Stephanie L. Mulfinger, LCSW, FHELA
Oakland,NJ
Summary
Recognized leader in NJ State behavioral healthcare. Demonstrated results enhancing an organization's effectiveness through key skills in staff supervision, organizational and operational systems, building strategic relationships, and written and verbal communication. Able to multi-task and excel in fast-paced settings leading to repeated promotional opportunities.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Behavioral Health Services
UNITEDHEALTHCARE COMMUNTIY PLAN
01.2019 - Current
- Primary representative and liaison to internal and external stakeholders for all behavioral health issues
- Sets Government Sector behavioral health team direction, provides guidance and resolves problems
- Monitors performance trends to forecast and provide input into future strategic planning.
Director of Network Development
BEACON HEALTH OPTIONS on behalf of HORIZON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
03.2016 - 01.2019
- Custom-created position integrating clinical and operational provider performance.
- Managed all areas of Beacon Health Options ancillary facility provider network relations and contracting processes for Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ, Horizon NJ Health and Beacon Health Options NJ lines of business
- Collaborated effectively with cross-operational teams to develop and evaluate customized network strategies focused on quality and value based relationships with facilities
- Developed and maintained ongoing provider relationships to proactively strategize and maximize clinical and administrative outcomes
- Member of Beacon Project Echo MAT OUD Treatment Hub
- Co-lead workgroup that developed internal and external MAT OUD treatment reference documents.
Assistant Chief Operating Officer
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION IN NEW JERSEY
01.2016 - 03.2016
- Participated with Executive Management Team in all aspects of agency operations, including policy development/revision
- Managed Director level staff for: Statewide Call Center, Employment Resource Institute, Community Education, NJ Mental Health Players, and Union County and Hudson County satellite offices, with programs including Peer Outreach Support Teams, Intensive Family Support Services and Self-help Centers
- Oversight of Disaster Response Crisis Counselor program operations and primary liaison with NJ DMHAS Disaster and Terrorism Branch (DTB).
Director of Call Center Services
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION IN NEW JERSEY
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Managed all operational and clinical aspects of 5 statewide behavioral health information and counseling lines, associated website and public database
- Developed and managed publicly and privately funded projects, including budgets, staffing plans, and training materials
- Hired and provided supervision for clinical, peer, and administrative staff. Created and delivered staff education
- Awarded NJ Self-Help Clearinghouse funding contract 2016
- Achieved first call center national accreditation, with Contact USA, December 2014
- Launched privately funded, co-occurring behavioral health/substance abuse line December 2014
- Repeatedly represented organization and in news publications and radio shows, including 2 appearances with Steve Adubato.
Senior Coordinator, Call Center Services
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION IN NEW JERSEY
01.2011 - 01.2013
- In a newly created position, managed all operational and clinical aspects of 4 statewide behavioral health information and counseling lines, associated website and public database
- Established initial integration of professional and peer services
- Created a full employment spectrum of Peer Specialist services to encompass volunteer through management opportunities
- Implemented a structured, effective peer supervision model
- Implemented best practice procedures and tools for suicide assessment
- Implemented best practice substance use screening tool
- Partnered with Screening for Mental Health to become a National Depression Screening Day assessment site and provide year-round behavioral health screening and support
- Responsible for hiring and supervision of professional and peer staff. Reduced Peer staff turnover 75%
- Peer Recovery WarmLine received National Mental Health America Award in 2012
- Implemented successful start-up as National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Provider in 2012
- Awarded SAMHSA National Disaster Distress Helpline Sandy Affected Area Center funding 2013
Coordinator, NJ Mental Health Cares Helpline
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION IN NEW JERSEY
08.2008 - 01.2011
- Managed all operational and clinical aspects of 2 statewide behavioral health information and counseling lines and public database
- Responsible for hiring and providing supervision for professional staff.
Psychiatric Emergency Screening Program
CARE PLUS NJ, INC.
11.2000 - 04.2011
- Per Diem NJ State Certified Mental Health Screener and Child Specialist
- Performed emergency psychiatric and co-occurring assessments in both emergency room and community settings as part of a 24-hour, 7-day per week on call service
- Promoted to shift supervisor.
Program Manager, Prevention Services
CARE PLUS NJ, INC.
01.2005 - 08.2008
- Program development and management, including: Bergen County Traumatic Loss Coalition for Youth, Pre-school Mental Health Consultation Services, Anger Management Program, Bullying and Violence Prevention Services, Trauma Response Services, and Partnership for Children In-Home Services.
Coordinator, Bergen County Traumatic Loss Coalition
CARE PLUS NJ, INC.
03.2002 - 08.2008
- Developed and facilitated a coalition of school, police, mental health, and clergy professionals that met quarterly to network and plan proactively for school crisis response
- Developed and led the County's mutual aid Lead Crisis Response Team
- Scheduled quarterly continuing education speakers and organized an annual professional conference
- Provided educational presentations and consultation to coalition members.
Coordinator, Bullying and Violence Prevention Services
CARE PLUS NJ, INC.
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Provided consultation and educational training to prevent bullying and youth violence to school and community groups
- In 2004-2005 fiscal year exceeded grant quota of 75 consultations and 75 presentations annually
- Beginning in 2005 assumed responsibilities to launch the program as fee for service including developing marketing materials and plan, setting and collecting fees, hiring per-diem staff, and networking with stakeholders in the target populations.
Trauma in Youth Project
CARE PLUS NJ, INC.
