Behavioral Health Care Advocate (Weekend after hours) – Remote

For those who want to invent the future of health care, here’s your opportunity. We’re going beyond basic care to health programs integrated across the entire continuum of care. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. 

 

Position Summary:

The ACL provides free, confidential access to behavioral health services and crisis intervention for the 3.3 million San Diegans. The ACL also provides afterhours pre-authorization for behavioral health inpatient, crisis residential and residential substance use disorder treatment. As the clinical work is done strictly on the telephone and computer (chat), this position requires an incredibly unique set of clinical skills more astute than those required for face-to- face interactions as there are no visual cues from which to draw upon to help paint a comprehensive clinical picture. Clinicians need to rely on their graduate education in psychology/sociology or related field, formal clinical training, and experience to exercise discretion and clinical judgment when providing access to appropriate behavior health services and crisis work. Clinicians need to quickly triage calls/chats in the queue to ensure safety and meet contractual performance standards. Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively with high precision and intensity like that of an emergency department- everyone has a crucial, time sensitive task to complete which is integral to the success of the entire operations. This is a fast-paced, clinically heavy position not for the faint of heart but equally rewarding as one can play a pivotal role in someone’s journey to recovery and save lives.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Uphold and model Our Cultural Values
• Adhere to all applicable laws and ethics (HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), Exceptions to confidentiality, Reporting Abuse, Duty to Warn etc.)
• Answer calls/chats within standard service levels
• Apply sound clinical judgement and consult with fellow clinical professionals when indicated
• Triage calls/chats based on presenting mental health and/or substance use disorder symptoms
• Conduct appropriate behavioral health screenings, including suicide, homicide (when indicated) and adapted ASAM
• Provide customized, behavioral health referrals  
• Conduct crisis work and ensure safety at all costs
• Document all interaction in a succinct, clinical manner in the designated database; documentation must adhere to Dept. of Health Clinical Service (DHCS) requirements
• Ability to access and enter accurate relevant clinical information into Medi-Cal beneficiary electronic health record (EHR)
• Meet individualized performance goals
• Complete mandatory ongoing continuing education and cultural trainings
• Problem solves technical issues
• Elevate operational issues to the manager

 

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 or Doctorate within human services such as psychology, sociology or equivalent
• Active and clear California License: LMFT, LCSW, Psychologist and/or LPC. A licensed professional cannot be on probation and/or no pending corrective actions.
• 2+ years post graduate degree providing direct clinical services:  psychosocial assessments, individual therapy, substance use disorder drug/alcohol treatment, case consultation with multidisciplinary team; case management; develop treatment plans with short/long-term goals; maintain confidential files; in-service trainings and discharge planning
• Experience working with diverse multi-ethnic/socioeconomic populations; myriad of psychological disorders and addictions
• Personal Computer (PC) proficiency and self-reports the ability to type with minimum proficiency of 45 words per minute
• Can work weekends, holidays, and after hours as needed

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Community mental health experience
• Substance Use Disorder treatment experience
• Knowledge of managed care principles or managed care experience preferred
• Bilingual: Spanish, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Arabic, Farsi

  

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy

 

California 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: OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employers 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.

 

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