Utilization Specialist

Utilization Specialist New Behavioral Health Hospital near Jacksonville FL - Opening Late Summer 2026

We are seeking a full-time Utilization Specialist to proactively monitor utilization of services for patients to optimize reimbursement for the facility.

Coastal Pines will be a modern purpose-built facility and a cornerstone of behavioral health care in Northeast Florida designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality psychiatric services in the region. The 144-bed behavioral health hospital located in St. Johns will offer a full continuum of services including inpatient psychiatric care Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT).

What We Offer:

Our leaders are equipped with the tools support and benefits they need to thrive:

• Competitive compensation packageincluding performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive medical dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match through Acadia Healthcare
• Equity/stock-based incentive awardsfor long-term financial growth
• Generous paid time offincluding vacation holidays and sick days

If youre ready to lead with purpose and drive lasting impact in the behavioral health space we invite you to consider joining us at Coastal Pines Behavioral Health.

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.

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.

AHGROW

#LI-CPBH