Program Specialist Sr. (Behavioral Health)

Posted Date

6/8/2023

Department(s): Behavioral Health Integration

Reports to: Manager, Behavioral Health

FLSA status: Non-Exempt

Salary Grade: I - $61,000 - $99,110

About CalOptima Health

CalOptima Health is the single largest health plan in Orange County, serving one in four residents. Our motto — "Better. Together.” — is at the heart of our mission to serve members with excellence, dignity and respect. We are a public agency made up of compassionate leaders and professionals working together to strengthen our community’s health. We are continuing to build a culture that promotes diversity and inclusion within our community where employees have a sense of belonging, and are valued for their ideas, contributions, and their unique individual perspectives they bring. CalOptima Health has been recognized as one of Orange County’s best places to work, so we know there is something special about our organization. It is why people choose to work here and why they choose to stay!

About The Position

The Program Specialist Sr. will manage various projects related to Behavioral Health (BH) initiatives and assist in the coordination of key strategies to effectively enhance the delivery of behavioral health services. The incumbent’s primary responsibilities will include, but not be limited to planning, researching, coordinating and analyzing behavioral health projects. The incumbent will support CalOptima Health’s activities to improve access and awareness of BH services and collaborate with other departments to implement projects and/or new programs.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conducts detailed data analysis on the outcomes and effectiveness of new program developments for behavioral health activities.
• Completes other projects and duties as assigned.
• Presents research findings to internal and external committees in a clear and concise manner.
• Assists in the development of integrated strategies to increase the delivery of access to care.
• Supports program development, implementation and evaluation of behavioral health projects and reports.
• Coordinates with necessary individuals to address potential barriers.
• Develops comprehensive written research findings.
• Assists the team in carrying out department responsibilities and collaborates with others to support short and long-term goals/priorities for the department.
• Identifies and analyzes potential barriers for behavioral health projects and reports.
• Leads and/or participates on cross-functional teams responsible for the identification, implementation and evaluation of various behavioral health projects, activities and reports.
• Participates in a mission driven culture of high-quality performance, with a member focus on customer service, consistency, dignity and accountability.

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health related field required.
• Experience with Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS), National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Department Health Care Services (DHCS) and other quality performance standards required.
• Strong computer skills and experience working with Microsoft Word, Excel, Visio and PowerPoint required.
• 3 years of professional experience in a managed health care organization required.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position such as those listed above is also qualifying.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and in one of CalOptima Health's defined threshold languages (Arabic, Farsi, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese).

Physical Demands And Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work Environment: Typical office environment with minimal to moderate noise levels and controlled office temperatures. Fast paced work environment; ability to juggle multiple priorities is often required.
• Physical demands: While performing duties of job, employee is required to move about the organization. Employee must be able to sit for extended periods of time, as well as work at the computer for long periods. Employee is required to use hands and fingers, especially for typing on the computer and using the mouse. Must also be able to reach with hands and arms and must occasionally lift office supply boxes. Employee must be able to communicate, particularly for regular phone use and in meetings. Occasional travel may be required.

About Our Benefits & Wellness Options

At CalOptima Health, we know that a healthy and happy workforce is a thriving workforce, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including participation in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), low-cost medical/vision/dental insurance options, and paid time off. To support quality work-life balance, we allow flexible scheduling during core business hours, telework options for some positions, work schedules that allow every other Monday or Friday off (9/80 schedule), and a wellness program featuring diverse activities. Additionally, CalOptima Health contributes 4% of pensionable earnings to a 401(a) retirement program with no required employee contribution. Employees also have access to 457(b) retirement plans with pre/post-tax contribution options.

CalOptima is an equal employment opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit. CalOptima wants to have qualified employees in every job position. CalOptima prohibits unlawful discrimination against any employee, or applicant for employment, based on race, religion/religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, sex stereotype, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transitioning status, age, sexual orientation, immigration status, military status as a disabled veteran, or veteran of the Vietnam era, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. CalOptima also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has, or is perceived as having, any of those characteristics.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability.

Tracking Code

4318-117