RN Behavioral Health Advocate – Field-based in Virginia

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 Behavioral Health Advocate will wear many hats and work in a variety of environments. Sometimes, you’ll interact with members leaving the hospital, possibly with new medications or diagnoses. Or perhaps you’ll perform home visits, assisting members with safe, effective transitions from care environments to where they live. You may also act as an intermediary between providers and members, serving in numerous roles, such as educator, evaluator, service coordinator, community resource researcher and more. The result? Fewer hospitalizations, ER visits and costly service gaps, and a less stressed, more effective health care system for us all. 

The Behavioral Health Advocate will provide care coordination for adults and children in the SMI/SUD population, in addition to supporting members with end-stage Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) through targeted behavioral health interventions that shift care to the outpatient setting. 

This role is based out of the employee’s home and includes approximately 45% field work visiting members in their homes, hospitals, providers’ offices, or community centers. Mileage reimbursement is provided. 

 

The schedule is Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm and includes a weekend and holiday rotation (based on business needs) Residency in and licensure in Virginia is required. Due to business needs, the NOVA and Tidewater areas are preferred. 

 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide a complete continuum of quality care through close communication with members via in-person or telephonic interactions 
• Visit Medicaid members in various settings including their homes, hospitals, providers’ offices, and community centers
• Support members with condition education, medication reviews, and connections to resources such as Home Health Aides or Meals on Wheels
• Assist members with transitions from care facilities back to their homes
• Work with network providers to ensure timely access to services and coordinate service needs
• Seek consultation and support from other members of core and extended care team as needed such as RN, Medical Director, Provider and Community Liaisons
• Perform care planning, care management, and discharge planning

 

Why consider working for UnitedHealth Group? For starters, competitive base pay, comprehensive benefits, performance rewards, and a management team who is committed to your success. Some of our offerings include:

• 40-hour work week. No nights or being on call!
• Full medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Life and AD&D insurance plus Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage
• 401(k) and Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Generous PTO and paid company holidays
• Continuing education and licensure renewal fee reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program and Calm app subscription
• Employee discounts including Peloton and gym memberships
• Employee referral bonus program

 

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:

• Active, unrestricted RN license in the state of Virginia
• 1+ years of nursing experience working in behavioral health with the Medicaid population 
• Proficient computer skills including good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Outlook
• Reside in Virginia
• Access to reliable transportation that will allow you to travel within an assigned territory 
• Access to secure, high-speed internet (Broadband Cable, DSL, or Fiber) and a dedicated, distraction-free workspace at home

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1+ years of Community Mental Health experience
• Medical / Behavioral setting experience (i.e., hospital, managed care organization, or joint medical / behavioral outpatient practice)
• Dual diagnosis experience with mental health and substance abuse
• Experience working with Medicaid funded programs
• Experience with discharge planning 
• Experience working with youth and adults who have serious behavioral health needs
• Experience working with community resources in Virginia at state and local levels
• Experience working in an environment that required coordination of benefits and utilization of multiple groups and resources for patients
• Reside in the NOVA or Tidewater area of Virginia 

 

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

 

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.     

 

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.