Demo

Residential Admissions and Authorization Specialist

Community and Family Resources
Des Moines, IA Full Time
POSTED ON 9/19/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/18/2026

Community and Family Resources is committed to supporting clients at every stage of their recovery journey. For many individuals, the first step begins with entering a residential treatment program. Our Residential Admissions and Authorization Specialist plays a vital role in this process by guiding clients through admissions and ensuring a smooth, welcoming transition into our facility.

We are currently seeking a Residential Admissions and Authorization Specialist to work with our residential programs in our Des Moines region.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Communicate with referring agency to determine if a potential client meets necessary requirements for residential.
  • Conduct initial interviews and explain the treatment process with clients and referral sources.
  • Staff referrals with the appropriate Residential Program Supervisor, clinical department, and medical department prior to scheduling admission appointment.
  • Prepare client for admission by conducting a preadmission phone and/or in-person contact with client. 
  • Review client records and insurance benefits to determine need for prior authorization.
  • Prepare and submit accurate prior authorization requests to insurance companies, including detailed medical documentation to support the need for the service.
  • Facilitate new client orientation including providing a copy of the client handbook and tour of facility with the admissions Treatment Specialist from the identified unit in which the client will be placed.
  • Track authorization requests and follow up with insurance companies as needed to check on status of pending authorizations.
  • Review denial notifications, identify reason for denial, and work with providers to appeal or resubmit authorization requests with additional supporting documentation.
  • Completion of the PHQ9, DG SBIRT Screening and coordinating care with the appropriate department.
  • Provide clients/families with referral sources for services unavailable within the agency or when agency services are inappropriate.
  • Participate in intra-agency staffing to determine needed services and appropriate modes of treatment.
  • Assist clients in completion of necessary assessment forms/documents and appropriate releases.
  • Prepare and distribute assessment results, reports, etc. as required and requested.

Schedule:

  • Type: Full-Time
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 9a-5p

Education and Experience Qualifications:

  • A minimum of associate’s degree is required.
  • A minimum of 2 years of experience in substance use treatment or related field is required.
  • Experience with insurance billing or prior authorizations is strongly preferred.
  • Experience working with persons experiencing co-occurring symptoms is preferred.
  • Current certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (tCADC, CADC, or IADC) through the Iowa Board of Certification is preferred. 

Benefits: 

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • IPERS retirement benefit
  • Optional 401K
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Generous PTO (20 days accrued in your first year)
  • 9 paid holidays
  • Paid trainings and CEU opportunities
  • Public Student Loan Forgiveness employer
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Various discounts including tuition fees at partner schools, travel, cell phone plans, and more!

Application Process: Candidates interested in applying should submit an application and resume. Candidates will be required to complete a background check, drug screen, and TB test prior to starting employment. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: Community and Family Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

Salary.com Estimation for Residential Admissions and Authorization Specialist in Des Moines, IA
$43,360 to $56,709
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