Psychiatrist

Acentra Health exists to empower better health outcomes through technology, services, and clinical expertise. Our mission is to innovate health solutions that deliver maximum value and impact.

Lead the Way is our rallying cry at Acentra Health. Think of it as an open invitation to embrace the mission of the company; to actively engage in problem-solving; and to take ownership of your work every day. Acentra Health offers you unparalleled opportunities. In fact, you have all you need to take charge of your career and accelerate better outcomes - making this a great time to join our team of passionate individuals dedicated to being a vital partner for health solutions in the public sector.

Acentra Health is looking for a Psychiatrist to join our growing team.

Job Summary:

The Psychiatrist provides clinical leadership and psychiatric expertise to support utilization management, peer review, and quality improvement initiatives for Arkansas Medicaid programs. This position collaborates with state agencies, healthcare providers, and internal stakeholders to evaluate medical necessity, support clinical decision-making, enhance behavioral health services, and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and contractual requirements.

Position Details:

This is a full-time, contingent hire supporting the new Arkansas Utilization Management (UM) RFP, meaning that employment is contingent upon contract award. The position will be based onsite at the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) office in downtown Little Rock, within the Division of Medical Services. Occasional remote work may be permitted at the discretion of DHS. In-state travel of up to 10% may be required.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the psychiatric subject matter expert for specialty populations, providing clinical leadership and consultation on behavioral health services.
• Provide clinical expertise and support for PASSE performance improvement plans, quality measures, and related initiatives.
• Consult on mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) service development, child psychiatric residential improvements, adolescent SUD services, and youth psychotropic medication monitoring initiatives.
• Conduct and document peer-to-peer physician consultations to evaluate medical necessity and support appropriate clinical determinations.
• Provide clinical expertise in developing program goals, policies, strategic initiatives, and clinical improvement plans.
• Represent the organization in state appeal processes, providing psychiatric expertise and clinical recommendations as needed.
• Review and analyze medical information, clinical trends, and program outcomes to identify opportunities for quality and service improvements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements while staying informed of federal, state, and local healthcare regulations and legislation.
• Represent the organization at professional conferences, seminars, medical staff meetings, and other relevant professional forums.
• Conduct clinical assessments of psychological, emotional, behavioral, and physical functioning to support psychiatric diagnoses and appropriate level of care recommendations.
• Read, understand, and adhere to all corporate policies, including policies related to HIPAA and its Privacy and Security Rules.

The list of responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other education- and experience-related duties that management may deem necessary from time to time.

Required Qualifications

• Board-certified or board-eligible Psychiatrist with an active, unrestricted license to practice medicine in the State of Arkansas

• 2+ years of clinical practice experience in Arkansas within the past 5 years

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Utilization Management and Case Management

• Knowledge of Medicaid, Medicare, and public sector healthcare programs, with experience supporting Medicaid initiatives and managing complex projects

• Familiarity with the Mental Health Parity Rule regarding mental health and substance use disorder services

• Knowledge of psychiatric disorders as defined by the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), including standards of practice related to psychiatric assessments and level of care determinations for inpatient psychiatric services

• Experience with child and adolescent psychotropic medication management

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook, as well as web-based software and computer systems

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal staff, healthcare professionals, patients, families, and support groups

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize and execute tasks accurately and efficiently

Why us?

We are a team of experienced and caring leaders, clinicians, pioneering technologists, and industry professionals who come together to redefine expectations for the healthcare industry. State and federal healthcare agencies, providers, and employers turn to us as their vital partner to ensure better healthcare and improve health outcomes.

We do this through our people.

You will have meaningful work that genuinely improves people's lives across the country. We are a company that cares about our employees, and we give you the tools and encouragement you need to achieve the finest work of your career.

Benefits

Benefits are a key component of your rewards package. Our benefits are designed to provide you with additional protection, security, and support for both your career and your life away from work. Our benefits include comprehensive health plans, paid time off, retirement savings, corporate wellness, educational assistance, corporate discounts, and more.

Thank You!

We know your time is valuable and we thank you for applying for this position. Due to the high volume of applicants, only those who are chosen to advance in our interview process will be contacted. We sincerely appreciate your interest in Acentra Health and invite you to apply to future openings that may be of interest. Best of luck in your search!

~ The Acentra Health Talent Acquisition Team

Visit us at https://careers.acentra.com/jobs

EEO AA M/F/Vet/Disability

Acentra Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.

Experience in Lieu of Degree

For non-clinical roles, or when not required by the contract specifically, the Company acknowledges that practical, hands-on experience can provide skills and competencies equivalent to formal education. As such, in cases where a Bachelor's degree may be required, the Company will accept a minimum of six (6) years of directly relevant professional experience in lieu of a degree. In instances where the candidate has an Associate's degree, the Company will accept a minimum of three (3) years of directly relevant professional experience in lieu of the Bachelor's degree.

Compensation

The pay range for this position is listed below.

"Based on our compensation philosophy, an applicant's position placement in the pay range will depend on various considerations, such as years of applicable experience and skill level."

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