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Utilization Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

silvercross

Utilization Review Nurse

New Lenox, IL

$34.73 - $45.15/hr

BSN preferred. 2-5 years previous Utilization Review experience preferred. * Current CPR * Relevant hospital nursing; hospital case management; insurance case management or utilization management ...

Silver Cross Hospital

Utilization Review Nurse

New Lenox, IL · On-site +1

$34.73 - $45.15/hr

BSN preferred. 2-5 years previous Utilization Review experience preferred. * Current CPR * Relevant hospital nursing; hospital case management; insurance case management or utilization management ...

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All JobsUtilization JobsUtilization Jobs in Chicago, IL

Utilization information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$22

$43

$71

How much do utilization jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for utilization in Chicago, IL is $43.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.42 and $50.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Utilization jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Utilization jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Utilization jobs near you
Infographic showing various Utilization job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,598 per year, or $43.6 per hour.

Utilization Management Lead-Utilization Review Full Time Days

Palos Hospital

Palos Heights, IL

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Description

The Utilization Management Lead  reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities:

  • Collaborates with the director of care coordination to oversee the utilization Review and Management process in accordance with NM UM Plan and operations of the UR team.
  • Serves in a lead role by utilizing communication skills to build trusting interdisciplinary relationships; engaging in conflict management, coaching, mentoring, and staff development; fosters an environment for shared decision making.  
  • Collaborates with the director of care coordination to provide the utilization review team with an environment that supports their professional practice, health and well-being.  
  • Serves as the Utilization Management expert and collaborates with the director of care coordination for the implementation of evidence-based practice.  
  • Clearly identifies the internal and external customer(s) for their unit or service area and their respective requirements/expectations. 
  •  Actively seeks methods of concurrent and retrospective feedback from customers, listens to customer feedback and implements solutions and/or interventions as appropriate.  
  • Continually examines ways to improve business relationships with customers, suppliers, and the community.  
  • Translates organizational vision into a unit or service area vision that engages team members in contributing to and achieving that vision.  
  • Provides feedback to improve employee performance and engagement.  
  • Seeks new ideas from a wide range of sources; encourages others to share knowledge and best practices.  
  • Maintains active membership in Professional Organization and shares current, relevant information

Qualifications

Required:

  • Graduate of an accredited school of nursing with a BSN, Minimum of three years of case management experience in an acute care setting or health care environment. 

Preferred:

  •  ACM certification, Masters Degree

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family. 

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Graduate of an accredited school of nursing with a BSN, Minimum of three years of case management experience in an acute care setting or health care environment. 

Preferred:

  •  ACM certification, Masters Degree
Education:Not in Patient Care Giver RoleEmployment Type: Full-time

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