VP, Primary Care Operations | Optum MA

Atrius Health and Reliant Medical Group, parts of the Optum family of businesses, are seeking a VP, Primary Care Operations to join our team in Auburndale, MA. Optum is a clinician-led care organization that is changing the way clinicians work and live.

As a member of the Optum Care Delivery team, you'll be an integral part of our vision to make healthcare better for everyone.

At Optum, you'll have the clinical resources, data and support of a global organization behind you so you can help your patients live healthier lives. We believe you deserve an exceptional career, and will empower you to live your best life at work and at home. Experience the fulfillment of advancing the health of your community with the excitement of contributing new practice ideas and initiatives that could help improve care for millions of patients across the country. Because together, we have the power to make health care better for everyone. Join us and discover how rewarding medicine can be while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Position Highlights & Primary Responsibilities:

Under the leadership of the Chief Operating Officer of Optum Massachusetts, the Vice President, Primary Care Operations is responsible for the financial and operational success, including the development, direction, and oversight of all base clinical operational services in the Primary Care Service Lines. In the dual role as the Associate COO, serves as a senior liaison between COO assigned system wide Optum and Optum Massachusetts initiatives or committees. Also, as assigned by COO, expected to lead selected initiatives and projects that may span outside of the primary care role. Leads through the creation and translation of their mission, corporate strategy, and goals to achieve performance excellence in the areas of quality, cost, compliance, patient satisfaction and clinician performance development. This includes long-term planning, including initiatives geared toward operational excellence, optimization of financial position, and adherence to performance standards. The Vice President, Primary Care Operations, will be responsible for leading all financial activity and business development within their area. Supervisory responsibility includes oversight of all clinical operations staff and direct management of operational leaders within their assigned area

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

• Directs and oversees all business management aspects of the specialty. Applies broad management expertise to the development of policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives. Establishes specialty goals, metrics, and management systems. Holds leaders accountable for the successful implementation of initiatives

• Provides strategic advice and recommendations to C-Suite leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of new and/or modified operating policies and practices

• Responsible for implementation of a unified primary care model across Optum Massachusetts

• As Associate CMO participates and represents Optum Massachusetts in cross-organizational or system wide Optum/UHG committees, as requested and assigned by COO. Shares Optum patient-care initiatives and innovations with Optum Massachusetts executive and senior clinical leadership to inform future clinical/operational opportunities

• Strongly collaborates with the Vice President, Complex Primary Care, to understand the complexities of providing leadership across the Primary Care service lines. Seeks opportunities to optimize patient care and clinical outcomes

• With Medical Director(s), develop performance standards, track outcomes, create policies and procedures, and establish metrics

• Partners with the Medical Director(s) to develop collaborative strategies, processes, programs, and solutions to address operational objectives for effective care

• Works directly with Medical Director(s) in establishing initiatives that support the enterprise level goals.

• Develops and leads operational projects or initiatives

• Working within a matrixed reporting structure, maintains accountability in leading the monitoring and assessment of operations. Ensures that activities reflect strategic and operational priorities of the organization.

• Accountable for the budget and finances of their applicable area. Develops, monitors, and audits the annual budget. Utilizes understanding of business climate to project future revenue. Anticipates and reacts to changes in financial returns and ensures costs are monitored and controlled. Works collaboratively with leadership in support of staff budgeting and hiring decisions

• Partners with Vice President, Operations Support for all Capital Budgeting, new business planning and analysis for applicable areas. Works closely with each site to ensure operational workflows are optimized.

• Develops and implements plans within areas of responsibility to respond to changing programs, fluctuating patient volume, staffing and related issues

• Collaborate, promotes, and safeguards operational interests with external entities and vendors, such as other physician groups, practices, hospitals, service providers and other health care organizations

• Under the guidance of the Vice President, Operations Support, creates and leads favorable negotiation and management of strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and contractual relationships with community based and hospital-based physicians. Collaborates with legal staff to finalize contracts

• Partners with the Vice President, Operations Support team to identify space and real estate opportunities that support needs for new and existing clinical programs/departments. Conducts space needs planning, renovation, moves, etc., in partnership with Facilities Management.

