Mental Health Director - Hybrid - New York

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Optum Serve Health Services (OSHS) is one of three businesses under Optum Serve. Optum Serve provides health care services and proven expertise to help federal government agencies modernize the U.S. health system and improve the health and well-being of Americans. By joining Optum Serve you are part of the family of companies that makes UnitedHealth Group a leader across most major segments in the U.S. health care system.

OSHS specializes in creating and managing health care programs through on-location services, patient specific in clinic appointments, telehealth assessments, or any combination based on customer need. OSHS’s customizable solutions serve the diverse needs of commercial customers, as well as federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Health and Human Services.

As a Mental Health Director, you will care for members of the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program enrolled at our William Street Clinic Clinical Center of Excellence. This is a multifaceted role that is highly rewarding as your work is helping people live healthier lives. The Mental Health Director is responsible for programming, planning, and oversight of the Behavioral Health Program at the WSC. This includes the development and implementation of a high-quality assessment and treatment program with a trauma-focus, as well as strategic planning, program administration, and policy development in partnership with the Medical Director. This role will include a 60/40 administrative/clinical split, performing diagnostic evaluations for mental health conditions and delivering treatment using evidence-based therapeutic interventions to patients at all levels of acuity. 

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

Primary Responsibilities:

• Leadership/Administrative (60%):
  • Programming, planning, and execution of the Behavioral Health Program at the WSC; lead multidisciplinary staff in the provision of Behavioral Health services both in clinic and via Telehealth
  • Provides leadership and direction in accordance with WTC Health Program and Optum Guidelines; learns and maintains an in-depth knowledge of all facets of the WTC Health Program including, the Zadroga Act, policies and procedures, codebooks and processes; as well as Optum processes, policies, and procedures. Ensures compliance with government regulation, business policies and Program standards
  • Develops, in coordination with WSC Medical Director, Clinical Practice Guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures, Behavioral Health Policies, business policies; implements and updates all policies and procedures for the Behavioral Health Program
  • Provides clinical supervision for Program nursing, counseling, patient support and administrative staff; ensures high-quality care delivery utilizing evidence-based therapies
  • Participates in assessing and reassessing the Program needs and engages in Continuous Process Improvement activities
  • Supervises all Behavioral Health patient care and sets guidelines for accurately reporting and recording of patient symptoms, reactions, and progress; leads and participates in internal operations such as quality assurance efforts, peer review, case reviews; ensures high-quality care delivery by Program staff through training, peer review, and mentoring
  • Develops processes to audit and coordinate ongoing education to ensure all staff are trained on proper documentation of all aspects of the patient’s care
  • Manages clinical outcomes, ensuring compliance with regulations, and leading strategic initiatives to improve patient outcomes including implementation of measurement-based care
  • In conjunction with Medical Director, develops staffing plans for Program; recruits, interviews, and selects qualified staff for the Program
  • Provides for professional growth and development of staff through identification of needs, development of individual training plans and participation in training programs
  • Lead Behavioral Health participation/input on cases presented in multi-disciplinary case rounds
• Clinical (40%):
  • Provides behavioral health services including comprehensive assessment and treatment with a trauma-focus; formulates treatment plans using evidence-based therapies; counsels and educates patients and families about conditions
  • Provides behavioral health care for a wide range of conditions and acuity levels including Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, SUD etc.
  • Coordinates care with specialists and appropriate ancillary services; consults with multidisciplinary treatment team and providers
  • Completes all clinical and administrative documentation and paperwork in a timely manner

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 Psychologist or LCSW
• Active and unrestricted New York License
• 5+ years of clinical experience
• 5+ years providing trauma-focused care; training and experience in providing Evidence-Based treatment for Trauma/PTSD
• 2+ years of experience in a clinical leadership/program management role
• Experience developing/implementing behavioral health programs/providing clinical supervision
• Experience using online clinical references and accessing professional (clinical and regulatory) internet sites
• Computer and typing proficiency including MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Proven excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in Coverage Determinations (prior authorization)
• Managed Care background
• Demonstrates proficiency in utilization of Electronic Health Record (EHR) system

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

The salary range for this role is $89,800 to $176,700 annually based on full-time employment. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. UnitedHealth Group complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers 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 UnitedHealth Group, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

OptumCare 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. 

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