Join the Optum Behavioral Health team as we strive to reshape healthcare for all. We are looking for a passionate Associate Director of Medicaid Behavioral Health to make an impact in Indiana.

At Optum Behavioral Care, your role is pivotal in advancing our mission for superior healthcare accessibility and quality.

Our Product Development and Management teams are the cornerstone of our progress, propelling Optum’s future growth. Your success in this role will hinge on your capacity to navigate uncertainty, your adaptability to change, and your unwavering dedication to improving healthcare for everyone. As part of the UnitedHealthcare Community and State Plan of Indiana, you will embody the essence of a Behavioral Health Clinical Director whose contributions are essential to our sustained success and growth.

In this influential position, you will spearhead the performance of our Behavioral Health clinical programs. You will collaborate in crafting strategic visions and product roadmaps, fostering strong connections with internal and external partners, ensuring adherence to state and contractual mandates, and evaluating product outcomes for continuous enhancement. By joining our elite team, you will lead significant projects and effectively influence leadership to embrace transformations that ultimately enhance services for our Medicaid Members.

If you are based in central Indiana, you will have the opportunity to work remotely as you engage with challenging projects.

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee compliance of managed care entity (MCE) behavioral health operations with state contracts.
• Collaborate on developing tailored, person-centered care plans and assess the treatment needs of individuals facing complex medical and behavioral challenges.
• Lead or contribute to collaborative clinical rounds for members actively enrolled in care management.
• Utilize data from utilization management, care management, and quality sources to pinpoint opportunities for population health initiatives aimed at Medicaid members.
• Promote a recovery-oriented philosophy by working alongside Recovery and Resiliency team members, modeling care principles, and training staff to excel in applying these principles effectively.
• Identify and champion preventative behavioral health strategies to divert patients from more restrictive care levels.
• Proactively anticipate product enhancement needs to stimulate growth in our Medicaid business, developing innovative solutions accordingly.
• Offer expert guidance in product development, clinical design, program specifications, and workforce planning.
• Provide clinical support and consultations to contracted providers, including primary care physicians treating members with behavioral health diagnoses.
• Recognize gaps in clinical performance, forming partnerships and action plans for improvement.
• Nurture ongoing customer relationships and ensure effective service delivery in your designated area or state.
• Influence cross-functional teams in a dynamic work environment, including senior leadership, to adopt innovative ideas and strategies.
• Coordinate care across physical and behavioral health platforms in collaboration with key team members.
• Manage state reporting processes and maintain oversight.
• Work closely with the Behavioral Health Executive Director to facilitate state and customer engagement.

You will be celebrated for your contributions within a dynamic environment that provides clarity on success criteria and opportunities for growth in additional roles.

Essential Qualifications:

• A valid and unrestricted Indiana license in Social Work or a related field (HSPP, LCSW, LMFT, LMHC), RN, or advanced practice provider, coupled with a minimum of 2 years dedicated experience in behavioral health.
• Five or more years of clinical experience in mental health and substance use disorder services.
• Knowledge of primary care and behavioral health integration.
• Familiarity with Indiana Medicaid regulations.
• Proven experience with quality improvement initiatives and behavioral health projects.
• Experience within Indiana managed care systems.
• Understanding of the unique behavioral health needs of older adults, including comorbidities such as dementia and serious mental illness.
• Proficient in post-acute care planning, discharge planning, case management, and disease management.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Candidate must reside in the central Indiana area.

Consider a career with Optum Behavioral Care, where we are redefining behavioral health delivery for individuals and healthcare providers alike. Our mission is to ensure that every patient receives compassionate care that spans physical, mental, and social health needs, enabling easy access and navigation in healthcare. We’re committed to creating a united care experience, enhancing the health journeys of our patients across various settings. Join us and help change millions of lives by Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Compensation for this role will range from $110,200 to $188,800 annually, depending on factors such as local labor market, education, work experience, and certifications. Along with competitive salaries, we offer comprehensive benefits packages, recognition programs, equity stock purchasing opportunities, and 401(k) contributions, all subject to eligibility criteria.

At UnitedHealth Group, we aim to empower healthier lives and enhance the healthcare system for everyone. Our commitment is to ensure that all individuals, irrespective of race, gender, age, or socio-economic status, have the chance to live their healthiest lives. Our focus continues to address health disparities and improve health outcomes, in line with our enterprise objectives.

OptumCare is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws.

Also, OptumCare maintains a drug-free workplace and candidates must pass a drug test before employment begins.