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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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…