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Kimberly, Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager at California Department of Healthcare Services: Advize Career Interview

A career journey from flexible early jobs to a fulfilling Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager role at the California Department of Healthcare Services is revealed.

Strategic internships and a student assistant position at the department laid the groundwork for success. The role involves overseeing healthcare plan performance, investigating member complaints, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

A typical day blends team check-ins, email management, and independent work reviewing submissions and responding to inquiries. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and strong communication skills are essential.

The hybrid work environment offers a great work-life balance and continuous learning opportunities. The biggest challenge involves navigating internal resources to support external stakeholders.

Impactful contributions to patient care and the passion for helping others are highlighted, with compassion and attention to detail emphasized as keys to thriving in this industry.

The vast opportunities within healthcare, from policy to direct member support, are underscored. Entry-level options include staff service analyst roles or member services positions at hospitals.

Proactive work habits, strong networking, and practical experience, including internships, are crucial for career advancement.

Sacramento State's on-campus internship program and supportive professors played a significant role in shaping this career path.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Kimberly Lamountry

Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager

California Department of Healthcare Services

Sacramento State

​

Business Management & Admin

Government

Communication and Marketing

Honors Student, Took Out Loans

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Career Path of a Student Assistant at California Healthcare Services

Kimberly's career path reflects a strategic progression from early, flexible jobs ("fast food" and "DoorDash") towards roles increasingly aligned with their public health major. This included impactful internships with Sacramento State's Student Health and Counseling Services, a local behavioral health nonprofit, and finally, a student assistant position at the Department of Healthcare Services—a stepping stone to their current Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager role.

Career Path of a Student Assistant at California Healthcare Services

Most Important Skills For A Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager At California Department of Healthcare Services

Kimberly, a Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager, highlighted "critical thinking and analysis," "customer service and problem-solving," and attention to detail as vital skills, noting the need to review healthcare plan submissions and stay abreast of current laws. Strong communication skills are also key for success in this role, as described by the manager.

Most Important Skills For A Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager At California Department of Healthcare Services

Favorite Parts of Being a Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager at California Department of Healthcare Services

Kimberly enjoys the flexibility of a "hybrid work environment" which allows for "a really great work life balance," eliminating the commute. The continuous learning aspect, driven by "new laws coming out," also makes the Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager position engaging and stimulating.

Favorite Parts of Being a Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager at California Department of Healthcare Services

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager at California Department of Healthcare Services

Kimberly's biggest challenge as a Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager is serving as the primary point of contact for health plans, requiring her to "find the person that could help answer their question" even when outside her expertise. This highlights the significant organizational and communication demands of the role, requiring skillful navigation of internal resources to effectively support external stakeholders.

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager at California Department of Healthcare Services

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Healthcare Industry As A Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager

Kimberly, a Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager, finds fulfillment in "being a part of the healthcare process" by ensuring healthcare companies deliver necessary services. This role allows for impactful contributions, such as assisting with "direct patient cases," even scheduling "necessary surgery that could save their life."

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Healthcare Industry As A Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Healthcare Industry According To A Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager At The California Department Of Health Care Services

In the healthcare industry, success hinges on compassion; "If you don't care about the people in the work that you do, I don't think you're gonna thrive," emphasizes Kimberly, a Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager. A strong attention to detail and organizational skills are also crucial given the multifaceted nature of the work.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Healthcare Industry According To A Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager At The California Department Of Health Care Services

What A Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager At The California Department Of Healthcare Services Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Healthcare Industry

Kimberly, a Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager, wishes she had known the "vast" number of opportunities in the healthcare industry before starting her career; the range of roles, from policy-making to direct member support, was far greater than initially imagined, including unexpected positions like her current contract management role.

What A Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager At The California Department Of Healthcare Services Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Healthcare Industry

Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Staff Service Analysts

In California state government, a bachelor's degree qualifies one for a "staff service analyst" role, which Kimberly describes as a versatile entry point allowing for diverse functions such as "contract manager," policy writing, or phone support. Alternatively, "member services" at a hospital offers an entry-level administrative path.

Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Staff Service Analysts

Significant Career Lesson From A Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager At California Department Of Healthcare Services

Kimberly's most significant career lesson, advice from a former supervisor, is to "work towards the job that you want," exceeding current duties by volunteering for extra projects and suggesting new ideas. This proactive approach, going "beyond what is on your duty statement," has proven invaluable in career advancement.

Significant Career Lesson From A Medi-Cal Managed Care Contract Manager At California Department Of Healthcare Services
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