Job Details

Executive Director, Behavioral Health Operations

Leadership position dedicated to California Health Plans responsible for Optum behavioral health operations, contract management and relationships with customers, including state/regulatory agencies, providers, advocacy organizations and other key stakeholders. The Executive Director must coordinate with all functional areas of shared services partners, including but not limited to clinical operations, quality management, provider relations, member outreach, education and member services, contract compliance, and data reporting. This position directly impacts financial performance and achievement of overall external health plan goals.

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

Primary Responsibilities:

• Coordinate day to day operations (including clinical, regulatory, call, etc.) to achieve goals and ensure compliance of all functional areas supporting behavioral health in the market
• Ensure overall successful end-to end contract implementation in partnership with key stakeholders
• Lead and direct teams to ensure compliance with contract deliverables related to Behavioral Health
• Guide stakeholders and matrix partners in the effective delivery of services, achievement of metrics, and avoidance of all contract penalties
• Participate in Payer Executive/Senior Leadership meetings
• Lead and direct collaboration and coordination with other areas/matrix partners across the organization
• Lead the development of action plans to remedy any findings from internal or external audits, utilization reports, as well as provider, member, Health Plan or state concerns by engaging with shared services leadership, identifying linkages with other Health Plan CAPs, and formulating go-forward strategies with Health Plan
• Develop strategic plans incorporating affordability initiatives (HVO) and clinical innovation leveraging broader OBH strategy and including local State and Health Plan issues
• Identify and capitalize on opportunities to communicate and collaborate with stakeholders, internal and external through presentations, written materials, and direct interactions
• Provide thought leadership to Payer Health Plan leadership and state agency around behavioral health for any regulatory actions
• Provide leadership and direction in the development of appropriate risk management strategies. Work closely with the customer, Optum team members, providers, and stakeholders to ensure timely and appropriate implementation of these strategies
• Assist with savings opportunities associated with product development initiatives
• Lead the definition and development of local market performance against contractual, clinical, and fiscal targets
• Drive innovation across teams to ensure aligned, cohesive progress across technology, marketing, and service operations
• Provide leadership by identifying and analyzing local market trends, service gaps and developing mitigation strategies aligned with strategic priorities
• Provide leadership and opportunity to sales and business development staff around market priorities and strategies to foster growth and account retention
• Represent Optum at relevant Health Plan, Regulator, and other stakeholder meetings
• Engage with Optum Behavioral Health and Enterprise Clinical Services Clinical leadership and Operations team on all clinical activities and initiatives; provide thought leadership to External Health Plan and the State around clinical innovation

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:

• Independent, current, and unrestricted California License in the field of behavioral health with a minimum of 5+ years of experience
• Experience with and understanding of California's overall behavioral health system that includes mental health, alcohol and drug addictions, and developmental disabilities services
• Experience with managed care principles, models, and financing
• Experience in the public sector mental health or non-profit community mental health, with knowledge of Medicare Advantage populations
• Demonstrated proficient data analytic skills; ability to identify gaps, trends, and mitigation strategies
• Demonstrated proficiency with computers, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams at a minimum along with an understanding of web-based applications
• Experience building solid and effective teams, facilitate staff working together collaboratively, and grow and retain top talent
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25%
• Reside in California
• Driver's License and access to reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of work experience in managed healthcare insurance industry
• Proven solid strategic thinking and business acumen with the ability to align clinical related strategies and recommendations with business objectives
• Proven solid customer service orientation
• Ability to be highly self-directed with insight into when and how to engage others, able to drive results with disciplined follow-though
• Demonstrated high integrity with a reputation of a trusted confidential advisor and partner
• Experience in working directly with customers to assess requirements and understand needs
• Experience in a regulatory environment and compliance to contractual requirements
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and influence others
• Demonstrated leadership effectiveness and project management experience
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven solid planning, organizational and monitoring skills
• Demonstrated ability to operate and navigate in a highly-complex matrix environment
• Experience leading large, complex projects to achieve key business objectives
• Demonstrated mature data analysis and PC proficiency

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). The salary for this role will range from $132,200 to $226,600 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.