Remote Clinical Pharmacist – Telehealth Medication Management Specialist for Optum’s Clinical Stars Team (STAR‑Rated Care & Adherence)

Why Optum? A Global Leader Transforming Health Through Innovation

Optum, a pivotal arm of UnitedHealth Group, is at the forefront of reshaping how millions of people access and experience health care. By marrying cutting‑edge technology with compassionate clinical expertise, Optum delivers integrated solutions that span pharmacy benefits, data analytics, and population health management. Our mission—“help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone”—drives every initiative, from telehealth medication adherence programs to comprehensive medication reviews for seniors. As a Remote Clinical Pharmacist on the award‑winning Clinical Stars Team, you will be a catalyst for change, directly influencing health outcomes for diverse members across the United States.

Team Spotlight: The Clinical Stars Team

The Clinical Stars Team is a high‑performing, multidisciplinary group dedicated to elevating medication safety, adherence, and therapeutic outcomes. Our core services include:

• UnitedHealthcare at Home (UAH) Strategic Medication Adherence Outreach – proactive calls that identify and resolve barriers to medication use.
• Care of Older Adults (COA) Medication Reviews & Health Assessments – detailed, evidence‑based evaluations tailored to the unique needs of senior patients.
• Specialty Provider Consultation (SUPD/SPC) – collaborative support for advanced practice clinicians (APCs) navigating complex regimens.
• Comprehensive Medication Management (CMM) – continuous monitoring, education, and optimization across chronic disease states such as diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia.

All of these services are delivered via a secure, HIPAA‑compliant telephonic platform, allowing you to make a measurable impact without leaving your home office.

Role Overview: Remote Clinical Pharmacist – Telehealth Medication Management Specialist

Reporting to the Clinical Team Manager (CTM) within Optum Enterprise Care Services, you will serve as a clinical consultant for members enrolled in the UAH program and other Optum initiatives. Your daily workflow will involve conducting thorough medication consultations, providing adherence counseling, screening for drug‑drug interactions, and delivering disease‑state education. You will collaborate closely with prescribing providers, pharmacy partners, and fellow clinicians—both virtually and in person—to ensure each member receives a personalized, health‑literacy‑focused experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct high‑quality medication consults with members via telephone, consistently exceeding internal and external quality metrics for UAH, COA, and SUPD/SPC programs.
• Identify and dismantle medication adherence barriers by engaging patients, providers, and pharmacies to improve STAR ratings and overall health outcomes.
• Apply a health‑literacy‑centric communication style that empowers members to understand and manage their therapy confidently.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary clinical team, participating in virtual huddles, case reviews, and peer coaching sessions.
• Guide patients through therapy initiation and maintenance, offering education, utilization optimization, and adherence support.
• Achieve and surpass production metrics on a weekly and monthly basis, demonstrating efficiency without compromising quality.
• Maintain superior quality, health‑literacy, and adherence metrics as defined by Optum’s performance dashboards.
• Support Advanced Practice Clinicians (APCs) in the field through real‑time telephonic consultation, enriching the broader care continuum.
• Participate in targeted campaigns—seasonal flu outreach, chronic disease initiatives, or specialty drug adherence drives—assigned by the CTM.
• Engage in ongoing professional development through coaching, webinars, and performance feedback loops.

Essential Qualifications

• Current, unrestricted, active pharmacist license in the state where you will practice.
• Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an ACPE‑accredited program and successful completion of the NAPLEX.
• Minimum of 1 year of clinical pharmacy practice with a focus on patient counseling, medication therapy management, or chronic disease state management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) – at least 2 years of hands‑on experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex pharmacological concepts in plain language.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while thriving as a collaborative team member.

Preferred Qualifications & Distinguishing Attributes

• Post‑graduate training such as a pharmacy residency, fellowship, or board certification (BPS) in a specialty area.
• Advanced degree (MBA, MPH, or related) that enhances strategic thinking and health‑policy insight.
• Certification as a Geriatric Pharmacist (CSGP) or similar credential.
• Experience in a call‑center environment, with at least 1 year of telephonic patient engagement.
• Hands‑on experience with Medication Therapy Management (MTM) and Comprehensive Medication Reviews (CMR).
• Familiarity with Medicare STAR ratings, HEDIS measures, and quality‑based performance reporting.
• Multilingual abilities (Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese) to broaden member reach.
• Active, unrestricted pharmacy license in a restricted‑state jurisdiction (AL, ID, KY, LA, MD, OR, TN, VT).
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with a proven record of building rapport across diverse patient populations.

