Vice President, Behavioral Health

Centene is transforming the health of our communities one person at a time. As an Executive on our team, you could be the one who changes everything for our 28 million members.

Position Purpose:
Provide strategic and operational direction for the health plan's behavioral health initiatives. Improve and optimize behavioral health care across the health plan by collaborating with cross-functional business units and external partners in the design and implementation of strategic initiatives in alignment with the health plan's and State's mission and business objectives. This leadership position is to support Washington Coordinated Care

• Partner with senior leadership, clinical teams, operations, and external partners to shape the strategic direction for behavioral health care delivery across the health plan.

• Oversee and lead the development, implementation, and ongoing optimization of behavioral health program and strategies across the health plan. Work cross-functionally to design, develop, and provide oversight of innovative behavioral health programs such as mental health parity, community services overutilization, prior authorization, and utilization management reform.

• Serve as the internal subject matter expert on behavioral health, providing strategic consultation and guidance to cross-functional partners such as Utilization Management, Care Management, Network, Quality, etc.

• Interpret and implement clinical guidelines and policies related to behavioral health. Advise on the latest best practices, treatment protocols, and regulatory requirements in behavioral health care.

• Represent the organization for legislative and government affairs initiatives such as mental health parity, community services overutilization, prior authorization, and utilization management reform.

• Analyze data related to behavioral health outcomes and program effectiveness; utilizes insights to inform strategy and program development.

• Monitor and analyze medical trends to assess program effectiveness, identify gaps in services, and inform decision-making processes. Monitor key performance indicators to drive continuous improvement.

• Build strong cross- functional relationships with PHCO, Network & Quality to implement business strategies.

• Translate high-level strategies into actionable plans, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and objectives.

• Stay informed of changes in healthcare policies and adapt programs accordingly. Ensure all behavioral health programs adhere to state and federal regulations, accreditation standards, and best practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Complies with all policies and standards.

Education/Experience:
PhD in Psychology or Master's Degree in Nursing, Social Work, or Doctor of Nursing Practice required
: 5+ years Direct Care clinical experience required
5+ years Managed Care experience preferred
2+ years Leading and supporting behavioral health program development and innovation required
2+ years Working with behavioral health regulatory agencies required
2+ years Supporting large-scale behavioral health strategy required
2+ years Partnering with cross-functional teams to produce position statements, and operational playbooks preferred
Licenses/Certifications:
Licensed Psychologist or
LCSW- License Clinical Social Worker or
APRN-BC - Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Board Certified or
NP - Nurse Practitioner - Licensed Upon Hire required:

Pay Range: $165,400.00 - $314,200.00 per year

Centene offers a comprehensive benefits package including: competitive pay, health insurance, 401K and stock purchase plans, tuition reimbursement, paid time off plus holidays, and a flexible approach to work with remote, hybrid, field or office work schedules. Actual pay will be adjusted based on an individual's skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors permitted by law. Total compensation may also include additional forms of incentives.

Centene is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the LA County Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act