Behavioral Health Clinical Program Manager - Remote

Job ID: 99211033392Posted: 2026-08-15Location: San Diego, California, United StatesSalary: $91,700 - $163,700/yearJob Area: BehavioralCompany: UnitedHealth GroupOptum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.The Behavioral Health Program Manager supervises a team of licensed and unlicensed staff focused on behavioral health and emotional well-being navigation and support. This team is primarily responsible for care and case management and utilization review of behavioral health and substance abuse services, which includes risk assessment, de-escalation and intervention, authorizations, concurrent reviews, and coordination and assurance of appropriate levels of care to members. Provides case management services through review and evaluation of inpatient and outpatient behavioral health treatments for medical necessity, emergency status, and quality of care. The manager ensures that the team is functioning at operational effectiveness and efficiency by continuously monitoring team performance and taking corrective action when necessary. The manager will take a leadership role for team in the development of workflow design, technology requirements, and reporting needs to measure performance of operational model. The manager will "flex" to support team functions when schedules or volumes require it. The manager mentors and is a role model who encourages the team to strive toward excellence and professionalism. Schedule: 8:45am - 5:15 Pacific Time weekdays (M-F) with ability to provide on-call clinical support to after hours staff on a rotating basis.You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.Primary Responsibilities:Sets and reinforces member focused team cultureManages a team of licensed and/or Masters' Level behavioral health clinical staff in order to deliver sound clinical decisions and quality documentation to customersSupports authorization & utilization management objectives for both facility-based and outpatient carePrepares reports and analyzes data in order to coach team to meet metrics successfullyPartners with Training & Quality for continued process improvement and skill refinementIdentifies trends and interventions as needed in a positive, change oriented environmentEnsures the timeliness and appropriateness of the services provided by the Clinical Wellbeing Specialists and Research Advisors and to ensure that clinical review activities are conducted in accordance with Optum Health clinical guidelines and care coordination processesGenuine passion for improving a member's behavioral health experienceYou'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 Mental Health Clinician with a master's degree in psychology, social work, counseling or marriage, or family counseling, licensed Ph.D., or an RN with 2+ years of experience in behavioral healthValid independent clinical license5+ years of behavioral health experience post licensure5+ years of management and/or leadership experienceProficient with computer and Windows PC applications (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, One Note, Outlook) which includes the ability to learn new complex computer system applications and programsProven solid written, verbal and interpersonal skillsAbility to use various computer applications and move through computer screens while talking with membersAbility to work 8:45am - 5:15 Pacific Time weekdays (M-F)Ability to provide on-call clinical support to after hours staff on a rotating basisAbility to keep all company sensitive documents secureMust reside in the state of CaliforniaRequired to have a dedicated work area established that is separated and closed off from other living areas and provides information privacyMust live in a location that can receive a UnitedHealth Group approved high-speed internet connection or leverage an existing high-speed internet servicePreferred Qualifications:7+ years of supervisory experienceChild and family experienceSoft Skills:Ability to work with a culturally and geographically diverse populationAble to address a variety of problems and issues as presented by staffAbility to work flexibly and creatively with other professional team membersMental Wellbeing Clinical Program Manager must demonstrate a willingness to support and grow both the culture and mission of Optum and UnitedHealth Group*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 $91,700 to $163,700 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.