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Utilization Specialist

Acadia Healthcare


Job Location:

Riverdale, IL - USA

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer
Posted: 23 August 2026 (8 days ago)
Application Deadline: 20 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Overview

PURPOSE STATEMENT:

Proactively monitor utilization of services for patients to optimize reimbursement for the facility.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Act as liaison between managed care organizations and the facility professional clinical staff.
  • Conduct reviews in accordance with certification requirements of insurance plans or other managed care organizations (MCOs) and coordinate the flow of communication concerning reimbursement requirements.
  • Monitor patient length of stay and extensions and inform clinical and medical staff on issues that may impact length of stay.
  • Gather and develop statistical and narrative information to report on utilization non-certified days (including identified causes and appeal information) discharges and quality of services as required by the facility leadership or corporate office.
  • Conduct quality reviews for medical necessity and services provided.
  • Facilitate peer review calls between facility and external organizations.
  • Initiate and complete the formal appeal process for denied admissions or continued stay.
  • Assist the admissions department with pre-certifications of care.
  • Provide ongoing support and training for staff on documentation or charting requirements continued stay criteria and medical necessity updates.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

  • Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.
Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Preferred Education: Associates Bachelors or Masters degree in Social Work Behavioral or Mental Health Nursing or a related health field.
  • Experience: Clinical experience is required or two or more years experience working with the facilitys population. Previous experience in utilization management is preferred

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

  • Preferred Licensure: LPN RN LMSW LCSW LPC LPC-I within the state where the facility provides services; or current clinical professional license or certification as required within the state where the facility provides services.
  • CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility.
  • First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements.

ADDITIONAL REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances
(e.g. emergencies changes in workload rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.

We are committed to providing equalemployment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individuals characteristics protected by applicable state federal and local laws.

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Required Experience:

IC


About Company

Acadia Healthcare operates a network of premier behavioral healthcare facilities in the United States and Puerto Rico. Offering multiple levels of care for all populations.

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