Senior Behavioral Health Care Advocate - Remote in Washington

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 inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Senior Behavioral Health Care Advocate (CLIP Liaison) is responsible for coordinating and managing care for members with complex behavioral health needs across the continuum of care. This role focuses on delivering high-quality care coordination, utilization management, and case management services while ensuring compliance with clinical, regulatory, and organizational standards.

This position includes specialized responsibilities supporting Washington State's Children's Long-Term Inpatient Program (CLIP) and program. The role serves as a key liaison among members, families, providers, and community partners to ensure timely access to appropriate care and successful transitions to community-based services.

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

Primary Responsibilities:

• Care Coordination & Case Management
  • Manage a caseload of members with complex behavioral health needs
  • Conduct assessments and develop individualized care plans
  • Coordinate care across providers, facilities, and community-based services
  • Identify and address barriers to care and service access
  • Support transitions between levels of care, including inpatient and outpatient settings
  • Maintain timely and accurate documentation in accordance with organizational standards
  • Meet productivity and quality performance expectations
• CLIP Liaison Responsibilities
  • Facilitate CLIP referrals, eligibility screening, and application submissions
  • Screen referrals for eligibility and ensure compliance with program requirements
  • Educate members and families on program requirements and expectations and provide ongoing support throughout the process during treatment and discharge planning
  • Coordinate required documentation and clinical information for review
  • Prepare and submit application packets to the state for medical necessity certification
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to team members
  • Participate in and support regional review committee processes
  • Serve as liaison between families, providers, and state program administrators
  • Track referral timelines, approvals, and placement status
  • Support treatment planning, care coordination, and discharge planning
• Utilization Management
  • Perform utilization reviews and authorization activities
  • Apply medical necessity and level-of-care criteria
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to review complex cases
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements
• Quality & Operational Support
  • Participate in quality improvement initiatives and audits, specifically CLIP IT Committee
  • Identify process improvement opportunities
  • Serve as a subject matter expert for CLIP and care coordination workflows
  • Develop and implement operational workflows to enhance efficiency, consistency, and compliance

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 Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field
• Active, unrestricted clinical licensure to practice at the independent level (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMHC, LMFT, Psychologist, etc.) in the state of Washington
• 5+ years of experience in behavioral health, case management, or care coordination within the Washington Children's Public System of Care
• Experience working with high-risk youth and families
• Knowledge of Washington Continuum of Care for children and families, behavioral health systems and community resources
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and care management systems
• Permanent residency and licensure in the state of Washington

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in managed care or health plan environment
• Experience with CLIP or similar intensive behavioral health programs
• Leadership or mentoring experience
• Familiarity with medical necessity criteria (e.g., ASAM, LOCUS)

*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 $72,800 to $130,000 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

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.