UnitedHealth Group

Director of Social Work

UnitedHealth Group$91K — $163K *
Healthcare
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Undergraduate degree in behavioral sciences, preferably a Bachelor’s in Social Work.
  • 10+ years of social work experience, including 5 years in management.
  • Experience with contract language and accreditation guidelines.
  • Willingness to travel up to 30% as required.
  • Strong understanding of Utilization Management guidelines.

Responsibilities

  • Accountable for all social work and behavioral health processes.
  • Ensure compliance with NCQA, URAC, and CMS guidelines.
  • Manage a team of Licensed Social Work and Behavioral Health Managers.
  • Develop operational strategies and organizational priorities.
  • Identify and resolve technical and operational issues.
  • Provide performance oversight and leadership development for managerial staff.
  • Implement training and development protocols for social work staff.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Incentive and recognition programs
  • Equity stock purchase options
  • 401k contribution
  • Opportunities for career development and advancement.
Full Job Description
The Director of Social Work is responsible for successfully planning, organizing and directing Enterprise operations for outpatient Social Work and Behavioral Health within Care Management. The Director coordinates duties with appropriate personnel to meet operational program needs, ensures compliance with state and federal health plan requirements, Medicare guidelines and NCQA standards; develops and implements policy and procedures; updates and integrates current practice guidelines; performs employee counseling, performance appraisals, and oversights employee training and development. The success of this position requires the ability to foster communication and teamwork between social worker teams, physicians and staff, market care management teams, corporate departments, vendors, and senior leadership. The position directs long-term planning and regarding Social Work and Behavioral Health and acts as a resource to all internal and external customers. This position is responsible for oversight and evaluation of all Care Management Social Work and Behavioral Health programs. The Director will report to the Vice President of Care Management and will assist senior leadership with long-term planning initiatives to maintain operations assuring activities are appropriately integrated into strategic direction, as well as the mission and values of the company.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Accountable for end-to-end social work/ behavioral health processes
  • Oversees social work functions and ensures compliance with approved guidelines, government mandated regulations and contractual agreements to include NCQA, URAC and CMS
  • Manages a team of Licensed Social Work/Behavioral Health Mangers providing direction to ensure effective management and support of SW/BH staff
  • Develops functional, market level, and/or site strategy, plans, production and/or organizational priorities
  • Identifies and resolves technical, operational and organizational problems outside their own team
  • Responsible for product, service or process decisions likely to impact entire functions and/or customer accounts (internal or external)
  • Provides leadership to and is accountable for the performance of managers and/or senior level professional staff
  • Review and Implement Social Work protocols for staff oversight and development
  • Leverage clinical acumen to provide guidance to staff
  • Assist staff in navigating the medical management system
  • Provide oversight and review of coordination of care
  • Ensure employees are current with clinical licensure and certifications
  • Develop/oversee/deliver operational or technical training
  • Fosters leadership skills for supervisor positions to ensure aligned management of staff to include the development of future leadership candidates
  • Plan, implement, and manage Social Work /Behavioral Health/Community Health worker programs.
  • Develop policies, procedures, and guidelines for program
  • Review/approve policy and process changes
  • Evaluate regulatory changes and determine steps needed to implement in program
  • Identify and implement business development opportunities to support growth program
  • Oversee/navigate technology applications utilized in the delivery of program
  • Intervene in resolution of member or employee complaints or issues as necessary
  • Create and implement a business continuity plan to minimize interruptions to the business
  • Promotes communication to members by informing them of updates and revision in policies, using training or orientation opportunities, newsletters, or other available resources such as forum presentations
  • Cultivates relationships with internal and external groups in support of member education and knowledge sharing
  • Ensure compliance of Social Work Program and services
  • Interpret compliance/clinical/medical reports
  • Evaluate compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulatory and organizational guidelines
  • Evaluate programs and services against accreditation standards and contractual requirements
  • Oversee ongoing monitoring and internal auditing against relevant guidelines and standards Implement process improvement activities to address areas of non-compliance or ensure procedures are followed
  • Measure employee/provider performance against internal procedures and protocols
  • Ensure team members address gaps in performance against internal procedures and protocols
  • Monitor and evaluate employee performance and productivity
  • Develop operations program goals
  • Develop and communicate performance metrics and expectations
  • Direct data collection and measurement of outcomes
  • Apply metrics to evaluate services, employee performance, and program outcomes
  • Identify causes of performance deficiencies and determine appropriate follow up actions
  • Drive implementation of best practices and standards
  • Plan and manage operations to ensure financial viability
  • Develop operational budgets for medical and clinical operations
  • Evaluate staffing ratios, stratification of care, overtime, agency usage, or level of position to effectively manage labor expenses
  • Read financial reports, identify reasons for financial performance gaps, and identify opportunities for improved financial performance and enhanced return on investment
  • Collect and review data to evaluate financial outcomes of programs and services
  • Conduct cost/benefit analysis on program to drive efficiencies and identify opportunities to enhance financial viability


