Program Specialist; Behavioral Health

Overview

The Program Specialist (Behavioral Health) role with Cal Optima is a mission-driven, community-based organization focused on member health with excellence and dignity. This position supports behavioral health (BH) services and helps shape quality initiatives in collaboration with providers, community partners, and local stakeholders. Partial telework is approved.

• Support various BH projects and initiatives; assist in coordinating key strategies to enhance BH service delivery.
• Participate in and support BH work groups, activities, and projects focused on implementing targeted quality initiatives to improve access to care, awareness, and understanding of BH services.
• Contribute to building a stronger, more equitable health system through collaboration.

• Program Support (95%):
• Participate in a mission-driven culture with a focus on customer service, dignity, and accountability.
• Assist the team with department responsibilities and support short- and long-term goals.
• Review, monitor, and track quality data (e.g., HEDIS, member/provider experience) to identify performance gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Assist with creating/updating project plans, process flows, and project materials; manage action plans and intervention logs.
• Develop member and provider communication pieces; support health fairs, continuing education events, material requests, and educational sessions.
• Conduct research on BH topics, interventions, and best practices.
• Attend/support cross-functional quality improvement teams responsible for BH projects and reports.

• Other (5%):
• Complete other projects and duties as assigned.

Required:
High school diploma or equivalent plus 2 years of experience in the healthcare industry (preferably behavioral health, quality, population health, and/or health equity public health); equivalent education/experience may qualify. Experience working with underserved populations to reduce health care disparities. Must have access to transportation for work away from primary office about 20% of the time.

Preferred:
Bachelor’s degree in public health, health policy, health care, public policy administration or related field. Bilingual in English and one of Cal Optima Health’s defined threshold languages (Arabic, Farsi, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese).

What the regulatory agencies need you to possess: n/a.

• Develop rapport and establish effective working relationships with Cal Optima Health leadership, staff, and external contacts from diverse backgrounds.
• Work independently, exercise sound judgment, and communicate clearly in writing and orally.
• Flexible schedule; available for evening and weekend events.
• Organize, analyze, problem-solve, and manage projects; work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Manage multiple projects and foster internal/external collaboration; motivate and lead multi-program teams and external committees/coalitions.
• Proficient in computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office) and job-specific applications.

• Ability to read information on screens and printed materials; clear spoken communication; hearing for verbal interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, and movement; ability to lift/move objects 10–25 pounds.

Salary range is included in the posting; final salary based on education, job-related knowledge, experience, and internal equity. This position is approved for Partial Telework (telework eligible in California).

• Comprehensive benefits package;
  CalPERS pension program and retirement options; generous PTO; wellness programs; tuition reimbursement; professional and career development opportunities; flexible scheduling; meaningful work impacting healthcare access.
• Salary range:
  Pay Grade 305 - $55,966 - $83,949 ($26.91 - $40.36 hourly). Final salary determined by qualifications and internal equity.

Depending on location (500/505 Building, remote, PACE, or community), the environment varies from indoor/sedentary with travel to potentially more hazardous conditions and moderate to loud noise levels. Travel as needed.

What to expect: applications accepted on a continuous basis until qualified applicants are found. First review at 9:00 PM (PST). Early application recommended; post-deadline applications may not be considered. Selection may include skills assessment, phone screen, and interview; background checks and drug tests may be required for offers. Internal Cal Optima Health applicants should apply through the internal portal on Info Net. Updates will be provided via the candidate portal and email (check spam).

Cal Optima Health is an equal opportunity employer and maintains a diverse, inclusive workplace. Reasonable accommodations available for applicants with disabilities.

How to Apply:
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