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Behavioral Health Utilization Review Jobs in Delaware

$87K - $140K/yr

UTILIZATION MANAGEMENT * Performs admission and concurrent review to identify medical necessity ... Reviews the admission assessment and collaborates with primary nurse and other health care ...

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Behavioral Health Utilization Review information

See Delaware salary details

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$42

$69

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

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavioral health utilization review in Delaware is $42.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.46 and $48.61 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 Delaware?

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

What are popular job titles related to Behavioral Health Utilization Review jobs in Delaware?

For Behavioral Health Utilization Review jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Behavioral Health Utilization Review job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,022 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Utilization Management Specialist I

SUN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH GROUP

Georgetown, DE โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Position Summary:

Responsible for the coordination of case management strategies pursuant to the Case Management process. Assists and coordinates care of the patient from pre-hospitalization through discharges. Responsible for assisting with authorization of admissions to hospital. Processes retroactive reviews and appeals, copies needed documentation and writes retro/appeal letters for insurance companies to ensure coverage for patient admissions. Conducts follow up calls with insurance companies to ensure coverage for patient admissions. Participates in performance improvement activities. Attends 80% of staff meetings. Coordinates care for patient through communication with Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Services, Nursing, Assessment and Referrals Department.

Position Responsibilities:

Clinical / Technical Skills (40% of performance review)

  • Provides thorough documentation and timely updates regarding patient status on log sheets that are prepared for daily meetings concerning admissions, reviews and discharges; including case s with limited benefits, cases in peer review/denial and /or unplanned discharges
  • Coordinates with managed care companies or other third-party payors regarding peer reviews, retrospective reviews and appeals. Document s and updates the denial log to reflect same.
  • Consults Business Office and/or admission staff as needed to clarify data and ensure authorization processes are complete.
  • Documents in HCS the results of admission and concurrent reviews.
  • Stays informed about changes in Medicare and Medicaid.
  • Ability to stage local laws, ordinances and practices governing involuntary hospitalization and ensure compliance with same.
  • Reviews the quality of documentation for each level of care to ensure clinical effectiveness and appropriateness of treatment.
  • Maintains an active involvement and awareness of all patient admissions, discharges and transfers to alternate levels of care. Oversees continuity of care for each level of care transition.
  • Develops and maintains processes to minimize denials and communication of same to CFO and Business Office Director.
  • Reports results of daily treatment team meetings all discharges and status of high-risk case such as limited benefits, peer reviews, denials or unplanned discharges.
  • Timely retroactive reviews and appeals within current month
  • Strong knowledge of external review organizations (i.e.: Medicare/Managed Care/Medicaid) with knowledge of payor resources and planning.
  • Types and mails all correspondence in a timely manner.
  • Answers the telephone in a polite manner, Communicates information to the appropriate staff.
  • Interacts with patients/families in a professional manner. Provides explanations regarding statements, insurance coverage.
  • Support discharge planning and utilization review when necessary
  • Perform other duties as required

Safety (15% of performance review)

  • Strives to create a safe, healing environment for patients and family members
  • Follows all safety rules while on the job.
  • Reports near misses, as well as errors and accidents promptly.
  • Corrects minor safety hazards.
  • Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.
  • Attends all required safety programs and understands responsibilities related to general, department, and job specific safety.
  • Participates in quality projects, as assigned, and supports quality initiatives.
  • Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.

Teamwork (15% of performance review)

  • Works well with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
  • Responds willingly to colleagues and serves as an active part of the hospital team.
  • Builds collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians.
  • The ability to retrieve, communicate, and present data and information both verbally and in writing as required
  • Demonstrates listening skills and the ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word.
  • Demonstrates adequate skills in all forms of communication.
  • Adheres to the Standards of Behavior

Integrity (15% of performance review)

  • Strives to always do the right thing for the patient, coworkers, and the hospital
  • Adheres to established standards, policies, procedures, protocols, and laws.
  • Applies the Mission and Values of SUN Behavioral Health to personal practice and commits to service excellence.
  • Supports and demonstrates fiscal responsibility through supply usage, ordering of supplies, and conservation of facility resources.
  • Completes required trainings within defined time periods, as established by job description, policies, or hospital leadership
  • Exemplifies professionalism through good attendance and positive attitude, at all times.
  • Maintains confidentiality of patient and staff information, following HIPAA and other privacy laws.
  • Ensures proper documentation in all position activities, following federal and state guidelines.

Compassion (15% of performance review)

  • Demonstrates accountability for ensuring the highest quality patient care for patients.
  • Willingness to be accepting of those in need, and to extend a helping hand
  • Desire to go above and beyond for others
  • Understanding and accepting of cultural diversity and differences

Education

  • Required: High school diploma or GED. CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification.
  • Preferred: Associates or Bachelors degree.
  • Maintains education and development appropriate for position.
  • May substitute experience for education

Experience

  • Required: One year of experience in a behavioral healthcare setting.
  • Preferred: Previous experience in a Utilization Management department or as a Mental Health Tech
  • May substitute education for experience