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