Lead Billing Collections Specialist (South Pasadena)

Lead Billing Collections Specialist (South Pasadena)Who We Are:We are a premier provider dedicated to healing children and young adults, strengthening families, and transforming communities through quality, comprehensive services and advocacy. We envision a world in which children and young adults, families, and communities are able to heal, grow, and thrive.Starting Salary Range: $29.00 - $33.00 per hour (based on experience)What We Offer:An outstanding benefits package and numerous opportunities for career growth and advancement within our organization!13 Paid Holidays per year including JuneteenthEarn up to 16 days of paid vacation time, plus 50 hours of paid sick leave annually.401(k) with no wait period and no vesting schedule401(k) matching up to 4%Medical insurance offering 3 HMO with Kaiser and Health Net, and also a PPO PlanThe Difference Card- Employer-funded benefit that works alongside an employee's health insurance plan to help offset out-of-pocket costs like copays, deductibles, and coinsurance.Dental insurance both HMO & PPO options, with 100% employer paid for HMO employee only coverage planVision insurance offers 100% employer-paid vision plan through EyeMed for you and your entire familyLife and AD&D insurance 100% employer paid up to two times the annual salaryLong Term DisabilityFlexible Spending Account for Medical and Dependent CareEmployee Assistance ProgramThis role is eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:The Lead Billing Collection Specialist is responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant submission of mental and behavioral health claims to the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH), Medi-Cal, and third-party payers. This role serves as a subject matter expert in mental and behavioral health billing, supporting revenue integrity through claim review, denial management, reporting, and collaboration with clinical and quality teams. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned.The essential functions include:Manage all aspects of billing and collections for multiple insurance payers, ensuring precise charge entry and prompt claim submissionMaintain solid understanding of mental and behavioral health billing, DMH systems, and third-party requirementsMaintain a current understanding of CPT, ICD-10, HCPCS codes, DMH guidelines, and billing rules specific to each payerReview, verify, and confirm the accuracy and completeness of billing records prior to claim submission, ensuring prior authorizations and concurrent reviewsIdentify, track, and resolve denied, voided, and unpaid claims through follow-up and appealsReview, prepare, and submit higher-level appeals with supporting documentsAnalyze denial trends and notify leadership of systemic issues or payer patternsMonitor clearinghouse rejections and billing errors, implement corrective actions to prevent recurrenceSupport reduction of outstanding accounts receivable (A/R) and ensure accurate payment postingsPerform data tracking and reconciliation across DMH/IBHIS, Welligent, and related systemsServe as a subject-matter resource for billing questions, complex cases, and workflow improvementsTrain, mentor, and onboard new team membersExhibit strong critical thinking, effective problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail.Exceptional customer service with strong verbal and written communication skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independentlyOther duties as requiredEDUCATION, EXPERIENCE and CERTIFICATES3 to 5+ years' experience in Medical Billing2+ years of experience in behavioral/mental health billing strongly preferredExperience supervising or leading a billing team preferredHigh School Diploma or equivalent requiredPrior experience with Welligent or similar EHR systems preferredTRAUMA INFORMED CARE (TIC)Hillsides practices Trauma Informed Care (TIC) principles which recognizes the signs, symptoms, and widespread impact of trauma; Employees are asked to comprehensively integrate knowledge of Trauma Informed Care into policies, procedures, and practices with the goal to prevent re-traumatization which promotes healing of families, youth, individuals, and communities.Hillsides is an Equal Opportunity EmployerWe welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on any legally protected characteristic, including race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, age, veteran or military status, or marital status, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation(s) for individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process.#J-18808-Ljbffr