Contracts and Payer Relations Specialist

Contracts and Payer Relations Specialist 

Lead with Purpose. Empower with Compassion. Voted Raleigh’s Best Nonprofit Organization and Raleigh’s Best Mental Health Services three years in a row!

Position Snapshot Location: Raleigh, North Carolina

Schedule: Full-time | Monday – Friday | 8am-5pm

Pay: $26.44 - $31.25/ hour | based on experience, non-exempt and over time eligible.

Work Setting:  This position is mostly remote in North Carolina with intermittent travel to our offices in the state. You must reside in a commutable distance to one of our office locations.

Position Type: Full-time

Make an Impact With Us

Do you want work that makes a meaningful difference in your community? Easterseals PORT Health is seeking a Contracts and Payer Relations Specialist to join our Contracts and Payer Relations Team in Raleigh, North Carolina.  

The Contract & Payer Relations team provides operational support for the administration of the organization’s contract portfolio, payer relations activities, contract implementation, reimbursement research, reporting, and contract management systems.

In the role of The Contract & Payer Relations Specialist, they provide operational support for the administration of the organization’s contract portfolio, payer relations activities, contract implementation, reimbursement research, reporting, and contract management systems. The position supports the Contract & Payer Relations Manager in maintaining efficient contract operations, facilitating payer implementation activities, and supporting organizational growth initiatives.

 What You’ll Do

• Maintain and organize contract records, electronic files, databases, and supporting documentation.
• Track contract renewals, amendments, notice periods, effective dates, and implementation requirements.
• Coordinate contract routing, execution, and approval workflows. Maintain contract tracking tools and contract lifecycle management systems, including supporting implementation and ongoing administration of Contract Solutions.
• Prepare contract summaries, reports, dashboards, and other management reporting tools.
• Monitor payer communications, policy updates, reimbursement changes, and operational notices.
• Support routine payer communications and issue resolution activities under the direction of the Contract & Payer Relations Manager.
• Research contract provisions and gather supporting documentation to support management review, contract negotiations, and implementation activities.
• Assist with resolving reimbursement and contract implementation issues.
• Maintain reimbursement documentation and contract-related records, including distribution of executed contracts, amendments, and rate updates to appropriate internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate communication of contract changes and reimbursement updates to impacted departments.
• Collaborate with Operations, Revenue Cycle, Finance, Compliance, Credentialing, Quality Management, and program leadership to support contract administration activities.
• Participate in EHR implementation activities related to contract documentation, operational readiness, workflow development, and coordination with internal stakeholders.
• Assist with audits, compliance reviews, and departmental projects.

What You Bring

We’re looking for someone who brings the experience, skills, and commitment needed to succeed in this role.

•  Associate’s Degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Legal Studies, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience. (Minimum Required)
• Three (3) years of experience in healthcare contracting, contract administration, payer relations, revenue cycle, healthcare operations, or related functions.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Legal Studies, or related field. (Preferred)
• Experience with healthcare contracting and managed care organizations.
• Experience with contract lifecycle management systems.
• Experience supporting healthcare technology implementations.
• Experience in Behavioral Health, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) services.
• Knowledge of healthcare contracts, payer structures, and reimbursement methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret contractual and operational information.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to prioritize work and manage competing deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Outlook, Word, SharePoint, and Teams.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgment.
• Must have a valid North Carolina Driver’s license with valid insurance for intermittent travel 

Why Join Easterseals PORT Health?

Easterseals PORT Health is a trusted and compassionate organization providing disability, mental health, and substance use services across North Carolina and Virginia. Purpose, dedication, and empathy guide the way we support our neighbors and one another.

For benefits-eligible positions, our total rewards package may include:

• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage + FSA
• Life and disability insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Employee Assistance Program and legal services
• Professional development and training opportunities, including AHEC where applicable
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility where applicable

About Easterseals PORT Health

Easterseals PORT Health helps people with disabilities, mental health and/or substance use challenges, their families, and our employees embrace their potential, access opportunities, build resilience and thrive. Purpose, dedication, and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery.

Our 2,800-member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 children, adults, and families in 11,000 home, facility, and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia.

Easterseals PORT Health is an Inclusive Culture, Different Voices, Embracing Potential, Authentic Self, and Learning and Growing.

Applicants of all abilities are encouraged to apply! Need assistance with the application process or an accommodation? Contact

recruiter@eastersealsPORT.com