For those who want to invent the future of health care, here's your opportunity. We're going beyond basic care to health programs integrated across the entire continuum of care. Join us and help people live healthier lives while doing your life's best work.(sm)

At Optum, our mission is to make the health system work better for all. We are currently looking for a Senior Behavioral Medical Director to serve as the clinical team leader for the Optum Alaska Administrative Service Organization. The successful candidate will be accountable for the strategic approach to executing our annual business objectives in alignment with the larger organization. They will work collaboratively with other functional partners such as Care Advocacy, Case Management, Quality Improvement, State and Legal Compliance, providing medical subject matter expertise. The MD is also actively involved in the implementation, supervision, oversight, and evaluation of the Utilization Management program, develops, and implements Utilization Management policies and procedures, monitors the consistency with which Utilization Management criteria are applied; through supervision, case review, training and consultations with Peer Reviewers, making coverage decisions and participates in committee meetings. Additionally, the Medical Director serves as the liaison with network providers and the medical delivery system.

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

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as the lead physician for the Behavioral Health plan
• Develop programs to promote integration of physical and behavioral health services which support continuity and coordination among all network providers
• Overall responsibility for implementation of the Utilization Management program
• Monitor behavioral healthcare utilization authorization and claims data for all healthcare services
• Assure that policies adhere to contractual obligations
• Develop targeted education and training for, and provide clinical guidance to, the Care Advocates
• Supervision and mentorship to clinical team
• Perform Clinical Case reviews in conjunction with Clinical and Quality departments
• Consultation with Alaska Medicaid Behavioral Health providers
• Participation in clinical workgroups as required
• Participation in committees as required
• Collaborate in provider initiatives and engagement
• Oversight of clinical decision-making
• Facilitate coordination of core business functions across business units; Oversee the clinical administrative operations of the program to ensure appropriate services are provided under the Alaska contract

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:

• Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy
• Current license to practice as a physician without restrictions in the state of Alaska or willing to obtain AK licensure
• Board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
• Willingness to be trained in Alaska Native Culture, historical trauma, and the significance of the Adverse Childhood Experiences Survey scores for Alaskans
• Demonstrated understanding of the clinical application of the principles of engagement, empowerment, rehabilitation, and recovery
• Knowledge of post-acute care planning such as home care, discharge planning, case management, and disease management
• Computer and typing proficiency, data analysis experience, and solid organizational skills
• Minimal travel 25%
• Full COVID-19 vaccination is an essential job function of this role. Candidates located in states that mandate COVID-19 booster doses must also comply with those state requirements. UnitedHealth Group will adhere to all federal, state and local regulations as well as all client requirements and will obtain necessary proof of vaccination, and boosters when applicable, prior to employment to ensure compliance. Candidates must be able to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of clinical experience post residency
• 2+ years of managed care experience
• Understanding of the Alaska Behavioral Health system of care, the services available, and the criteria for receiving services
• Experience in managing BH Services including mental health and substance use disorders
• Experience in public sector delivery systems and in state specific public sector service
• Experience working with community-based programs and resources designed to aid the State Medicaid population

To protect the health and safety of our workforce, patients and communities we serve, UnitedHealth Group and its affiliate companies require all employees to disclose COVID-19 vaccination status prior to beginning employment. In addition, some roles and locations require full COVID-19 vaccination, including boosters, as an essential job function. UnitedHealth Group adheres to all federal, state and local COVID-19 vaccination regulations as well as all client COVID-19 vaccination requirements and will obtain the necessary information from candidates prior to employment to ensure compliance. Candidates must be able to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Failure to meet the vaccination requirement may result in rescission of an employment offer or termination of employment

Careers at OptumCare. We're on a mission to change the face of health care. As the largest health and wellness business in the US, we help 58 million people navigate the health care system, finance their health care needs and achieve their health and well-being goals. Fortunately, we have a team of the best and brightest minds on the planet to make it happen. Together we're creating the most innovative ideas and comprehensive strategies to help heal the health care system and create a brighter future for us all. Join us and learn why there is no better place to do your life's best work.(sm)

OptumCare is committed to creating an environment where physicians focus on what they do best: care for their patients. To do so, OptumCare provides administrative and business support services to both owned and affiliated medical practices which are part of OptumCare. Each medical practice part and their physician employees have complete authority with regards to all medical decision-making and patient care. OptumCare’s support services do not interfere with or control the practice of medicine by the medical practices or any of their physicians.

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

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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