NOTE: This is an internal promotional opportunity for current Skagit County employees. Position is contingent upon grant funding and may be eliminated if grant funding is eliminated in the future.

Supervised by the Financial Services Manager, the Accounting Technician II performs a variety of financial and specialized medical billing functions in support of Public Health and correctional health services. Primary responsibilities include administration of medical and Medicaid billing for services provided at the Skagit County Community Justice Center, including claims processing, reconciliation, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and county requirements.

Distinction between Accounting Tech II and III

Upon serving at least three years as an Accounting Tech II with the Public Health Department, an employee is eligible to be promoted to an Accounting Tech III. With the approval of the Public Health Director and the Human Resources Director, two years’ experience in an essentially comparable accounting position, either within Skagit County or another government entity, may substitute for two of the years. Should this be applied, the employee must serve at least one (1) year within the Public Health Department.

• Salary upon hire is in accordance with Skagit County promotion policy.
• Progressive increases are based on years of service with Skagit County, up to 8 total steps (top step $41.04/hr.). The Accounting Technician II - Jail Biller is range 14 of the PROTEC Health salary schedule.

Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration waiver Project. The position will be responsible for developing process and procedures to bill for allowable medical/Medicaid services provided in the jail, including insurance payments, benefits verification, and reconciliation of claims and records. Duties will also include auditing records and follow-up with insurance carriers and medical providers.

Key job tasks will include:

• Develop and implement a medical billing process for services provided at the Skagit County Community Justice Center.
• Review medical records and determine what can be billed to Medicaid, and submit claims for payment.
• Correct, complete and process claims for all payer codes.
• Verify benefits and follow-up on unpaid claims.
• Coordinate and clarify with providers, when necessary.
• Acts as central point of contact in seeking any required approval for patient direct services such as MOUD.
• Reconcile collections of reimbursements and audit bills and records related information.
• Communicate with medical professionals and billing and to identify and resolve audit review issues.
• Prepare and maintain reports, worksheets, and summaries to keep management informed of the status of the 1115 waiver program.
• Provide support to Financial Services Manager during audits of the Department's financial records by the Washington State Auditor’s Office, Healthcare Authority or any other oversight bodies.

Supervisory:

None.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

This position may perform special projects or assignments requiring research and analysis of appropriate data to submit reports and/or recommendations to the Financial Services Manager.

Works closely with team to meet strict deadlines. May train others. Represents Skagit County with a positive demeanor and professional work ethic.

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical path to obtaining the required qualifications would be:

Associate degree in business, accounting, or closely related field.

Two years’ experience in related accounting.

Experience in medical billing and coding.

Requires knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of governmental accounting, including accounts payable, receivable, and reconciliation
• Medical billing practices, including Medicaid (Apple Health), third-party insurance, and/or managed care systems
• ICD-10, CPT coding standards and medical terminology
• Washington State Medicaid billing rules

• Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and medical billing software
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and compliance requirements related to healthcare billing (ex HIPAA)
• Office procedures, recordkeeping systems, and standard business software (e.g., Excel, financial systems)

Requires the ability to:

• Interpret and apply complex billing rules, regulations, and payer requirements
• Analyze medical records and determine billable services with a high degree of accuracy
• Reconcile discrepancies between medical records, claims, and payments
• Communicate effectively with medical providers, insurance representatives, and internal staff
• Maintain strict confidentiality of protected health and financial information
• Organize and prioritize work to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment
• Exercise independent judgment and problem-solving in resolving billing issues and denied claims
• Develop and implement new processes and workflows with minimal supervision
• Prepare clear, concise reports and maintain accurate financial records
• Work collaboratively across departments, including correctional staff and healthcare providers

Licenses and/or Certifications:

Valid Washington State driver's license.

Must pass a Skagit County Sheriff’s office background check.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The primary work location for this position is expected to be on site at the Community Justice Center in Mount Vernon, WA. Work is performed in a typical professional office environment. Work may require sitting for long period, with occasional lifting of office equipment or files up to 40 pounds. Hand-eye coordination is needed to operate office equipment.

Hazards:

Those present in a normal office environment.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Following review of applications and resumes, the highest qualified applicants will be interviewed and may be tested. After a selection is made, all applicants not selected will be notified in writing. Skagit County reserves the right to use applications received for this posting to fill any other positions within this classification which may open within six months following the closing of this position.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices. American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice: Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test or interview process, please call: (360) 416-1382.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.