Authorization Coordinator
Location/Schedule This position is located at the Hope Center located in SE Portland, OR. The schedule is Monday through Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Position Authorization Coordinator
Program Enhanced Care Services
Cascadia's Mission and Vision:
Mission: Cascadia Health delivers whole health care – integrated mental health and addiction services, primary care, and housing – to promote hope and support the well-being of the communities we serve.
Vision: We envision a community where everyone benefits from whole health care, experiences well-being, and has a self-directed, connected life.
The Authorization Coordinator provides administrative support essential to Cascadia Health’s trauma-informed approach. This position completes and submits service authorization and reauthorization requests for clients, appeals denials, and assists in correcting service documentation errors to prevent revenue loss. Working in collaboration with multiple departments, the Authorization Coordinator ensures that service utilization documentation aligns with Cascadia’s mission and supports the financial integrity of the organization.
Essential Responsibilities
This position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities or an all inclusive job description.
Submit and track service authorizations and reauthorizations for clients in residential and outpatient programs.
Work with leadership and clinicians to obtain necessary information and complete the denial appeal process.
Regularly review insurance systems to monitor activity, address denials, and correct service documentation errors.
Verify insurance details, update Electronic Medical Records (EMR), and maintain accuracy in client records.
Complete annual audits and maintain financial records compliance.
Collaborate with other departments to support Cascadia’s mission, vision, and values.
Serve as the point of contact for self-pay functions, adjudicating applications, tracking balances, and reconciling accounts.
Assist clients with insurance applications and support Oregon Health Plan enrollments.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education:
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required; a QMHA (Qualified Mental Health Associate) preferred.
Experience:
Two years’ experience in administrative coordination, preferably in healthcare.
Specialized Skills and Knowledge:
Proficiency in Word processing, Excel, and database applications.
Strong data entry, typing (50 wpm), and verbal/written communication skills.
Ability to travel to various Cascadia sites as needed.
Other:
Ability to commute to various Cascadia sites and/or locations as required.
Working Conditions
Work is performed at multiple Cascadia sites, however the primary assigned site is an essential location for many of the organizational communications and duties. The nature of the work dictates that the Residential Authorization Coordinator is flexible and able to move from site to site as need arise. Work hours are typically standard business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Daily routines may be hectic; meal periods and breaks are subject to interruption.
Mental Demands: The work assigned is diverse and involves facing new and unusual circumstances where clinical and administrative outcomes could have negative effects on employee morale and/or client services. The work requires the incumbent’s strong organization of time and resources to ensure that tasks are managed in an effective and proactive manner. Time management skills are important to handle program changes, responding to crises, regular interruptions, and the like.
Physical Demands: A typical work day consists of sitting at a desk and utilizing computers and other office equipment.
Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at 503.963.7654.
Benefits
We offer generous benefits for our full-time and part-time employees (20 hours + pro-rated) including:
Wellness Benefits:
Starting Rate Range in USD ($)
$23.57 - $24.37
Cascadia looks at the whole person and believes that an integrated healthcare approach is the best way to serve our clients.
Cascadia’s whole health care model empowers individuals as they work toward their goals to achieve recovery. From prevention to healthy lifestyle education to intensive treatment when needed, our services encompass a more systemic approach to health management for the adults, children, seniors, and families we serve. Clients can get primary care and behavioral health care needs through one team, at one location.
By integrating services — mental health and addiction treatment, primary care, and housing — we can improve healthcare delivery to those who have chronic mental health challenges and help people live longer and healthier lives.
Our Vision:
We envision a community where everyone benefits from whole health care, experiences well-being, and has a self-directed, connected life.
For more than 35 years, Cascadia has been the community health and housing safety net provider for Oregonians of all ages experiencing mental health and addiction challenges, trauma, poverty, and homelessness.
Mission:
Cascadia delivers whole health care – integrated mental health and addiction services, primary care, and housing – to promote hope and support the well-being of the communities we serve.
