What are the responsibilities and job description for the UR SPECIALIST position at The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard?
Utilization Review Specialist – Behavioral Health
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Facility: The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard
Schedule: Full-Time | Exempt | Day Shift
Company Overview:
The Behavioral Wellness Center at Girard is a well-established behavioral health facility in Philadelphia providing inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and substance abuse treatment. As a leader in behavioral healthcare, we are committed to offering evidence-based services that are culturally and spiritually responsive to the needs of our diverse community.
Our services include:
- Substance Use Disorder Services
- Inpatient Psychiatric Services
- Outpatient Drug & Alcohol Treatment Services
We strive to enhance the competency and abilities of our staff through innovative training and development initiatives.
Position Summary:
The Utilization Review Specialist is responsible for managing all utilization review activities, including admissions, continued stay reviews, discharge planning, and payer communication. This role ensures medical necessity, secures authorizations, and supports reimbursement processes while working closely with clinical teams and managed care organizations.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct admission, concurrent, and focused reviews using ASAM criteria
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of utilization review activities
- Perform retrospective reviews and support third-party payer audits
- Identify and report utilization trends and potential issues to leadership
- Collaborate directly with physicians, providers, and managed care organizations
- Manage the appeal process for denials and monitor outcomes
- Provide ongoing training to staff on documentation standards and medical necessity
- Prepare and submit monthly utilization review reports and statistics
- Coordinate findings with the business office to resolve payment issues
- Conduct quality reviews and facilitate peer review calls
- Act as the liaison between the clinical team and managed care organizations
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mental Health, Human Services, Social Services, or a related field
- Minimum two (2) years of clinical experience in behavioral health or psychiatric care
- Prior utilization review experience required
- ASAM certification and/or clinical licensure preferred (LPC, CADC, CAADC, etc.)
- Knowledge of PA WITS program and Electronic Health Records
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality
Physical Requirements & Work Environment:
- Ability to communicate effectively in person and by phone
- Manual dexterity for data entry and documentation
- Ability to sit for extended periods; occasional lifting up to 10 lbs.
- Work in office and clinical settings with potential exposure to environmental hazards.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer EOE/M/F/D/V
