Associate Director Clinical Quality - Remote

Optum Behavioral Care, part of the Optum family of businesses, is seeking an Associate Director Clinical Quality to join our team from anywhere within the U.S. As a member of the Optum Behavioral Care team, you'll be an integral part of our vision to make healthcare better for everyone.

Optum Behavioral Care (OBC) delivers integrated behavioral health services across clinic-based and telehealth settings. The Associate Director of Clinical Quality is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and oversight of clinical quality programs to support safe, effective, and compliant care delivery across the network.

This role partners closely with Clinical Services, Clinical Operations, and Data/Analytics teams to drive quality improvement initiatives, ensure regulatory and accreditation readiness, and enhance performance visibility across providers and programs.

You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the Clinical Quality Management Program, including development and maintenance of program structure, work plans, and evaluation processes 
• Design and implement quality improvement initiatives to enhance clinical outcomes, documentation quality, and provider performance 
• Monitor clinical quality indicators and identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement 
• Support the development and standardization of clinical documentation expectations and quality guidelines 
• Oversee clinical file review processes and ensure alignment with regulatory, payer, and accreditation requirements
• Oversee and manage the organization's policy management system 
• Partner with Clinical Services leadership to support clinical oversight strategies and implementation of quality standards 
• Collaborate with Clinical Operations and Learning & Education teams to inform training, onboarding, and provider support materials 
• Work with Data and Analytics teams to define, develop, and operationalize quality metrics, dashboards, and reporting tools 
• Support internal and external audit readiness, including coordination of requests, responses, and corrective action planning 
• Serve as a liaison across departments to ensure alignment between clinical workflows, policies, and quality expectations 
• Present quality performance, initiatives, and outcomes to leadership and governance committees

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:

• 5+ years of experience in clinical quality, quality improvement, or healthcare operations 
• Experience working within a healthcare delivery organization or managed care environment 
• Demonstrated experience with quality monitoring, reporting, and performance improvement initiatives

Preferred Qualifications:

• Independent clinical licensure (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT, RN)   
• Certification in healthcare quality management
• 3+ years of experience working in behavioral healthcare
• Experience with accreditation and regulatory standards (e.g., CARF, URAC, NCQA, CMS) 
• Experience supporting national, multi-site or enterprise-level healthcare programs 
• Experience working with reporting tools, dashboards, and data systems 
• Experience with managing a policy management system 
• Knowledge of quality management and performance improvement methodologies 
• Familiarity with behavioral health care delivery models, accreditation standards, and clinical workflows 
• Proven solid analytical skills and ability to interpret and apply data to drive decision-making 
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment 
• Proven solid communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams 
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive alignment without direct authority

Explore opportunities at Optum Behavioral Care. We're revolutionizing behavioral health care delivery for individuals, clinicians and the entire health care system. Together, we are bringing high-end medical service, compassionate care and industry leading solutions to our most vulnerable patient populations. Our holistic approach addresses the physical, mental and social needs of our patients wherever they may be - helping patients access and navigate care anytime and anywhere. We're connecting care to create a seamless health journey for patients across care settings. Join our team, it's your chance to improve the lives of millions while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

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

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer 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 us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $112,700 to $193,200 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

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.

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.

UnitedHealth Group 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.

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