1

Utilization Manager Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Experience as a Utilization Review Specialist/Management is a requirement for this position. * Previous experience with Insurance and Optimization of Services is essential for this role. * Past ...

MUST HAVE CALIFORNIA LICENSE Utilization Management Experience The Utilization Management, Medical Director works with Senior Medical Officers, Regional Medical Officers, Extensivists, the Healthcare ...

Strong assessment, discharge planning, and utilization review skills Description: The RN Case Manager coordinates patient care plans and services across the continuum of care. Works closely with ...

RN Case Manager

Saint Helena, CA · On-site

$2K - $2K/wk

CA RN license, Cerner/PowerChart experience, recent acute hospital case management experience (within the last year), discharge planning and utilization review knowledge, BSN preferred ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Utilization Manager information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$42.6K

$99.5K

$183.1K

How much do utilization manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for utilization manager in Santa Rosa, CA is $99,506.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,100.00 and $119,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Utilization Manager do?

A Utilization Manager is responsible for evaluating the necessity, appropriateness, and efficiency of healthcare services provided to patients. Their primary goal is to ensure that patients receive the right care at the right time while also controlling costs for hospitals, insurance companies, or healthcare organizations. Utilization Managers review patient records, coordinate with healthcare providers, and use clinical guidelines to make informed decisions about treatment approvals or denials. They play a key role in maintaining quality care and regulatory compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Utilization Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Utilization Manager, you need a solid background in healthcare management, case review, and knowledge of insurance regulations, often supported by a degree in nursing, healthcare administration, or a related field. Familiarity with utilization management software, electronic health records (EHRs), and certification such as Certified Case Manager (CCM) are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and negotiation skills help Utilization Managers effectively coordinate care and collaborate with providers. These skills ensure appropriate resource use, regulatory compliance, and optimal patient outcomes within healthcare organizations.

What are some common challenges faced by Utilization Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Utilization Managers often face challenges such as balancing cost containment with patient care quality, navigating complex insurance policies, and managing high caseloads. To address these, effective communication with healthcare providers and payers is essential, as is staying current with regulatory requirements and best practices. Building strong relationships within interdisciplinary teams and leveraging data analytics tools can also help Utilization Managers make informed decisions and improve workflow efficiency.

What Is a Utilization Manager?

A utilization manager works in the insurance industry to analyze health care needs in medical cases and determine further patient care. In this career, your job duties include conducting interviews to determine what services you register for and cutting down on unnecessary costs. You may review medical records and compile documentation to improve care and report your findings. Skills in management, customer service, and health care services are vital in this career. Job experience in nursing is a benefit when applying for utilization manager positions. Additional qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and medical case management certificate.

What is the difference between Utilization Manager vs Utilization Coordinator?

AspectUtilization ManagerUtilization Coordinator
CertificationsOften requires healthcare or case management certificationsMay have similar certifications but less emphasis on management
Work EnvironmentTypically in healthcare organizations, overseeing utilization review processesSupports daily operations, assisting with case documentation and scheduling
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in healthcare, insurance, and managed care companiesFound in similar settings, often working under Utilization Managers

In summary, a Utilization Manager generally has broader responsibilities, overseeing utilization review and resource allocation, while a Utilization Coordinator focuses on supporting daily tasks and documentation. Both roles are integral in healthcare settings but differ in scope and level of responsibility.

What are popular job titles related to Utilization Manager jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? For Utilization Manager jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Utilization Manager jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Utilization Manager jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Utilization Manager jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Utilization Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Utilization Manager job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,506 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Utilization Specialist

Serenity Knolls

Forest Knolls, CA • On-site

$33 - $38/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Overview

Serenity Knolls is seeking a Full Time On-Site Utilization Review Specialist at our substance use facility. 

Proactively monitor utilization of services for patients to optimize reimbursement for the facility.  

  • Experience as a Utilization Review Specialist/Management is a requirement for this position.
  • Previous experience with Insurance and Optimization of Services is essential for this role.
  • Past experience in insurance claims and processing helpful.

Hourly pay rate: $33.00-$38.00

Serenity Knolls is located in the beautiful San Geronimo Valley just 10 minutes West of Fairfax. This is an on-site position at our facility.

Serenity Knolls is a 42 bed co-ed facility serving ages 18 and up. Included in the 42 bed capacity are 6 beds available for detox. Serenity Knolls is a 12 step based, social model residential treatment center. The Knolls uniquely combines the traditional social model of care with contemporary cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic and evidence based practice.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

  • Act as liaison between managed care organizations and the facility professional clinical staff. 
  • Conduct reviews, in accordance with certification requirements, of insurance plans or other managed care organizations (MCOs) and coordinate the flow of communication concerning reimbursement requirements. 
  • Monitor patient length of stay and extensions and inform clinical and medical staff on issues that may impact length of stay.  
  • Gather and develop statistical and narrative information to report on utilization, non-certified days (including identified causes and appeal information), discharges and quality of services, as required by the facility leadership or corporate office. 
  • Conduct quality reviews for medical necessity and services provided.   
  • Facilitate peer review calls between facility and external organizations.  
  • Initiate and complete the formal appeal process for denied admissions or continued stay.  
  • Assist the admissions department with pre-certifications of care.  
  • Provide ongoing support and training for staff on documentation or charting requirements, continued stay criteria and medical necessity updates. 

OTHER FUNCTIONS:  

  • Perform other functions and tasks as assigned. 
Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent. 
  • Preferred Education: Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master's degree in Social Work, Behavioral or Mental Health, Nursing, or a related health field. 
  • Experience: Clinical experience is required, or two or more years' experience working with the facility's population. Previous experience in utilization management is preferred 

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:  

  • Preferred Licensure: LPN, RN, LMSW, LCSW, LPC, LPC-I within the state where the facility provides services; or current clinical professional license or certification, as required, within the state where the facility provides services. 
  • CPR and de-escalation and restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility.   
  • First aid may be required based on state or facility requirements. 

 

ADDITIONAL REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS: 

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances  (e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate. 

We are committed to providing equal  employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual's characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.

SERKNO

#LI-SKTC

Employment Type: FULL_TIME