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This is a leadership level position responsible for Optum behavioral health operations, contract management and relationships with customers, including UHC C&S, state Medicaid Agency (Kansas HealthCare Finance Authority), providers, advocacy organizations and other key stakeholders. The Behavioral Health Executive Director must coordinate with all functional areas of shared services partners, including but not limited to clinical operations, quality management, network development and management, provider relations, member outreach, education and member services, contract compliance and operations including claims and reporting. This position directly impacts financial performance and achievement of overall public sector goals.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Oversee and be responsible for behavior support services provided to individuals receiving LTSS (long-term services and supports) and comparable populations
• Responsible for working with the BH-CMO to oversee the ongoing management of behavior crisis prevention, intervention, and stabilization services
• Responsible for working with the other medical officers and the Pharmaceutical director to ensure the integration of physical and Behavioral Health Services and supports and LTSS, as applicable, for individuals in each of these populations, and to oversee the quality improvement initiatives regarding behavior supports and the appropriate use of psychotropic medications in each of these populations
• Lead and direct matrix teams, coordinate day to day operations to achieve goals and ensure contract compliance of all functional areas supporting behavioral health in the market
• Provide thought leadership and consultative partnership on behavioral health to UHC C&S Health Plan leadership and the state Medicaid agencies
• Identify and analyze local market trends, service gaps and lead the development of mitigation strategies aligned with strategic priorities
• Ensure financial stability of programs by analyzing cost drivers and work with finance on solutions
• Lead the development and execution of action plans to remedy any audit findings from internal/external audits or state concerns
• Establish and maintain relationships with key BH providers and provider associations
• Influence innovation across teams to ensure aligned, cohesive progress across technology, marketing and service operations
• Partner with growth organization on business development activities to foster growth and contract retention

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:

• Kansas licensed psychologist (PhD) or board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist with an advanced practice nursing (APN) degree
• Experience with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and directing behavior support services
• Thorough understanding of managed care principles, models, and financing
• Experience in public sector mental health or non-profit community mental health, or payer or provider with knowledge of Medicaid populations
• Solid data analysis and PC proficiency
• Residence in Kansas with the ability to travel ~25% of time 

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5 years experience in an administrative position in a mental health organization
• Experience Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC)
• Solid preference given to candidates with administrative experience in a mental health delivery system and in administering a similar contract
• Ability to succeed in a matrixed environment, rapid change & imperfect information
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and influence others across a matrixed organization
• Demonstrated leadership effectiveness and project management experience
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Solid customer service orientation

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.

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.