Authorization Coordinator (Health Centers)

Job Overview

Location/Schedule: This position is located at the Garlington Health Center in NE Portland. The schedule for this position is Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Position: Authorization Coordinator

Program: Health Centers

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.

Position Overview

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required; QMHA (Qualified Mental Health Associate) preferred.
• Two years’ experience in administrative coordination, preferably in healthcare.
• 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.

Working Conditions

• Environmental: Work is performed in a shared clinical office environment.
• Operational Hours: Standard business hours, with occasional overtime as needed.
• Mental Demands: The role requires flexibility and responsiveness to unpredictable tasks and diverse circumstances.
• Physical Demands: Primarily desk-based, requiring extended periods of sitting and computer work. May assist the team in providing safety in volatile situations.

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.

This position is represented by a labor union.

Benefits

We offer generous benefits for our full-time and part-time employees (20 hours pro-rated) including:

• Generous Paid Time Off Package Full-time employees earn 6 weeks of PTO in their first year!
• Medical and Dental Coverage (begins 1st of the month following 30 days after hire date)
• VSP Vision Discount Plan
• 403(B) Retirement Savings (Pre and post-tax plans with up to 8% employer matching contribution!)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Medical, dependent care, and transportation options)
• Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Paid Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave
• Length of Service Award
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance
• Student loan forgiveness options

Wellness Benefits:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bicycle Reimbursement
• Discounted Fitness Memberships
• Trauma Support Team

Starting Rate Range in USD ($)

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