Jessica Baron, LCSW

Clinical Operations Leadership: Directed a high-performing team of clinicians overseeing utilization reviews for ABA treatment requests, strengthening compliance, clinical appropriateness, and timely authorization decisions.

Quality & Performance Optimization: Elevated team effectiveness by analyzing performance metrics, conducting structured reviews, and coaching staff- resulting in stronger decision accuracy, workflow consistency, and service reliability.

Cross-Functional Systems Alignment: Partnered with Community&State markets, networks, case managers, psychologists and commercial business partners to streamline ABA service pathways and close operational gaps.

Strategic Program Advancement: Led QBR preparation, client audits, and high-utilizer strategies that informed business decisions, improved clinical outcomes, and supported payer accountability.

Team Culture & Engagement: Facilitated team meetings, learning sessions, and engagement activities that strengthened professional development, staff morale, and alignment with organizational priorities.

Regulatory & Compliance Stewardship: Oversaw electronic and telephonic review queues to maintain standards and ensure adherence to state, federal, and payer regulations.

Workflow & Process Innovation: Designed workflows, job aides, and process enhancements that increased operational efficiency and reduced turnaround times for ABA-related requests.

Family Support Program Development: Co-created a support program integrating clinical best practices and caregiver insights, expanding Optum's ability to meet family needs holistically.

Talent Development & Onboarding: Managed recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding processes- building a cohesive, well-trained team prepared to meet performance and compliance expectations.

Root Cause & Escalation Resolution: Addressed internal and external escalations with a systems-level lens, identifying core issues and implementing sustainable solutions that improved service delivery.

Program Development & Management: Managed the Extended Assessment Services program including supervision of clinical staff conducting assessments on children and adolescents.

Cross-Functional Alignment: Collaborated with clinical teams, caregivers, and external partners to ensure appropriate service delivery.

Program Budget: Developed program budgets and operational frameworks aligning company resources and strategic goals.

Clinical Supervision: Directed a high-performing team of clinicians conducting assessments and delivering services to children and adolescents in a behavioral health system.

Clinical Services: Provided individual, group, and family therapy to adolescents in placement with emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric issues.

Team Development: Led interdisciplinary team in assessment, treatment planning, implementation, and discharge coordination for residential youth.

Compliance: Ensured timely and accurate documentation met agency and state guidelines.

Counselor: Conducted individual and group counseling to adolescents in a partial hospital program. Counseled adults with a dual diagnosis and their families.

Case Management: Assisted with discharge and aftercare planning to ensure success upon completion of the program.