Full-Time Billing and Client Services Specialist

Interested candidates should send their resume and cover letter to: Brian Richards, Operations Director, at brichards@peerservices.org.

PEER Services (peerservices.org) is a leading nonprofit provider of community-based substance use prevention and treatment services for Evanston, Maine, New Trier, Niles and Northfield Townships, and the north side of Chicago. As a licensed treatment provider since 1975, we have transformed the lives of thousands of teens and adults and helped them open the door to a healthier, brighter future.

The Billing and Client Services Specialist (BCSS) is a member of the Operations Team and reports to the Operations Director.  The BCSS possesses proven understanding and demonstrated success with fiscal management of a clinical practice, management of an organization’s billing processes and the components of the revenue cycle.  The BCSS monitors all aspects of the electronic and manual professional billing processes; accurate coding of services; claims processing; inputting insurance payments; verifying insurance coverage; ensuring coordination of professional billing issues related to organizational performance; reviews account receivables and manages contracting and credentialing. The BCSS works with the Operations Director, Billing and Admin Support Specialist, and other staff to ensure clean claims processes and follow up on claims made by services within a timely manner.  In addition to billing responsibilities, the Billing and Client Services Specialist plays an integral role in client and administrative support. 

Essential Billing Functions:

  • Review insurance payments for accuracy and compliance with third party billing agency.
  • Processes rejections to address correctable problems, resubmits for payment or write off. Rejections that can be corrected are resubmitted in the next billing run. Rejections that require action by other agency personnel are communicated and resolved effectively and efficiently.
  • Review denials or partially paid claims and work with involved parties to resolve discrepancies.
  • Generate manual billing as needed.
  • Enter all billing-related information into EHR and updates as needed. Review client accounts for accuracy and completeness.
  • Utilize a combination of client electronic health record and paper records to assist with billing and collections. Consult supervisor, team members, and appropriate resources to solve billing and collection questions and issues.
  • Identify insurance company or correct guarantor (client) to be billed; identify and bill primary, secondary, or tertiary insurances. Ensure preauthorization claims are handled and approved in accordance with applicable claims.
  • Manage accounts ensuring outstanding/pending claims are paid in a timely manner and contact appropriate parties to collect payment. Communicate with health care providers, patients, insurance claim representatives, and other parties to clarify billing issues and facilitate timely payment.
  • Upon hire or licensure, ensure clinician paneling and credentialing for all applicable payors, including but not limited to: completing applications and revalidations, instructing personnel on obtaining an NPI number, maintaining accurate filing records, maintaining CAQH profile, and maintaining relationship with insurance company for follow up.
  • Manage client relationships with respect to billing, payments, insurance, balances, and orientation for new clients. Can act as liaison to staff and clients in explaining insurance benefits. Set up and monitor client payment plans, include therapist in conversations about payment plans.
  • Enter client benefit assignment and self-pay rates and opening information into EHR, monitors insurance changes, verify client insurance as needed.
  • Monitor scanned insurance cards, verify changes, and enter updated information into EHR.
  • Prepare reports and forms as directed and in accordance with established policies. Maintain accurate billing analysis reports and communicate implications promptly to the appropriate team members.
  • Work with the Operations Director to manage billing revenue cycle.  Engage in the collection of receivables by monitoring accounts receivables, resubmitting bills to overdue accounts, and alerting Operations Director regarding seriously overdue accounts.
  • Follow up with clients as needed for client responsibility payments. Make calls to clients weekly to facilitate collectability and resolve insurance issues. Tender all client responsibility payments and complete reconciliation reports daily/weekly.
  • Other duties and projects as assigned by the Operations Director.

Client and Administrative Support:

  • Assists in set up of medical/clinical coding within EHR system and maintains updates as required by applicable billing/accrediting providers.
  • Train new staff in organization billing procedures and within agency’s EHR.
  • Process company mail, including sorting/filing mail in appropriate mailboxes.
  • Manage office supplies inventory, and record and report staff supply requests to Office Manager.
  • Maintain and ensure premise supplies (coffee, sugar, cups, etc) are available for clients and staff.
  • Greet and screen all visitors and clients per PEER Services safety and health procedures.
  • Provide assistance to other programs as directed.

Classification, Compensation, Work Schedule, and Benefits:

  • This is a regular, 40 hour a week M-F, exempt position.
  • Compensation range is $40,000 – $45,000, dependent on experience and qualifications. 
  • Work hours will be Monday through Friday, 7a – 3p.
  • Benefits include PTO (holidays; accrued vacation and sick time; and time off for birthday); health/vision/dental insurance coverage; life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, professional development training; and employee discounts through ADP.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or a combination of equivalent education (i.e., Associates degree, Billing Certification) and work experience.
  • Minimum two years’ medical billing experience in an EHR with demonstrated knowledge of Insurance/Medicare/Billing codes.
  • Knowledge of general accounting principles, revenue cycle processes, medical insurance, billing, and associated regulations.
  • Knowledge of HIPAA requirements related to medical records and billing requirements.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with MIS systems and Electronic Health Records
  • Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, to set priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Working knowledge of Excel and QuickBooks, preferred.
  • Non-profit work experience, a plus.
  • Knowledge of credentialing and licensing, a plus.
  • Reliable transportation and willing to work out of Evanston and other subleased office space(s).
  • Comfortable interacting with staff members, clients, parents, and all other members of our diverse community.

Characteristics

  • Reliable, punctual, neat, and accurate in work habits; precise and detail-oriented.
  • Attention to detail with good analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Self-starter and ability to work independently and with a team.
  • Discrete and ability to maintain confidentiality, use good judgement and sensitivity.
  • Excellent telephone, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Customer oriented and ability to communicate effectively and positively.
  • Effective public speaker and trainer.

PEER Services, Inc. appreciates the opportunity to provide services to its diverse community, including people of color, low-income and financially insecure, non-English speakers, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We strongly encourage applications from people with these identities and other marginalized communities to join our staff to better serve our clients. PEER Services makes hiring decisions without regard to any person’s race, color, sex, creed, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, military discharge status, source of income, FMLA status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal, state or local statutes.

PEER Services’ Mission is to reduce the harms of substance use, addiction, and stigma by engaging youth and adults with innovative prevention programming and by supporting people on their path to recovery through holistic, evidence-based treatment. We provide affirming services to all in need, regardless of their ability to pay.

PEER Services is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Since 1975, PEER Services has provided community-based substance use prevention and treatment services to teens, adults, and families in Northern Cook County, including Evanston, Maine, New Trier, Niles and Northfield Townships, and the north side of Chicago. PEER Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.