Behavioral Health Care Manager I - California

Anticipated End Date:

2026-05-30

Position Title:

Behavioral Health Care Manager I - California

Job Description:

Work Location: Virtual

This role enables associates to work virtually full-time, except for required in-person training sessions, providing maximum flexibility and autonomy. This approach promotes productivity, supports work-life integration, and ensures essential face-to-face onboarding and skill development.

Please note that per our policy on hybrid/virtual work, candidates not within a reasonable commuting distance from the posting location(s) will not be considered for employment, unless an accommodation is granted as required by law.

Work Hours Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm PST

The Behavioral Health Care Manager I - California is responsible for managing psychiatric and substance abuse or substance abuse disorder facility-based and outpatient professional treatment health benefits through telephonic or written review.

How you will make a difference:

• Uses appropriate screening criteria knowledge and clinical judgment to assess member needs to ensure access to medically necessary quality behavioral healthcare in a cost-effective setting in accordance with UM Clinical Guidelines and contract.
• Refers cases to Peer Reviewers as appropriate.
• Performs psychiatric and substance abuse or substance abuse disorder assessment coordination implementation case planning monitoring and evaluating to promote quality member outcomes to optimize member health benefits and to promote effective use of health benefits and community resources. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires MA/MS in social work counseling or a related behavioral health field or a degree in nursing, and minimum of 3 years of experience with facility-based and/or outpatient psychiatric and substance abuse or substance abuse disorder treatment; or any combination of education and experience which would provide an equivalent background.
• Current active unrestricted California license, such as RN  LCSW  LMHC  LPC  LMFT  or Clinical Psychologist  to practice as a health professional within the scope of licensure in California required.

Preferred Skills, Capabilities and Experiences:

• Previous experience in case management/utilization management with a broad range of experience with complex psychiatric/substance abuse cases preferred.
• Associates in this role are expected to have strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills, problem-solving skills, facilitation skills, and analytical skills.
• Crisis call center experience is preferred.
• UM experience strongly preferred.
• Managed Care experience is preferred.

For candidates working in person or virtually in the below locations, the salary* range for this specific position is $ 64,240 to $ 115,632

Location: California

In addition to your salary, Elevance Health offers benefits such as a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). The salary offered for this specific position is based on a number of legitimate, non-discriminatory factors set by the Company. The Company is fully committed to ensuring equal pay opportunities for equal work regardless of gender, race, or any other category protected by federal, state, and local pay equity laws.

* The salary range is the range Elevance Health in good faith believes is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future and actual compensation may vary from posting based on geographic location, work experience, education, and/or skill level. Even within the range, the actual compensation will vary depending on the above factors as well as market/business considerations. No amount is wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable under the terms and conditions of the applicable policies and plans. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid

Job Level:

Non-Management Exempt

Workshift:

1st Shift (United States of America)

Job Family:

MED > Licensed/Certified Behavioral Health Role

Please be advised that Elevance Health only accepts resumes for compensation from agencies that have a signed agreement with Elevance Health. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of