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Behavioral Health Utilization Management Jobs in Colorado

Vivent Health

Behavioral Health Therapist

Denver, CO · On-site

$61K - $82K/yr

Manage treatment plans in consultation with appropriate persons and service providers. * Act as a ... Actively participate in Behavioral Health and Wellness Clinic staff meetings, individual and group ...

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Behavioral Health Utilization Management information

See Colorado salary details

$22

$44

$72

How much do behavioral health utilization management jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health utilization management in Colorado is $44.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.14 and $51.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Behavioral Health Utilization Management vs Behavioral Health Case Manager?

AspectBehavioral Health Utilization ManagementBehavioral Health Case Manager
CredentialsLicenses (e.g., RN, LCSW), certifications in utilization reviewLicenses (e.g., LCSW, LPC), case management certifications
Work EnvironmentInsurance companies, healthcare organizations, utilization review departmentsHospitals, community clinics, outpatient facilities
Employer & Industry UsageHealth insurance providers, managed care organizationsBehavioral health agencies, hospitals, outpatient clinics

Behavioral Health Utilization Management focuses on reviewing and authorizing mental health services to ensure appropriate care and cost management. In contrast, Behavioral Health Case Managers coordinate ongoing patient care, providing support and resources to improve treatment outcomes. Both roles require relevant licenses and certifications but differ in their primary responsibilities and work settings.

What are common challenges in behavioral health utilization management and how are they addressed?

Behavioral Health Utilization Management professionals often encounter challenges such as managing high caseloads, keeping up with evolving clinical guidelines, and ensuring timely communication with providers and insurance companies. Balancing the need for cost containment with advocating for appropriate patient care can also be demanding. These challenges are typically addressed through ongoing training, strong teamwork, and the use of evidence-based criteria and decision-support tools to guide determinations and streamline workflows.

What is behavioral health utilization management?

Behavioral Health Utilization Management is a process used by insurance companies and healthcare organizations to evaluate the necessity, appropriateness, and efficiency of behavioral health services such as mental health and substance use treatments. This process helps ensure that patients receive the right level of care based on clinical guidelines while managing healthcare costs. Utilization managers review treatment plans, authorize services, and coordinate with providers to promote quality outcomes and avoid unnecessary services. Their work is essential in balancing patient needs with resource allocation in the healthcare system.

What skills and qualifications are needed for behavioral health utilization management?

To thrive as a Behavioral Health Utilization Management professional, you need a background in behavioral health or clinical care, often with an RN, LCSW, LPC, or similar licensure and experience in mental health care settings. Familiarity with utilization review software, insurance guidelines, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and negotiation skills are essential soft skills to effectively evaluate treatment plans and coordinate with providers. These competencies are vital to ensuring appropriate, cost-effective care while maintaining compliance with regulatory and payer requirements.
What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Utilization Management jobs in Colorado? For Behavioral Health Utilization Management jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Utilization Management jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Utilization Management jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Behavioral Health Utilization Management jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Behavioral Health Utilization Management job openings:
Behavioral Health Utilization Management jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Utilization Management job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,477 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Senior Director, Health Plan Utilization Management - Denver Health Medical Plan (Must Live in Color

Denver Health

Denver, CO • On-site

$143K - $237K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Denver Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 1,055 rated hospitals

