Behavioral Health Care Advocate – UM (Remote in CA)

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.

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

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee initial inpatient admission requests 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
• Provide utilization management concurrent reviews of patients admitted to IP, RTC, PHP and IOP until discharge

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; OR Licensed Ph.D
• Active, unrestricted independent clinical license in the State of CA: LP, LCSW, LMFT, LPC along with CA residency 
• Current, unrestricted license to practice
• 2+ years of experience in behavioral health
• Dedicated office space and access to high speed internet service in your home

Preferred Qualifications:

• Inpatient 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
• Experience in a queue-based environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs (Word, Outlook, Internet)

*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: 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.