01.1994 - 01.2005
- Crisis Response Clinician delivering immediate, on-site individual or group crisis intervention and critical incident debriefing to children who were victims of or witness to trauma
- Provided support and education to families
- Referred clients to ongoing treatment services
- Provided crisis response, consultation, and education services to schools and other organizations.
Coordinator, Federal Youth Violence Prevention Program
CARE PLUS NJ, INC.
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Under SAMHSA grant funding, surveyed a target population of youth at risk for violence
- Based on survey results, researched and implemented an intervention program applicable to youth ages 12-17, their families, and community
- Facilitated bi-monthly county coalition meetings professionals partnering in the project
Outpatient Team Leader
CIGNA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
01.1998 - 03.2002
- Supervised 10 clinical staff members
- Resolved non-routine customer service issues with participants, providers, and employers
- Developed and presented provider training programs in coordination with Professional Relations Manager.
Utilization Management Specialist
CIGNA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
03.1997 - 01.1998
- Reviewed outpatient and inpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment plans to coordinate care directly with providers.
Private Practice Clinician - Part-Time
COLLABORATIVE FAMILY SOLUTIONS
03.1997 - 11.2000
- Practice included individual, family, and group therapy with specialization in children/adolescents and divorce issues.
Full-Time Staff Therapist
WEST BERGEN MENTAL HEALTHCARE
05.1993 - 03.1997
- Delivered individual, family and group therapy, often according to managed care contracts
- Provided mental health consultation services to local daycare center.
Skills
- Solution Focused Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Suicide / Crisis Assessment
- Biopsychosocial Assessment
- Care Coordination and Referral
- Trauma / Crisis Response
- Mental Health and Substance Use Education
Objective
An accomplished leader in both clinical and corporate healthcare settings. Seeking to bring my diverse skill set to part-time EAP work.
Affiliations And Memberships
- NJ State Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Fellow NJ Health Executive Leadership Academy
- NJ State Certified School Social Worker
- National Association of Social Workers
- Certified Mental Health First Aid
- Trained in NJ Family Care Application Process
Education
MS in Social Work
Columbia University, New York, NY
- Cum Laude
- Golden Key National Honor Society
- Dean's List
Duke University, Durham, NC
Interviews and Presentations
One on One With Steve Adubato: "The Relationship Between Addiction and Mental Health"
North Jersey.com:
- "Deadly Violence in NJ: Don't Rush to Blame Mental Illness"
- "Change of Seasons: Weather Reports Create Anxiety"
- "Are You or Someone You Know at Risk for Addiction?"
92.7 WOBM: "Help is a Phone Call Away"
Live From Trenton: "The NJ Connect for Recovery Call Line"
NJ Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies Panel Speaker
NJ Hospital Association Panel Speaker
Verona-Cedar Grove Patch: "Mental Health Association in NJ's Peer Recovery WarmLine Marks 5th Anniversary"
Timeline
Director of Behavioral Health Services
UNITEDHEALTHCARE COMMUNTIY PLAN
01.2019 - Current
Director of Network Development
BEACON HEALTH OPTIONS on behalf of HORIZON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
03.2016 - 01.2019
Assistant Chief Operating Officer
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION IN NEW JERSEY
01.2016 - 03.2016
Director of Call Center Services
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION IN NEW JERSEY
01.2013 - 01.2016
Senior Coordinator, Call Center Services
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION IN NEW JERSEY
01.2011 - 01.2013
Coordinator, NJ Mental Health Cares Helpline
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION IN NEW JERSEY
08.2008 - 01.2011
Program Manager, Prevention Services
CARE PLUS NJ, INC.
01.2005 - 08.2008
Coordinator, Bullying and Violence Prevention Services
CARE PLUS NJ, INC.
01.2004 - 01.2005
Coordinator, Federal Youth Violence Prevention Program
CARE PLUS NJ, INC.
01.2003 - 01.2004
Coordinator, Bergen County Traumatic Loss Coalition
CARE PLUS NJ, INC.
03.2002 - 08.2008
Psychiatric Emergency Screening Program
CARE PLUS NJ, INC.
11.2000 - 04.2011
Outpatient Team Leader
CIGNA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
01.1998 - 03.2002
Utilization Management Specialist
CIGNA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
03.1997 - 01.1998
Private Practice Clinician - Part-Time
COLLABORATIVE FAMILY SOLUTIONS
03.1997 - 11.2000
Trauma in Youth Project
CARE PLUS NJ, INC.
01.1994 - 01.2005
Full-Time Staff Therapist
WEST BERGEN MENTAL HEALTHCARE
05.1993 - 03.1997
Similar Profiles
Joy AndersonJoy Anderson
Clinical Quality RN at UnitedHealthcare Community PlanClinical Quality RN at UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
Dana Carbo-BryantDana Carbo-Bryant
Chief Medical Officer at UnitedHealthcare Community PlanChief Medical Officer at UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
LaMonica JohnsonLaMonica Johnson
Manager of Medical and Clinical Operations at UnitedHealthcare Community PlanManager of Medical and Clinical Operations at UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
Regina ImamalievaRegina Imamalieva
Cashier at Campgaw Mountain Ski AreaCashier at Campgaw Mountain Ski Area
TOMMI PAAVOLATOMMI PAAVOLA
Human Performance Manager at Holy Name Medical Center/HNH FitnessHuman Performance Manager at Holy Name Medical Center/HNH Fitness