Authorization Specialist Full-Time

Description Western Colorado’s premier healthcare facility, Valley View Hospital, is seeking an experienced Authorization Specialist to join our Patient Access Department in Silt, CO. This is a HIGH-LEVEL, NON-ENTRY LEVEL POSITION, requiring strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and prior experience in a medical office or hospital setting. This role is critical to ensuring accurate and timely prior authorizations, reducing denials, and supporting overall revenue cycle performance across multiple specialties. ***This is not an entry-level position. Candidates without relevant healthcare or authorization experience will not be considered*** KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Obtain and manage prior authorizations for outpatient and inpatient services Interpret insurance eligibility, benefits, and medical necessity requirements Navigate payer portals and clinical guidelines Proactively identify and resolve authorization issues Collaborate with scheduling, clinical departments, and case management Maintain accurate documentation within the EHR Manage high-volume, time-sensitive workflows REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Minimum 2-3 years of medical office or hospital experience (authorization, billing, scheduling, or patient access) Experience handling prior authorizations across multiple payers Strong understanding of: Eligibility vs. benefits vs. authorization requirements Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills Highly organized with the ability to prioritize effectively Self-starter with the ability to work independently Experience with Epic preferred Bilingual (preferred) We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: This role is best suited for individuals who: Think critically and do not rely on step-by-step direction Can connect clinical services to payer requirements Take ownership and follow through to resolution Are proactive, detail-oriented, and solution-driven Screening Requirement: Candidates may be required to complete a brief authorization scenario assessment as part of the interview process. SALARY Entry salary dependent upon education, skill set, and experience. Position wage range: $20.00 - $28.87/hour BENEFITS Medical, Dental and Vision coverage including coverage for eligible dependents Employer paid basic life coverage with buy-up coverage options Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health care and dependent care. Time away from work: paid time off (PTO), paid family and medical leave (inclusive of Colorado FAMLI), Paid Sick/Bereavement Leave under Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA), leaves of absence. Tuition Assistance Available Retirement Plan 401(a) Retirement Plan 403(b) plans with employer matching contributions. Employee Assistance Program Employee discount on Valley View Medical Services Employee voluntary benefits such as Discounted RFTA bus passes, discounted gym memberships, Corporate Ski passes, free car seat for new Valley View babies born or adopted by Valley View employee(s) Free Use of Sunlight and Aspen SkiCo day passes, based on availability. Apply today to join a team focused on accountability, efficiency, and high performance! "We are hiring bodies- we are hiring capability" APPLICATION SUBMISSION END DATE This position will be open for a minimum of three days and until a top applicant is identified. About Us Located between Aspen and Vail, along the Colorado River, Glenwood Springs is a mecca for outdoor adventures in our beautiful mountains. When you are looking to relax, we also have the largest hot springs pool in the world. As a community with a population of about 10,000, Glenwood Springs is an ideal size. Valley View Hospital offers exceptional benefits, including a robust health and dental plan; vision and life insurance; defined contribution pension plan; 403(b); and generous accrual of vacation/sick days. Relocation and other financial assistance may apply, along with many more employee perks. At Valley View, our mission is to provide convenient, connected care to the communities of Western Colorado with scope, technology, and expertise that are rarely found in regional hospitals.