Nurse Manager II – Utilization Management (UM) / Discharge PlanningThis role is responsible for leading care coordination, utilization review, and discharge planning functions within a 24/7 acute care environment. This role ensures efficient patient throughput, regulatory compliance, quality outcomes, and effective interdisciplinary collaboration across the continuum of care.Key ResponsibilitiesLead, mentor, and develop UM/Case Management teamsDrive performance improvement, coaching, and succession planningFoster collaboration across clinical and administrative teamsBuild a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous learningOversee utilization review processes and ensure medical necessity complianceManage discharge planning workflows to ensure timely and safe patient transitionsCollaborate with physicians, payers, and care teams for optimal care coordinationAddress escalations related to patient care, delays, or discharge barriersEnsure efficient patient flow and resource utilizationMonitor staffing and workload distribution across unitsMaintain clinical oversight and support care delivery processesEnsure compliance with Joint Commission, Nursing Practice Act, and federal/state regulationsMaintain audit readiness and regulatory documentationOversee quality, safety, and risk management initiativesManage departmental budgets and cost control initiativesTrack KPIs such as LOS (Length of Stay), readmissions, and denial ratesDevelop reports and performance dashboardsLead quality improvement initiatives in care coordination and utilizationImplement best practices and process optimization strategiesDrive strategic projects aligned with organizational goalsSupport emergency preparedness planning and executionEnsure staff readiness for crisis and surge situationsRequired QualificationsBachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN required)Active Registered Nurse (RN) License – CaliforniaBasic Life Support (BLS) CertificationMinimum 5+ years in patient care deliveryMinimum 5+ years in healthcare operations / clinical settingMinimum 4+ years in leadership roleRecent experience in Acute Care Utilization Review / Case Management (Must-Have)Preferred QualificationsExperience in Union hospital environmentStrong background in: Project managementData analysis & reportingCross-functional collaborationEmergency preparedness planningCore CompetenciesPatient Care Delivery ManagementUtilization Management & Case ManagementHealthcare Operations ManagementLeadership & Performance ManagementRegulatory ComplianceBudget & Financial ManagementStrategic Planning & ExecutionQuality & Patient Safety ImprovementIndustry ExperienceAcute care hospital / healthcare system requiredStrong exposure to clinical operations, care coordination, and regulatory frameworks