1

Behavioral Health Utilization Review Jobs in California

Utilization Review Liaison

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$32.35 - $43.63/hr

Provides office and referral management support services; assists the Utilization Review Team in ... Washington Hospital Health System does not utilize any form of electronic chatting, such as Google ...

Utilization Review Technician Under direction of the Utilization Review Technician Supervisor, the ... Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across the Health System

Utilization Review Liaison

Fremont, CA ยท On-site

$32.35 - $43.63/hr

Provides office and referral management support services; assists the Utilization Review Team in ... Washington Hospital Health System does not utilize any form of electronic chatting, such as Google ...

New

Utilization Review RN

Whittier, CA ยท On-site

$2.8K/wk

Details Client Name PIH HEALTH Job Type Travel Offering Nursing Profession Registered Nurse Specialty Utilization Review Job ID 18027156 Job Title Utilization Review RN Weekly Pay $2800.0 Shift ...

SUMMARY Under direction of the Utilization Review Technician Supervisor, the Utilization Review ... Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across the Health System

next page

Showing results 1-20

Behavioral Health Utilization Review information

See California salary details

$21

$41

$68

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health utilization review in California is $41.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.98 and $47.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a behavioral health utilization review?

A Behavioral Health Utilization Review (UR) job involves assessing the medical necessity, appropriateness, and efficiency of mental health and substance use disorder treatments. UR professionals review clinical documentation, apply insurance guidelines, and collaborate with providers to ensure patients receive appropriate care while ensuring compliance with policies and regulations. They help manage healthcare costs by preventing unnecessary services while advocating for necessary treatments. This role is common in insurance companies, hospitals, and managed care organizations. Strong knowledge of behavioral health guidelines and communication skills are essential for success.

What types of teams do behavioral health utilization review professionals typically work with, and how do they collaborate across departments?

Behavioral Health Utilization Review professionals frequently work within multidisciplinary teams that may include clinicians, case managers, claims specialists, and provider relations staff. Collaboration involves regularly reviewing patient records, discussing complex cases, and communicating with both internal and external healthcare providers to ensure appropriate levels of care are authorized. This role often requires coordination across departments to resolve authorization issues, clarify clinical information, and meet regulatory requirements. Effective teamwork is key to maintaining efficient workflows, supporting patient outcomes, and ensuring compliance with payer policies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in behavioral health utilization review, and why are they important?

To thrive in Behavioral Health Utilization Review, you typically need a clinical background in mental health or nursing, strong analytical abilities, and knowledge of insurance guidelines. Familiarity with medical coding, utilization management software (such as InterQual or MCG), and current behavioral health regulations is highly valued, and licensure (RN, LCSW, LPC, or similar) is often required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, effective communication, and strong organizational skills set top candidates apart. These competencies ensure accurate evaluation of medical necessity, efficient authorization processes, and collaboration with providers for optimal patient care.

What are the most commonly searched types of Behavioral Health Utilization Review jobs in California?

The most popular types of Behavioral Health Utilization Review jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Behavioral Health Utilization Review jobs?

Cities in California with the most Behavioral Health Utilization Review job openings:

Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Utilization Review job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,795 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

Director of Utilization Management (Behavioral Health)

Nbutexas

Orange, CA โ€ข On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Other

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

An established behavioral health hospital is seeking a Director of Utilization Management to lead its Utilization Management program. This high-impact leadership role offers the chance to collaborate with respected clinical teams and make a meaningful difference in patient care, regulatory compliance, and reimbursement optimization.

Director of Utilization Management Benefits & Compensation
  • Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package
  • Executive-level position with organization-wide visibility
  • Opportunity to drive improvements in clinical and financial outcomes
  • Collaborative, supportive leadership culture
  • Stable, mission-driven organization committed to behavioral health
Director of Utilization Management Requirements & Qualifications
  • Current California RN license required
  • 5+ years of leadership experience in Utilization Management or Utilization Review
  • Experience in behavioral health, psychiatric hospital, or acute care settings
  • Strong knowledge of behavioral health utilization management, concurrent review, denial management, appeals, and reimbursement
  • Experience with Medi-Cal, Medicare, commercial payers, and California behavioral health regulations
  • Proven leadership, communication, and team development skills
Director of Utilization Management Preferred Background & Skills
  • Familiarity with Carelon Behavioral Health and Orange County behavioral health systems
Director of Utilization Management Day-to-Day Responsibilities
  • Lead all Utilization Management and Utilization Review operations
  • Supervise and develop Utilization Management and Social Services teams
  • Oversee concurrent review, payer authorizations, appeals, denial management, and reimbursement optimization
  • Ensure compliance with California regulations, Medi-Cal, Medicare, commercial payers, and accreditation standards
  • Collaborate with physicians, clinical leadership, and care teams to improve patient flow, length of stay, and discharge planning
  • Build and maintain relationships with managed care organizations, county agencies, and community providers
  • Monitor utilization trends, quality metrics, and financial performance to drive process improvements
  • Provide education and support to clinical staff on utilization management best practices

Join a respected leader in behavioral health and help shape the future of patient care through strategic leadership and partnership.

#J-18808-Ljbffr