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:

  • Undergraduate degree in behavioral sciences; preferable a Bachelor's of Science in Social Work; 10+ years of experience in social work with a minimum of 5 years at a management level
  • Experience in contract language, claims, Utilization Management guidelines and accreditation guidelines
  • Ability and willingness to travel both locally and non-locally as determined by business need
  • Ability to travel up to 30% of the time


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's Degree or Higher
  • Active and unrestricted LCSW license in any US state
  • Prior multi-site regional operations management responsibilities
  • Experience with managed care


Physical & Mental Requirements:

  • Ability to sit for extended periods of time
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time
  • Ability to receive and comprehend instructions verbally and/or in writing
  • Ability to use logical reasoning for simple and complex problem solving


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 $91,700 - $163,700 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

About UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group is a medical facility. They offer health technology, health finance, and pharmacy services. They are utilizing clinical data and intelligence to assist in the redesign, automation, and deployment of technology to streamline administrative operations and clinical decision-making. Payment systems for both consumers and providers are critical components of a health-care system.

UnitedHealth Group Careers

Joining UnitedHealth Group means becoming part of a diverse team dedicated to making a difference. As a leader in health services and innovation, our company offers a variety of job opportunities that allow professionals to leverage their skills, drive innovation, and improve lives. Work You’ll Do At UnitedHealth Group, you’ll contribute to a mission-focused environment where your expertise will influence the health and well-being of people worldwide. Our employment opportunities span across a wide range of disciplines, from healthcare specialists to data analysts, ensuring that your career journey is both dynamic and rewarding. Transform Healthcare with Your Expertise UnitedHealth Group stands at the forefront of health innovation. Our team collaborates to deliver solutions that lead to better patient outcomes. Working with us, you’ll find yourself at the intersection of technology, healthcare, and leadership, providing key insights that drive industry transformation. Join Our Global Team As part of our team, you’ll engage with over 300,000 professionals globally, dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. UnitedHealth Group is not just a company; it’s a community where you can grow your career through continuous learning and leadership opportunities. Our commitment to diversity training ensures that every team member can thrive. UnitedHealth Group Career Development We are committed to your professional growth. Explore career paths filled with promising job opportunities and internships that will harness your potential and expand your capabilities. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, you’ll find that our career development programs support your ambition at every level. Innovative Work Environment At UnitedHealth Group, innovation is at the core of our operations. We encourage our team to bring forward-thinking ideas that challenge the status quo and lead to breakthrough improvements in patient care. Be Part of a Great Team Our culture fosters a collaborative and supportive environment where every member’s contribution is valued. Enjoy the benefits of being part of a global team that’s committed to making a difference in people’s lives. Future-Proof Your Career With UnitedHealth Group, your career is future-proof. Dive into a range of positions that offer both challenges and rewards. Our robust support system includes unmatched training, development programs, and certification support to propel your career forward. Stay Connected Join Our Team Discover the right position that matches your skills and interests. We are always hiring and look for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search UnitedHealth Group jobs today and take the first step towards a fulfilling career. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can use today—all from the people who work here. Read Careers Blog Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at UnitedHealth Group.
Learn more about UnitedHealth Group
Size
350,000 employees
Market Cap
$493.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$15.4 billion
Founded
1974
5 Year Trend
+9.2%
Revenue
$257.1 billion
NASDAQ

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