Behavioral Health Associate Manager Clinical Health Services - Field NJ

We’re building a world of health around every individual — shaping a more connected, convenient and compassionate health experience. At CVS Health®, you’ll be surrounded by passionate colleagues who care deeply, innovate with purpose, hold ourselves accountable and prioritize safety and quality in everything we do. Join us and be part of something bigger – helping to simplify health care one person, one family and one community at a time.

Position Summary:

The Behavioral Health Associate Manager, Clinical Health Services provides clinical and operational leadership for Aetna’s Integrated Care Management (ICM) Behavioral Health Program in New Jersey. This role leads and supervises a team of care managers supporting Medicaid members with complex behavioral and physical health needs, ensuring high‑quality, coordinated, and compliant care across the continuum.

As a Behavioral Health Subject Matter Expert, the Associate Manager drives best practices, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement while guiding teams through change in a fast‑paced environment. This position is primarily remote with occasional in‑person meetings and field visits, and plays a critical role in audit readiness, program performance, and member outcomes.

The ideal candidate is a forward‑thinking, collaborative leader who builds trust, motivates teams, and champions continuous improvement. This position demands a commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability, along with the ability to lead teams through transformation with empathy, clarity, and vision.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and support the Integrated Care Management Behavioral Health Program, supervising and mentoring a team of care managers.

• Guide high‑quality, coordinated care for members with behavioral and physical health needs.

• Serve as a behavioral health expert, promoting best practices and strong clinical judgment.

• Ensure regulatory compliance and audit readiness while driving continuous quality improvement.

• Collaborate with providers, community partners, and internal teams to improve outcomes.

• Develop and motivate staff, lead through change, and support a positive team culture.

• Use data and insights to improve performance and member care.

• Travel within New Jersey as needed for visits and audits (up to 50–75%).

Required Qualifications:

• 3 or more years of leadership experience managing a team

• 3 or more years’ experience in clinical area of expertise; pediatric, special needs and adult population

• 2 or more years experience serving chronically ill populations with mental health and/or Substance Use Disorders

• 2 or more years of care management experience in managed care

• 1or more year of discharge planning and/or home health care coordination experience

• Independently Licensed in NJ (LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker or LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor)

• Must possess reliable transportation and be willing and able to travel up to 75% of the time conducting observational face to face audits in the field and/or assisting and mentoring case managers .Mileage is reimbursed per our company expense reimbursement policy)

Required Core Skills & Competencies:

• Advanced computer literacy with strong proficiency in internal and external systems, virtual platforms, and MS Office Suite

• Strong data‑gathering, analytical, and interpretive skills to inform sound decision‑making and next steps

• Highly organized, adaptable, and effective in fast‑paced, evolving environments

• Proven ability to think critically, solve problems independently, and navigate complex situations

• Skilled at managing competing priorities and consistently meeting deadlines

• Self‑motivated, dependable, and accountable with minimal oversight

• Positive, forward‑thinking mindset with a continuous improvement approach

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences

• Solid understanding of compliance requirements, with the initiative to independently learn and apply SOPs, contracts, and departmental standards

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy

• Strategic, innovative thinker who brings creative, “outside‑the‑box” solutions to challenges

Preferred Credentials & Experience:

• Certified Case Manager (CCM)

• Proficient in learning and navigating care management and utilization management systems

• Advanced knowledge of NCQA standards and c