Behavioral Health Care Advocate - Utilization Management

The Optum family of businesses, is seeking a Behavioral Health Care Advocate to join our team. As a member of the Optum Behavioral Care team, you'll be an integral part of our vision to make healthcare better for everyone.

As a Behavioral / Mental Health Care Advocate you will be responsible for case management and utilization review of behavioral health and substance abuse cases. You'll have a direct impact on the lives of our members as you recommend and manage the appropriate level of care throughout the entire treatment plan.

What makes your clinical career greater with UnitedHealth Group? You can improve the health of others and help heal the health care system. You will work within an incredible team culture; a clinical and business collaboration that is learning and evolving every day. And, when you contribute, you'll open doors for yourself that simply do not exist in any other organization, anywhere.

You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Managing and administering inpatient and residential behavioral health benefits
• Reviewing clinical assessments and determining appropriate levels of care
• Determining if additional clinical services are needed
• Coordinating benefits and transitions between various levels of care
• Identifying ways to add value to treatment plans and consulting with facility staff on those ideas
• Identify appropriate community-based services for discharge planning as indicated

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• Licensed Master's degree in psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or an RN with 2+ years of experience in behavioral health
• Current, unrestricted LPC, LCSW or LMFT license at the independent practice level
• 2+ years of experience in a related mental health environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs (Word, Outlook, Internet)
• Ability to work occasional holidays (dictated by business need)
• Ability to accommodate changes in working hours (dictated by business need)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in an inpatient setting
• Experience working in an environment that required coordination of benefits and utilization of multiple groups and resources for patients.
• Experience working with Medicaid lines of business.
• Dual diagnosis experience with mental health and substance abuse
• Previous experience working in a call center environment
• Proven excellent communication skills
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

Explore opportunities at Optum Behavioral Care. We're revolutionizing behavioral health care delivery for individuals, clinicians and the entire health care system. Together, we are bringing high-end medical service, compassionate care and industry leading solutions to our most vulnerable patient populations. Our holistic approach addresses the physical, mental and social needs of our patients wherever they may be - helping patients access and navigate care anytime and anywhere. We're connecting care to create a seamless health journey for patients across care settings. Join our team, it's your chance to improve the lives of millions while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $58,800 to $105,000 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.