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Behavioral Health Utilization Management Jobs in Wisconsin

Behavioral Health Nurse Under the general supervision of the Human Services Manager - Behavioral Health and agency prescribers, and in collaboration with the Comprehensive Community Services (CCS ...

Behavioral Health Nurse Under the general supervision of the Human Services Manager - Behavioral Health and agency prescribers, and in collaboration with the Comprehensive Community Services (CCS ...

Behavioral Health Technician

Brodhead, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

About the Role - Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) We are seeking compassionate and reliable ... Strong interpersonal, communication, and crisis-management skills. Compassion, patience, and a ...

Behavioral Health Nurse

Monroe, WI · On-site

$66K - $75K/yr

... Behavioral Health clients. Essential Duties and Responsibilities ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ... Carry out clinical case treatment planning and management for an assigned number of clients.

Description/Summary Under the general supervision of the Human Services Manager - Behavioral Health and agency prescribers, and in collaboration with the Comprehensive Community Services (CCS ...

Behavioral Health Nurse

Monroe, WI · On-site

$66K - $75K/yr

... Behavioral Health clients. Essential Duties and Responsibilities ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ... Carry out clinical case treatment planning and management for an assigned number of clients.

Showing results 21-40

Behavioral Health Utilization Management information

See Wisconsin salary details

$21

$42

$69

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

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health utilization management in Wisconsin is $42.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.75 and $48.99 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 Wisconsin? For Behavioral Health Utilization Management jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Behavioral Health Utilization Management jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Behavioral Health Utilization Management jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Behavioral Health Utilization Management jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Behavioral Health Utilization Management job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Utilization Management job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,769 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

Behavioral Health Professional

North Central Health Care

Wausau, WI

$19.40 - $22.53/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


North Central Health Care rating

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Behavioral Health Professional Opportunity:

The Behavioral Health Professional (BHP) provides direct care, support, and therapeutic services to individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges in a trauma-informed, person-centered environment. The BHP collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to promote stabilization, safety, recovery, and skill development while ensuring adherence to individualized treatment plans. This role supports clients through daily living needs, therapeutic groups, crisis intervention, and continuous monitoring to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment. The BHP serves one or more Acute Care behavioral health programs and Lakeside Recovery.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • The starting pay range from $19.40-$22.53 per hour based on experience, licensure and education.
  • This is a full time position. Shift available is 6:00pm-6:00am or 10:00 am-10:00pm
  • PTO, paid holidays, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, on-site bistro and cafeteria, pharmacy, newly updated facility, life insurance, accident insurance, pet insurance, hospital insurance, employee discounts.
  • As a full-time employee of NCHC, you could be eligible for the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). The WRS is a hybrid defined benefit plan. It contains elements of both a 401(k) or defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan. Participating staff contribute 7.2% and NCHC will match this at 100% each pay period!

What Qualifies You:

Required:

  • Must possess a valid Wisconsin driver's license and maintain unrestricted driving privileges throughout employment and have use of a personal vehicle.
  • Must meet and continue to meet all requirements for insurability under the organization's vehicle insurance policy.
  • Physical ability to participate in restraints of patients when necessary.
  • CPR certification, or ability to obtain within 60 days of employment

BHP I:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • More than 1 year of experience in human services, healthcare, customer service, education, corrections, residential care, or other roles involving direct support to individuals.

BHP II: (Requires ONE of the following)

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Associate’s Degree in Human Services or Substance Use Disorder Counselor (SUDC)

BHP III:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field

Preferred:

  • Experience with direct care in a behavioral health or substance use facility.
  • Experience facilitating therapeutic groups and activities.

In evaluating candidates for this position, North Central Health Care may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

What a Behavioral Health Professional does at NCHC:

  • Provide 1:1 support, therapeutic engagement, coaching, and modeling of positive coping strategies.
  • Conduct safety rounds, client observations, and environmental checks to maintain a safe, healing environment.
  • Facilitate or support structured groups such as coping skills, social skills, self-care, leisure activities, life skills, wellness, and skill-building.
  • Provide assistance with activities of daily living including hygiene support, meal service, nutritional monitoring, and basic care needs.
  • Support medication administration/management in alignment with training and program policy.
  • Assist with admission, orientation, and discharge processes.
  • Utilize verbal de-escalation, CPI techniques, and trauma-informed approaches to prevent or mitigate behavioral escalations.
  • Demonstrate comfort and participation in, and utilizes provided training practices and mechanisms at all times in, providing client/patient de-escalation and physical restraint/seclusion measures as needed during behavioral health emergencies within the Acute Care department and other NCHC departments/programs
  • Participate in emergency codes and apply least-restrictive interventions, including physical holds or restraints, when trained and when medically/clinically indicated.
  • Communicate safety concerns promptly to clinical team members and leadership.
  • Document client interactions, services, observations, ADLs, group participation, and medication administration accurately and timely in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
  • Communicate pertinent information during shift hand-off and to multidisciplinary team members.
  • Maintain accurate, complete, and compliant documentation per state, federal, and accreditation standards.
  • Perform routine cleaning, laundry, sanitizing, and organization tasks to ensure a safe, clean, and therapeutic unit environment.
  • Maintain supply levels, complete refrigerator temperature logs, and manage food inventory and storage.
  • Assist with general program operations and other tasks as assigned.
  • Participate in treatment planning by providing behavioral observations and client progress updates.
  • Work collaboratively with nurses, crisis professionals, therapists, physicians, safety/security staff, and management to ensure consistent, coordinated care.
  • Utilizes on-call managers, appropriate chain of command, and NCHC policies and procedures as necessary to ensure quality of client/patient care and effective problem solving
  • Engage in ongoing feedback to support quality care and personal professional
  • Work in other Acute Care programs beyond the assigned home unit as needed.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned.

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About North Central Health Care:

Nestled in the heart of Central Wisconsin, North Central Health Care (NCHC) is a healthcare organization formed over fifty years ago as a partnership between three Central Wisconsin counties - Langlade, Lincoln, and Marathon. NCHC employs more than 600 professionals in diverse roles across a variety of care and work environments. We provide passionate and high-quality care for individuals and families within the fields of mental health treatment, addiction services, long term care, short term care, physical therapy, crisis stabilization and so much more. We have amazing employees who provide exceptional care and want to add to our team. You can visit our website at www.norcen.org/careers to learn more.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer sponsorship, including but not limited to visa sponsorship or employment-based immigration support.

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, NCHC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. North Central Health Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


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