Behavioral Health Clinical Program Manager

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Clinical Program Manager oversees a remote team of Behavioral Health Care Advocates responsible for utilization management (UM) and case management (CM) of inpatient and outpatient Behavioral Health services. UM is performed via an inbound telephonic queue and requires team members to work a holiday rotation. Case managers work directly with members both telephonically and in the field.

The schedule is Monday – Friday, 8a – 5p EST and may include working some holidays.

If you are located in New York, you will have the flexibility to work remotely* as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversight of utilization management of adults, adolescents and children as well as dual eligible Medicare/Medicaid populations with SMI, SUD, co-occurring physical health, co-occurring disorders of MH and SUD, and co-occurring mental health and/or substance use disorders
• Manages and is accountable for professional employees and supervisors
• Sets team direction, resolves problems, and provides guidance to members of team
• May oversee work activities of other supervisors
• Adapts departmental plans and priorities to address business and operational challenges
• Influences or provides input to forecasting and planning activities
• Oversight of new product implementations
• Initiating process for state initiatives and directives
• Updating and creation of Quick Reference Guides
• Oversight and coordination of care with internal and external partners
• Experience interfacing with regulatory agencies
• Interview, hire and onboard new employees
• Review reports to insure team member adherence to established benchmarks
• Cover for management team as needed
• Foster relationship with leadership and medical directors

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• Licensed Clinician in the State of New York with one of the following licensures. Licenses must be active and unrestricted.
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
  • Licensed Psychologist (LP)
  • Registered Nurse (RN) with 5+ years of Behavioral Health experience
• 6+ years of Behavioral Health experience including Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders (SUD)
• 5+ years of experience working with Children / Adolescents
• 3+ years of management experience in a Behavioral Health setting
• 3+ years of experience with New York public and commercial mental health and substance abuse services delivery system
• Experience overseeing documentation in Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
• Experience with Medicare and NY Medicaid regulations
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Excel
• Ability to work holidays based on business needs
• Dedicated, distraction-free workspace and access to high-speed internet in home
• Residency in New York

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a Managed Care Organization (MCO)
• Experience working with the New York provider network
• Experience managing clinical and non-clinical phone queues
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices and procedures
• Solid customer service orientation
• Familiarity with prior authorizations, concurrent reviews, and appeal processes
• Familiarity with case management services
• Demonstrated competence in clinical care management, solid leadership and organization skills, interpretation of State and federal laws, and regulations relevant to the mental health program area

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy.

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $91,700 to $163,700 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.