Utilization Review Quality Improvement Specialist-26431407
County of San DiegoAbout the role
Posting number: 26431407
Department: Behavioral Health Services
Division: Behavioral Health Services
Job classification: UTILIZATION REVIEW QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST
Posting type: Open
Categories: Mental Health
Summary
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.
** 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. ***
- 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.
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.
- 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 unde
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