• Collaborates with human resources on Human Resources issues; hires new staff; addresses employee relations issues consistent with policy; ensures that all specialty staff members receive appropriate orientation and training; and ensures that company policies and procedures, state and federal laws, and union guidelines are followed within the specialty. Promotes diversity and EEO/AA programs, monitors and reviews job performance and oversees fair, equitable and market competitive compensation

• Direct and supervise assigned personnel. Selects, educates/orients, and assigns department staff for the effective utilization and development of relevant skills. Evaluates performance and initiates or recommends personnel actions such as merit increase, promotions, transfers, disciplinary or similar actions. Encourages professional growth and development

• Responsible for managing to unified staffing model across all of primary care

• Assumes significant leadership role for the creation and implementation of initiatives and principles throughout specialties. Leads team to collaborate across practice sites to create and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Assess workflows to develop best practices and process improvement. Streamlines processes, eliminating non-value-added work and reviews and monitors progress via relevant metrics and the continual refining of work processes to achieve greater efficiencies

• Participates in cross-organizational standing committees and meetings related to policy, strategy development, and leadership that impact operations

• Performs other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises large group of clinical operations exempt and nonexempt staff, including subordinate supervisors and managers. Carries out supervisory responsibilities within areas of responsibility in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Provides direction and support to staff to assure departmental effectiveness and efficiency. Responsibilities include interviewing, selecting, orienting, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; evaluating performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; reviewing personnel actions of subordinates and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

What makes an Optum organization different?

• Be part of a best-in-class employee experience that enables you to practice at the top of your license  

• We believe that better care for clinicians equates to better care for patients 

• We are influencing change collectively on a national scale while still maintaining the culture and community of our local care organizations 

• Practice medicine autonomously in an ambulatory setting partnering with primary care, with a sustainable and thriving national health care organization

Atrius Health is a physician-led healthcare leader. We are nationally recognized for transforming healthcare through clinical innovations, quality improvement and a commitment to value-based care. Atrius Health delivers an effective system of connected care at practice locations in eastern and central Massachusetts. We recognize the importance of a team-based delivery model, where primary & specialty care providers collaborate with hospital partners, community specialists and skilled nursing facilities - all working together to deliver high-quality care to every patient we serve. Together, we're making health care work better for everyone. 

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:

EDUCATION/LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) required. Master's degree (or equivalent) in business or health administration required.

EXPERIENCE

• Skills and experience typically acquired through at least 10 years of healthcare operational and business management experience in progressively responsible roles, including at least 5 years in high level clinical operations management preferably in an outpatient multi-specialty medical group practice environment.

• Experience in working with a large physician group, practice managing through influence and collaboration.

• Supervisory experience, over administrative and clinical staff required.

• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations related to the health care industry.

SKILLS

• Demonstrated and advanced analytics and business expertise (i.e. Business Plan Development, Budget Development & Analysis). Excellent oral and written interpersonal communication skills. Strong leadership, facilitation, coaching and networking skills. Ability to inspire and motivate teams. Works collaboratively and ensures collaboration among team members. Demonstrated decision-making and problem-solving skills. Uses analytic thinking to make critical decisions. Demonstrated success in managing complex initiatives and projects.

• As the most senior operational leader within these programs is expected to function with a high degree of independence, under minimal supervision, with full authority for independent decision-making within his/her scope of responsibility.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Able to use all electronic tools and applications relevant to the performance of the duties of the position, including but not limited to phone, keyboard, computer, and computer applications. Performs all job functions in compliance with applicable federal, state, local and company policies and procedures. Accesses only the minimum necessary protected health information (PHI) for the performance of job duties. Actively protects the confidentiality and privacy of all protected health information they access in all its forms (written, verbal, and electronic, etc.) taking reasonable precautions to prohibit unauthorized access. Complies with all Atrius Health and departmental privacy policies, procedures, and protocols. Follows HIPAA privacy guidelines without deviation when handling protected health information.

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Busy hybrid office environment with frequent deadlines and interruptions.

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 $159,300 - $273,200 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are 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 and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.