Behavioral Care Advocate – New Jersey

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. 
 

The overall purpose of the Field Based Care Advocate is to improve the enrollee’s ability to remain stable in the community and out of the hospital. The role is to engage the person in the treatment process and then assist him/her to access the appropriate community services so they can pursue their treatment goals in the community and avoid institutionalization. This position requires field visits going into hospitals, clinical facilities and in the community. 

The Field Based Care Advocate position is also designed to be a direct clinical liaison between health plan staff and the clinical network. The program fosters a collegial and mutually beneficial relationship between the providers and payers of medical and behavioral health services.

This position is primarily field based. 25% of the time will be in the field, and 75% of the time will be working from home. 

The schedule is Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 

If you are located within the state of NJ, you will have the flexibility to telecommute* as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee initial inpatient admission for psychiatric and chemical dependency patients
• Make patient assessments and determine appropriate levels of care
• Administer benefits, review treatment plans, and coordinate transitions between various areas of care
• Obtain information from providers on outpatient requests for treatment

You’ll find the pace fast and 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:

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or Marriage or Family Counseling; Licensed Ph.D., OR an RN with Behavioral Health experience
• Clinically independent LCSW, LMFT, LPC, LCADC, LP or RN with an active and unrestricted license in New Jersey 
• 3+ years of experience of experience in behavioral health
• Proficient computer skills and good working knowledge of Excel spreadsheets
• Reside in Central or Southern New Jersey
• Access to high-speed internet (Cable Broadband, DSL, Fiber Optic) and a dedicated, distraction-free workspace at home

Preferred Qualifications:

• Inpatient/discharge planning experience
• Managed care experience
• Dual diagnosis experience with mental health and substance abuse
• Experience working in an environment that required coordinating benefits and utilizing multiple groups and resources for patients
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs (Word, Outlook, Internet)
• Bilingual in Spanish

*All Telecommuters will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy.

New Jersey Residents Only: The salary range for this role is $58,300 to $114,300 annually. 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.    
      
    Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. 
      
    UnitedHealth Group is a drug – free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.