Behavioral Utilization Review Jobs in California

Job Summary Behavioral Health Services (BHS) is currently accepting applications for the position of Utilization Review Quality Improvement Specialist (RN, LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, Clinical Psych) Interviews will take place the week of September 8, 2026. Job offers for selected candidates will be made the week of September 14, 2026. The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate's qualifications at time of appointment.

Future Salary Increases ** June 2027 - 4.73% increase to base pay (3.0% Across-the- Board +1.73% Market Adjustment) Utilization Review Quality Improvement Specialists chart and interpret medical records for utilization review and reviews medical records for medical necessity and Medi-Cal compliance in County operated inpatient, outpatient, day treatment, and contracted facilities. The current vacancy is in Behavioral Health Services Administration located at 3255 Camino del Rio South, San Diego; however, the list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in other departments. The Utilization Review Quality Improvement Specialist position has three options where focus is on either the quality management of mental health programs OR substance use disorders (SUD) programs OR Network Quality and Planning Team

Read the Utilization Review Quality Improvement Specialist job description, including minimum qualifications and essential functions. ***Effective September 9, 2022, this hard to recruit position qualifies for the Employee Referral Reward Program. If a current County of San Diego employee referred you to apply for this position, please indicate the employee's name on your job application in the space provided.

*** Hiring Process and Timeline Job Offer and Background Process begins after week of September 14, 2026.. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening. Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results

Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date. If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies Minimum Qualifications Required Education and Experience: Current valid California license as a Registered Nurse, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, or Licensed Clinical Psychologist is required at time of application and must be maintained throughout employment; AND, One (1) year of recent, licensed clinical experience in an acute care psychiatric hospital or outpatient facility performing the duties of a Registered Nurse, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, or related profession where duties included charting and interpreting medical records for the purpose of utilization review. Note: Quality improvement, utilization review, peer review, or other chart review experience is highly desirable.

The ideal candidate will: Have knowledge and experience in electronic health records and training Possess strong clinical and analytical skills, be detail oriented, and have excellent customer service skills Work well independently and within a team, and speak in front of groups Have the ability to analyze complex information and problems, and the ability to apply critical thinking to solve complex problems. Have knowledge of federal and state regulations regarding the delivery of mental health, and alcohol and drug services to the County of San Diego Behavioral Health System of Care. Have knowledge of quality improvement practices in order to implement quality improvement processes; ability to understand and interpret policies and procedures.

Be well organized and adaptive to fluctuating workload assignments and a positive attitude in their work style in order to accomplish the goals of the Quality Improvement Unit. Blind Applicant Screening The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision.

Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce. The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview.

Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire. Condition of Employment As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment.

Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process. Evaluation The names of qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based upon scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental application questionnaire.

Please ensure all information is complete and accurate, as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying. Accommodation Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization.

Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans. Veteran's Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.

Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience. This tool can help. Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.

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While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov)(Download PDF reader). Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers

The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law. The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.