1

Utilization Jobs in New Jersey (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary The Utilization Review (UR) Specialist is responsible for obtaining and maintaining insurance authorizations for clients receiving substance use disorder treatment services. This ...

Position Summary The Utilization Review (UR) Specialist is responsible for obtaining and maintaining insurance authorizations for clients receiving substance use disorder treatment services. This ...

Position Summary The Utilization Review (UR) Specialist is responsible for obtaining and maintaining insurance authorizations for clients receiving substance use disorder treatment services. This ...

Position Summary The Utilization Review (UR) Specialist is responsible for obtaining and maintaining insurance authorizations for clients receiving substance use disorder treatment services. This ...

General Description The Utilization Review Specialist processes all insurance authorizations for partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs and outpatient programs across ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Utilization information

See New Jersey salary details

$21

$42

$70

How much do utilization jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for utilization in New Jersey is $42.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.94 and $49.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a utilization specialist?

Utilization specialists are professionals who review and evaluate the necessity, appropriateness, and efficiency of the use of healthcare services, procedures, and facilities. They work closely with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and patients to ensure that care is delivered according to established guidelines and that resources are used effectively. Their goal is to help manage costs while ensuring patients receive the appropriate level of care.

What are some of the common challenges faced by utilization review specialists when assessing medical necessity of services?

Utilization Review Specialists often encounter the challenge of balancing patient advocacy with cost-effective care. They must stay updated on evolving insurance policies and clinical guidelines, which can be complex and change frequently. Additionally, coordinating with physicians and healthcare staff to obtain necessary documentation and clarifying treatment plans can be time-consuming. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are essential to ensure timely and accurate reviews, while also maintaining positive working relationships with clinical teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a utilization review specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Utilization Review Specialist, you need a background in healthcare (often as an RN or LPN/LVN), strong analytical skills, and knowledge of insurance and medical necessity criteria. Familiarity with utilization management software, ICD-10/CPT coding, and regulatory guidelines like Medicare and Medicaid is typically required. Excellent attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These abilities are crucial to accurately evaluating patient care needs, ensuring regulatory compliance, and optimizing resource use within healthcare organizations.

What is the difference between Utilization vs Resource Coordinator?

AspectUtilizationResource Coordinator
Primary FocusMeasuring and optimizing how staff time is usedManaging and assigning resources for projects
Required CredentialsOften no specific credentials, but industry experience helpsTypically requires organizational or project management skills
Work EnvironmentCorporate, healthcare, or consulting firmsProject teams, staffing agencies, or departments
Common UsageTracking staff utilization ratesAllocating resources to projects or tasks

Utilization focuses on measuring how effectively staff time is used, often to improve productivity. Resource Coordinator involves actively managing and assigning resources to ensure project needs are met. While related, utilization is more about analysis, and resource coordination is about execution and management.

How to become a utilization reviewer?

To become a utilization reviewer, candidates typically need a background in healthcare, nursing, or a related field, along with knowledge of medical coding and insurance policies. Relevant certifications such as Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) can enhance job prospects. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are essential for reviewing medical records and determining appropriate service utilization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Utilization jobs in New Jersey?

The most popular types of Utilization jobs in New Jersey are:

Infographic showing various Utilization job openings in New Jersey as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,286 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Utilization Review

Discovery Institute NJ

Marlboro, NJ โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Position Summary
The Utilization Review (UR) Specialist is responsible for obtaining and maintaining insurance authorizations for clients receiving substance use disorder treatment services. This position works closely with clinical staff, admissions, and insurance companies to ensure medical necessity documentation is accurate, authorizations are obtained timely, and reimbursement is maximized while maintaining compliance with payer requirements, Medicaid regulations, and accreditation standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Obtain initial and concurrent insurance authorizations for all levels of care.
  • Review clinical documentation to ensure it supports medical necessity.
  • Submit clinical information to insurance companies within required timeframes.
  • Monitor authorization expiration dates and request extensions before expiration.
  • Communicate authorization decisions and payer requirements to clinical staff.
  • Track approved days and notify leadership of denials or reductions in care.
  • Prepare and submit appeals for denied services when appropriate.
  • Maintain accurate authorization records in the electronic health record (EHR).
  • Work collaboratively with Admissions, Clinical, Nursing, and Billing departments.
  • Verify insurance benefits and coverage when necessary.
  • Monitor payer portals for authorization updates.
  • Assist with Medicaid and managed care authorization processes.
  • Participate in utilization review meetings and case conferences.
  • Generate reports on authorization status, denials, appeals, and payer trends.
  • Ensure compliance with Joint Commission, state, federal, and payer regulations.
  • Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • Minimum of two years of utilization review, case management, medical billing, or behavioral healthcare experience preferred.
  • Experience in substance use disorder or behavioral health treatment strongly preferred.
  • Knowledge of ASAM Criteria preferred.
  • Familiarity with Medicaid, commercial insurance, and managed care plans.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to prioritize multiple cases in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and electronic health record systems.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Understanding of insurance authorization processes.
  • Knowledge of medical necessity criteria and documentation standards.
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
  • Excellent customer service and professional communication.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Performance Expectations
  • Maintain timely insurance authorizations with minimal lapses.
  • Reduce avoidable authorization denials.
  • Ensure documentation meets payer standards.
  • Maintain accurate records and reporting.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and excellent customer service.
  • Comply with all organizational policies, HIPAA, Joint Commission standards, and applicable federal and New Jersey regulations.