Job description

We are recruiting for a mission-driven Senior Director, Health Plan Utilization Management - Denver Health Medical Plan (Must Live in Colorado. Weekly On-Site Requirement)) to join our team!
We're with you for life's journey. At Denver Health, purpose isn't just something we believe in-it's something we live every day, for life's journey.
Our Values
Respect | Belonging | Accountability | Transparency
Department
Managed Care Administration
* Must Live in Colorado
* This is a hybrid role located in Denver, Colorado with a requirement of being in the office 3 days per week.
Job Summary
The Senior Director of Health Plan Utilization Management is a senior leader for the Denver Health Medical Plan (DHMP) with responsibility for providing strategic and operational leadership for all utilization management functions across the organization. This area has unique regulatory and contractual compliance requirements for each line of business. This role is responsible for ensuring clinically appropriate, cost-effective, and regulatory-compliant medical necessity determinations while supporting high-quality member outcomes and provider collaboration. The Senior Director partners closely with Operations, Network Management, Quality, Compliance, and Finance to align utilization management strategy with organizational goals. In this capacity, the Senior Director oversees multiple teams performing this work. The Director reports to the DHMP Chief Medical Officer and collaborates closely with them to develop, update and implement the DHMP Utilization Management vision and strategy.
Essential Functions:
  • Assures that all staff are appropriately trained on all relevant software programs and applications necessary to perform their job functions. (10%)
  • Participates in presentation of reports to the Operations Team, DHMP Board of Directors, and other bodies, as required. (10%)
  • Attends and participates in Quality Management Committee, DHMP Operations Team meetings, Utilization Management Committee, enterprise Care Coordination meetings and other related meetings and activities as required. (10%)
  • Serves as an issue-related or escalation liaison between Utilization Management and other departments and/or agencies both within DH, contractors and/or plan members. (10%)
  • Oversees the maintenance, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of UM policies and procedures and management of information systems to accomplish UM goals for all contracted populations. (10%)
  • Develops, analyzes, and presents reports on productivity, quality and outcomes. (10%)
  • Ensures DHMP can provide documentation of compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements prior to audit by the State, CMS, DOI, etc. (10%)
  • Develops, implements, and evaluates formal educational activities and follows up on issues identified through educational activities. Brings new knowledge to staff meetings. (10%)
  • Works closely with DHMP Compliance Officer to ensure all DHMP lines of business operational performance meets or exceeds regulatory requirements including, but not limited to, policies and procedures reporting. Acts as a voting member of the DHMP Compliance Committee. (10%)
  • Ensures routine and ad hoc reporting available which may include utilization data by setting (inpatient, outpatient, and Pharmacy), or other special projects supporting the overall goals of DHMP. (10%)

Education:
  • Master's degree required
  • Graduation from an accredited educational program for Nursing or Physician's Assistants required

Work Experience:
  • Seven years of experience in administration in managed care, health plan administration or healthcare provider organizations required AND
  • Minimum of five years of supervisory and management experience required AND
  • 1-3 years Health Plan or healthcare experience with various lines of business including Medicare, Medicaid, CHP, Exchange and/or Commercial Plans required AND
  • 1-3 years Experience in managing vendors required required

Licenses:
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of regulatory and accreditation standards for health plan or healthcare operations required.
  • Strong program development, analysis, and evaluation skills required.
  • Demonstrated excellence in managing people and processes.
  • Strong leadership skills with ability to engage multidisciplinary clinical and non-clinical teams to solve complex problems.
  • Strong knowledge and experience in utilization principles, concepts, and strategies preferred.
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

* Must Live in Colorado
* This is a hybrid role located in Denver, Colorado with a requirement of being in the office 3 days per week.
Shift
Days (United States of America)
Work Type
Regular
Salary
$143,800.00 - $237,300.00 / yr
Benefits
At Denver Health, we take care of the people who take care of our community. Our benefits are built to support your life, your family, and your future - with generous paid time off, fully paid parental leave, exceptional retirement contributions, comprehensive health coverage, and nationally recognized well-being programs. We invest in your growth through tuition assistance, career advancement pathways, and professional development - while also offering meaningful financial advantages through loan forgiveness eligibility and employer contributions. When you join Denver Health, you're joining a mission-driven organization that invests in you.
Here is a small list of our benefit programs:
  • Paid time off starting at 28 days per year, inclusive of vacation, personal/sick, and 7 Holidays
  • 100% paid parental leave up to 6 weeks
  • Immediate eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution up to 9.5%
  • Generous medical, dental, vision plans in addition to employer paid disability and life insurance.
  • Comprehensive well-being programs including on-site employee fitness center located on Denver Health main campus and nationally recognized RESTORE Center
  • Free RTD EcoPass (public transportation)
  • Childcare discount programs & exclusive perks on large brands, travel, and more
  • Tuition reimbursement & assistance
  • Education, coaching, and professional development opportunities through the Workforce Development Center (WFDC) that support internal career growth and advancement pathways
  • Professional clinical advancement program & shared governance
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer+ free student loan coaching and assistance navigating the PSLF program
  • National Health Service Corps (NHCS) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) eligible employer

About Denver Health
Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic health care system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver's 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, the Public Health Institute at Denver Health, Denver Health Medical Plan and Denver Health Foundation.
As Colorado's primary, and essential, safety-net health care system, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided millions in uncompensated care for the uninsured each year.
Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer.
Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We value the unique ideas, talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community. All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.

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