Utilization Review Coordinator – Behavioral Health

About the role

Avenues Recovery Center is a nationwide network of drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers with eighteen locations across seven states. We provide highly individualized, evidence-based treatment in clean, modern settings across all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient services. Our success is driven by our people and a strong clinical model that has helped transform thousands of lives. We are seeking a Utilization Review Specialist to join our corporate team in New Jersey and support authorization, clinical documentation integrity, and continued stay coordination across our network.

Position Overview

Location: Corporate office - New Jersey
Schedule: Full-time

Responsibilities

• Utilization Review & Authorization Management
  • Field incoming calls, emails, and documentation requests related to client authorizations
  • Ensure timely approval and continuation of services at the appropriate level of care
  • Manage client caseloads and support authorization workflows across facilities
  • Advocate for continued stay based on clinical documentation and treatment needs
• Clinical & Billing Collaboration
  • Work closely with billing and clinical teams to identify and resolve authorization issues
  • Communicate with facility leadership regarding UR status and documentation needs
  • Support coordination between treatment teams and administrative departments
• Documentation & Compliance
  • Maintain accurate electronic records of all UR activity and authorization communications
  • Ensure documentation meets internal standards and payer requirements
  • Assist in identifying gaps in charting and supporting improvements in documentation workflows
• Systems & Process Improvement
  • Assist in creating standardized templates and UR workflows across facilities
  • Work with site leaders to ensure consistent implementation of processes
  • Support improvement of internal UR systems and efficiency initiatives

Qualifications

• Education
  • High school diploma or GED required
  • Bachelor's degree preferred
  • Nursing background, clinical background or healthcare knowledge strongly preferred
• Experience
  • Minimum 1 year of experience in behavioral health, healthcare, or treatment setting preferred
  • Experience with utilization review, insurance authorization, or medical billing strongly preferred
• Core Skills
  • Strong communication (written and verbal)
  • Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills
  • Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy
  • Ability to manage multiple cases and deadlines
  • Sound judgment and critical thinking
  • Flexible, team-oriented, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment

Willing to train

Benefits

• 401(k) with employer match
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity coverage
• Employer-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability options
• Legal coverage and Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical & Dependent Care)