Core Skills & Competencies for Success

• Clinical Acumen – thorough understanding of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and evidence‑based therapeutic guidelines.
• Health‑Literacy Expertise – ability to translate technical information into actionable, patient‑friendly language.
• Analytical Thinking – skill in reviewing medication regimens, identifying potential interactions, and recommending safe alternatives.
• Technology Fluency – comfort navigating telehealth platforms, electronic health records (EHR), and data dashboards.
• Time Management & Prioritization – capacity to handle multiple consults while meeting strict productivity targets.
• Collaboration & Teamwork – openness to feedback, willingness to share knowledge, and enthusiasm for joint problem‑solving.
• Regulatory Awareness – knowledge of HIPAA, state pharmacy laws, and Optum’s telecommuter policies.

Work Environment & Culture: A Remote Community That Feels Local

Optum embraces a flexible, results‑driven remote work model. While you will enjoy the autonomy of a home office, you will also be part of a vibrant, virtual community that prioritizes:

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) – fostering an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered.
• Continuous Learning – access to internal training portals, external certification reimbursements, and mentorship programs.
• Well‑Being Initiatives – mental‑health resources, virtual wellness challenges, and employee assistance programs.
• Recognition & Rewards – performance‑based incentives, star‑recognition awards, and peer‑nominated honors.
• Innovation Culture – opportunities to contribute to pilot projects, data analytics collaborations, and new service line development.

Your workspace must be a private, HIPAA‑compliant area free from distractions and capable of supporting a secure, high‑speed wired internet connection. Childcare is not permitted during work hours to maintain confidentiality standards.

Compensation, Benefits & Perks

Optum offers a competitive salary range of $88,000 – $173,200 annually, calibrated to factors such as geographic market, experience, education, and professional certifications. In addition to base pay, you can anticipate a robust benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options.
• Prescription drug benefits and medication discounts.
• Retirement savings plans (401(k)) with company matching contributions.
• Equity Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) and potential performance‑based bonuses.
• Paid time off (PTO), holidays, and flexible scheduling.
• Continuing education reimbursement, certification exam fees, and professional association memberships.
• Employee assistance programs (EAP) for counseling, legal, and financial advice.
• Wellness incentives such as gym‑membership stipends and virtual fitness classes.

Career Growth & Development Pathways

Optum invests heavily in the long‑term success of its clinical talent. As a Remote Clinical Pharmacist, you will have access to a clear advancement trajectory that may include:

• Senior Clinical Pharmacist or Clinical Lead – overseeing a cohort of pharmacists, driving quality improvement initiatives, and shaping clinical protocols.
• Pharmacy Operations Manager – managing multi‑state telephonic operations, budgeting, and strategic planning.
• Clinical Program Director – steering large‑scale population health programs, collaborating with cross‑functional leaders, and influencing enterprise‑wide strategies.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) – specializing in therapeutic areas such as oncology, cardiology, or geriatrics, and providing thought leadership.
• Health‑Policy Analyst or Consultant – leveraging clinical expertise to inform payer policies, regulatory compliance, and value‑based care models.

These pathways are supported by mentorship, leadership development workshops, and opportunities to present at internal symposiums or external conferences.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Optum’s DEI philosophy is woven into every facet of our operations. We recognize that a diverse workforce fuels innovation and that equitable care improves health outcomes for all communities. As part of our team, you will benefit from:

• Employee resource groups (ERGs) focused on race, ethnicity, gender identity, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and disability advocacy.
• Regular DEI training sessions, unconscious bias workshops, and inclusive leadership curricula.
• Transparent reporting on diversity metrics and continuous improvement initiatives.

Optum is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic.

How to Apply & Next Steps

If you are a passionate, patient‑focused pharmacist ready to make a tangible difference in the lives of millions, we encourage you to submit your application now. Please include an up‑to‑date resume, a cover letter that highlights your telephonic counseling experience, and any relevant certifications (e.g., BPS, CSGP, language proficiency).

Our recruitment team will review applications on a rolling basis and reach out to qualified candidates for virtual interviews. Remember, this posting remains open for a minimum of two business days or until we have assembled a robust candidate pool. Early submission is recommended to secure consideration.

Take the next step in your career—join Optum’s Clinical Stars Team and help shape a healthier future for the nation.

Apply Now