Behavioral Care Advocate - California - #1403239

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

You have high standards. So do we. Here at UnitedHealth Group, this includes offering an innovative new standard for care management. It goes beyond counseling services and verified referrals to programs integrated across the entire continuum of care. That means you’ll have an opportunity to make an impact on a huge scale - as part of an incredible team culture that’s defining the future of behavioral health care.

For this role you must have an active and unrestricted license in your state of residence and you must be able to work nights, weekends and holidays.

If you are located in California, you will have the flexibility to work remotely* as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities

• Field inbound calls in a queue from members and providers for purpose of assessment and triage
• Focus on initial inpatient admission for psychiatric and chemical dependency patients
• Assess patients and determining appropriate levels of care based on medical necessity
• Assess and manage member crisis calls
• Determine if additional clinical treatment sessions are needed
• Manage inpatient mental health cases throughout the entire treatment plan
• Identify ways to add value to treatment plans and consulting with facility staff
• Attend compliance training and team meeting
  
  

You’ll find the pace fast and the challenges ongoing. We’ll expect you to achieve and document measurable results. You’ll also need to think and act quickly while working with a diverse member population.

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

• Independent, Licensed Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or Marriage or Family Counseling, OR Licensed Ph.D., OR an RN with 2+ years of experience in behavioral health
• Residence and licenses must be independent, active and unrestricted in the State of California
• Proficient Microsoft skills (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Proven ability to talk and type at the same time and have the ability to navigate between multiple screens
• Proven ability to work nights, weekends and holidays according to your schedule
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Inpatient experience
• Dual diagnosis experience with mental health and substance abuse
• Experience working in an environment that required coordination of benefits and utilization of multiple groups and resources for patients
• All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy
  
  

The salary range for this role is $59,500 to $116,600 annually based on full-time employment. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. UnitedHealth Group complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers 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 UnitedHealth Group, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.

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.

UnitedHealth Group 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.

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