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Optum Utilization Review Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Social Worker, MSW

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$62.40K - $75K/yr

Optum Financial Service through ConnectYourCare * Benefit Advocacy Center through Gallagher Salary ... Work closely with utilization review staff to ensure completion and accuracy of all necessary ...

Social Worker, MSW

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$58.50K - $70K/yr

Optum Financial Service through ConnectYourCare * Benefit Advocacy Center through Gallagher Salary ... Work closely with utilization review staff to ensure completion and accuracy of all necessary ...

Care Manager RN - Per Diem

Portland, ME · On-site

$28.27 - $50.48/hr

Opportunities at Northern Light Health , in strategic partnership with Optum. Whether you are ... Maintains a working knowledge of care management, care coordination changes, utilization review ...

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology, to help millions of people ... Experience in utilization review and concurrent review * Knowledge/understanding of community ...

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Optum Utilization Review information

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How much do optum utilization review jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for optum utilization review in the United States is $42.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.41 and $48.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Optum Utilization Review job?

An Optum Utilization Review job involves assessing medical treatments and services to ensure they are medically necessary, cost-effective, and compliant with healthcare guidelines. Professionals in this role review patient cases, collaborate with healthcare providers, and apply clinical criteria to determine coverage approvals. They help optimize patient care while managing healthcare costs. Typically, these positions require a background in nursing or healthcare and knowledge of utilization management policies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Optum Utilization Review position, and why are they important?

To succeed in an Optum Utilization Review role, candidates typically need a clinical background such as a registered nurse (RN) or social worker (LCSW), along with experience in case management and knowledge of utilization management principles. Familiarity with medical review software, electronic health records (EHRs), and utilization management platforms like InterQual or Milliman is often expected, as well as active state licensure or relevant certifications (e.g., CCM). Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills for collaborating with healthcare providers and internal teams. These competencies are vital to ensure appropriate use of healthcare resources, compliance with regulations, and optimal patient outcomes.

What does a typical day look like for someone in an Optum Utilization Review position?

In an Optum Utilization Review position, you can expect a mix of reviewing patient medical records, communicating with healthcare providers to gather additional information, and making decisions on the medical necessity and appropriateness of services. The role often involves using clinical guidelines and established protocols to ensure coverage aligns with insurance policies, as well as accurate documentation of findings and recommendations. You'll collaborate with physicians, other case managers, and sometimes directly with members, in a structured yet dynamic environment. While much of the work may be independent and computer-based, teamwork and communication are essential to coordinate care and resolve complex cases.
What cities are hiring for Optum Utilization Review jobs? Cities with the most Optum Utilization Review job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optum Utilization Review jobs? The most popular types of Optum Utilization Review jobs are:
What states have the most Optum Utilization Review jobs? States with the most job openings for Optum Utilization Review jobs include:
Infographic showing various Optum Utilization Review job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Full Time, 95% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,946 per year, or $42.3 per hour.
Behavioral Medical Director Licensed and Residency in New Jersey - Remote

Behavioral Medical Director Licensed and Residency in New Jersey - Remote

UnitedHealth Group

Newark, NJ • On-site, Remote

$268K - $414K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


UnitedHealthcare rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 651 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

102nd of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
The Behavioral Medical Director position is responsible for providing oversight to and direction of the Utilization Management Program and performing peer reviews as necessary. This individual will interact directly with and offer clinical, procedural, or administrative recommendations to psychiatrists and other behavioral health providers, medical physicians and nurses, clinical professionals, and/or state agencies who care for members, or consult on various processes and programs. The Medical Director is part of a leadership team that manages development and implementation of evidence-based treatments and medical expense initiatives and will also advise leadership on health care system improvement opportunities. They are responsible for maintaining the clinical integrity of the program, including timely peer reviews, appeals and consultations with providers and other community-based clinicians, including general practitioners, and will work collaboratively with the Health Plan Medical Director, Clinical, Network and Quality staff. At Optum, our clinical vision drives the team to improve the quality of care our consumers receive.
You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with the Utilization Management and Care Management teams to ensure delivery of cost-effective quality care that incorporates recovery, resiliency and person-centered services
  • Partner with the internal UM and CM teams, Health Plan, NJ state and the Providers
  • Responsible for Level of Care guidelines and utilization management protocols
  • Oversight and management, along with the Clinical Director and Clinical Program Director, utilization review, management and care coordination activities
  • Provide clinical oversight to the clinical staff, oversee the management of services at all levels of care in the benefit plan
  • Keep current regarding Evidence Based Practices and treatment philosophies including those that address Recovery and Resilience

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
Required Qualifications:
  • Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy
  • Current license to practice as a physician without restrictions in the state of New Jersey
  • Board certified in Psychiatry
  • Knowledge of post-acute care planning such as home care, discharge planning, case management, and disease management
  • Demonstrated understanding of the clinical application of the principles of engagement, empowerment, rehabilitation and recovery
  • Familiar with Substance Use Disorders, ASAM and treatment modalities including MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment)
  • Computer and typing proficiency, Microsoft Outlook and Teams, and data analysis
  • Currently reside in the state of New Jersey

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 3+ years of experience as a practicing psychiatrist post residency
  • Managed care experience
  • Experience in public sector delivery systems and experience in state specific public sector services
  • Experience working with community-based programs and resources designed to aid the State Medicaid population

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy
Compensation for this specialty generally ranges from $268,000 - $414,000. Total cash compensation includes base pay and bonus and is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience and may increase over time based on productivity and performance in the role. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.
Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.
UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

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