Financial Counselor (Gainesville) in Gainesville, Florida at Meridian Behavioral

Location: Gainesville, FL

Pay: $17.32/hr | Non-Exempt

Why Choose Meridian?

For over 50 years, Meridian Healthcare has been a trusted provider of compassionate care for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. With service centers across 13 counties in North Central Florida, we are committed to transforming lives and communities from the inside out.

We live by our core values: Hope, Empathy, Accountability, Resilience, and Teamwork (H.E.A.R.T.). If these values resonate with you, we invite you to become part of our dedicated and mission-driven team.

About the Role

At Meridian, we believe access to care begins with removing financial and insurance-related barriers that may prevent individuals from receiving the services they need. As a Financial Counselor, you will play a critical role in supporting clients, clinicians, and operational teams by ensuring insurance coverage is verified, authorizations are secured, and financial responsibilities are clearly communicated.

In this important position, you will work closely with clients, insurance payers, referral sources, and clinical staff to facilitate timely access to treatment while supporting accurate reimbursement and revenue cycle operations. Through your attention to detail, customer service skills, and commitment to excellence, you will help create a positive client experience while contributing to Meridian's mission of improving the lives of individuals and families throughout our communities.

What You Will Do

• Verify patient insurance eligibility and benefits in accordance with program and payer requirements
• Conduct insurance verification and determine coverage for services prior to treatment
• Assist clients with financial counseling and explanation of financial responsibilities
• Facilitate eligibility determination and enrollment assistance when appropriate
• Request initial insurance authorizations and retrospective authorizations as required
• Coordinate with clinical teams, referral sources, and insurance providers to ensure seamless access to care
• Maintain accurate and complete client financial and insurance documentation
• Assist with payment arrangements and collection activities in accordance with organizational policies
• Monitor authorization requirements and ensure timely submission of supporting documentation
• Communicate effectively with clients regarding insurance coverage, benefits, and financial obligations
• Ensure compliance with payer, regulatory, and organizational guidelines
• Support efficient patient flow through timely processing of insurance and financial information
• Maintain confidentiality of client, financial, and healthcare information
• Promote positive working relationships with internal departments and external payer representatives
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals

What We're Looking For

• High School Diploma required
• Two (2) to five (5) years of experience in insurance eligibility, verification, or a related healthcare revenue cycle function preferred
• Experience working within a healthcare, behavioral health, medical office, or insurance environment preferred
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered
• Knowledge of insurance benefits, authorization processes, and payer requirements preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams
• Strong customer service, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
• Valid Florida driver's license meeting company driving requirements may be required based on assigned work location
• Minimum typing speed of 35 CWPM preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of medical insurance, payer guidelines, eligibility verification, and authorization processes
• Understanding of healthcare billing, reimbursement, and revenue cycle operations
• Ability to analyze insurance information and identify coverage limitations or eligibility concerns
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with clients, staff, and external partners
• Ability to explain financial information in a professional and compassionate manner
• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate records
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and healthcare information systems
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to providing exceptional customer service
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Competitive Pay & Incentives
• Work-Life Balance: Generous PTO for vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple health plans, dental, vision, life insurance, and long-term disability
• Retirement Planning: 403(b) with up to 8% company match after 7 years
• Growth & Development: Tuition reimbursement, career advancement pathways, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• Wellness & Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness incentives, and mental health resources
• Inclusive Culture: Supportive, team-oriented environment with employee events and recognition
• Additional Perks: Cell phone discounts, travel reimbursement, LegalShield, pet insurance, and more

Make a Difference

Join a team dedicated to helping individuals access the care they need by removing financial and administrative barriers to treatment. Your work will directly support client access, revenue cycle success, and operational excellence while helping Meridian continue its mission of improving lives and strengthening communities.

Apply today and start your Meridian career.

For information on Florida's Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse and screening requirements, visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Meridian is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

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