About the job Authorization Specialist (Healthcare)
The Authorization Specialist is responsible for managing insurance authorizations and related electronic health record (EHR) updates for Medicaid clients eligible for the Housing Supports Program. This role serves as a first point of contact, requiring strong customer service skills, accuracy, and confidence working across multiple healthcare systems.
The position supports clients who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and works closely with internal teams to ensure timely authorization, accurate data entry, and compliance with payer and state requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Housing Supports Program (HSP) eligibility screening
Complete Initial Assessment Tool (IAT) and Level of Need (LON) assessments with the clients
Submit and manage insurance authorizations to managed care organizations (MCOs)
Track authorization status and follow up as needed to ensure timely approvals
Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records in electronic health record systems (HMIS)
Enter and update demographic and service-related data in state systems (HMIS)
Assign and schedule client follow-up with GSH staff
Communicate professionally with internal staff and external stakeholders as needed
Ensure documentation accuracy and compliance with healthcare and payer requirements
Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive client information appropriately
Required Skills & Qualifications
At least 1 year of experience handling Medicaid authorizations
Prior experience using Availity (strongly preferred)
Experience working with electronic health records (EHR) systems
Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
Solid customer service and communication skills
Comfortable working across multiple systems and platforms
Organized, reliable, and able to manage repetitive administrative tasks
Tools & Systems
Availity - experience strongly preferred
United Healthcare Portal - experience strongly preferred
Google Workspace (G Suite) – trainable
HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) – trainable
Other internal client systems as required