Business Office Director.* Reports results of daily treatment team meetings all discharges and status of high-risk case such as limited benefits, peer reviews, denials or unplanned discharges.* Timely retroactive reviews and appeals within current month* Strong knowledge of external review organizations (i.e.: Medicare/Managed Care/Medicaid) with knowledge of payor resources and planning.* Types and mails all correspondence in a timely manner.* Answers the telephone in a polite manner, Communicates information to the appropriate staff.* Interacts with patients/families in a professional manner. Provides explanations regarding statements, insurance coverage.* Support discharge planning and utilization review when necessary* Perform other duties as required*Safety* (15% of performance review)* Strives to create a safe, healing environment for patients and family members* Follows all safety rules while on the job.* Reports near misses, as well as errors and accidents promptly.* Corrects minor safety hazards.* Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.* Attends all required safety programs and understands responsibilities related to general, department, and job specific safety.* Participates in quality projects, as assigned, and supports quality initiatives.* Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.*Teamwork* (15% of performance review)* Works well with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.* Responds willingly to colleagues and serves as an active part of the hospital team.* Builds collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians.* The ability to retrieve, communicate, and present data and information both verbally and in writing as required* Demonstrates listening skills and the ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word.* Demonstrates adequate skills in all forms of communication.* Adheres to the Standards of Behavior*Integrity* (15% of performance review)* Strives to always do the right thing for the patient, coworkers, and the hospital* Adheres to established standards, policies, procedures, protocols, and laws.* Applies the Mission and Values of SUN Behavioral Health to personal practice and commits to service excellence.* Supports and demonstrates fiscal responsibility through supply usage, ordering of supplies, and conservation of facility resources.* Completes required trainings within defined time periods, as established by job description, policies, or hospital leadership* Exemplifies professionalism through good attendance and positive attitude, at all times.* Maintains confidentiality of patient and staff information, following HIPAA and other privacy laws.* Ensures proper documentation in all position activities, following federal and state guidelines.*Compassion* (15% of performance review)* Demonstrates accountability for ensuring the highest quality patient care for patients.* Willingness to be accepting of those in need, and to extend a helping hand* Desire to go above and beyond for others* Understanding and accepting of cultural diversity and differences## Qualifications**Education*** Required: High school diploma or GED. CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification.* Preferred: Associates or Bachelors degree.* Maintains education and development appropriate for position.* May substitute experience for education**Experience*** Required: One year of experience in a behavioral healthcare setting.* Preferred: Previous experience in a Utilization Management department or as a Mental Health Tech* May substitute education for experience