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Behavioral Medical Director - Remote

UnitedHealth Group
401(k)
United States, New York, New York
Oct 29, 2025

Optum 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 Medical Director is responsible for overseeing and guiding the Utilization Management team. This individual will interact directly with Psychiatrists, Behavioral Health Providers, and other clinical professionals, such as Psychiatric Nurses, who consult on various complex clinical scenarios, processes and programs. The Behavioral Medical Director is part of a team that manages development and implementation of evidence-based treatments and medical expense initiatives and will also advise leadership on system improvement opportunities. They are responsible for timely peer reviews, appeals and consultations with providers and other community-based clinicians, including general practitioners, and will work collaboratively with utilization management, care management, quality, account management, and operations teams.

You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Ensuring delivery of cost-effective quality care that incorporates recovery, resiliency, and person-centered services
  • Implementation of Level of Care guidelines and Utilization Management protocols
  • Provide clinical oversight and support to the clinical staff, oversee the management of services at all levels of care in the benefit plan
  • Keep current regarding Evidence Based Practices and treatment philosophies including those that address Recovery and Resilience

The Behavioral Medical Director will support:

  • Clinical review and oversight of behavioral health cases in collaboration with multidisciplinary team members
  • Peer-to-peer consultations
  • Compliance with state regulations and licensure
  • Quality assurance and audit readiness for accreditation

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:

  • Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy
  • Current license to practice as a physician without restrictions and willing to maintain necessary credentials to retain the position
  • Board certified in Psychiatry and willing to maintain credentials
  • Experience working in a multidisciplinary clinical team
  • Knowledge of post-discharge care planning such as home care, discharge planning, care management, and disease management
  • Computer and typing proficiency, data analysis, and organizational skills
  • Demonstrated ability to positively interact with other clinicians, management, and all levels of medical and non-medical professionals
  • Demonstrated understanding of the clinical application of the principles of engagement, empowerment, rehabilitation, and recovery
  • Demonstrated competence in use of electronic health records as well as associated technology and applications
  • Proven solid interpersonal skills with ability to communicate and build positive relationships with colleagues
  • Participate in rotational holiday and call coverage

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Board certification in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry or Addiction Medicine
  • 3+ years of experience as a practicing psychiatrist post residency
  • Managed care experience to include familiarity with Utilization Management guidelines
  • Familiar with behavioral services within the NY, NJ, CT Tri-State area; to include active licensure
  • Understanding of Medical Behavioral Integration and Whole Person Care concepts and application
  • Willing to obtain additional state licensure, with support

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

Compensation for this specialty generally ranges from $258,000 to $423,000. Total cash compensation includes base pay and bonus and is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience and may increase over time based on productivity and performance in the role. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. 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.

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.

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