Behavioral Health Advocate - Field based, Watertown NY

Improve the lives of others while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Job Description - Behavioral Health Advocate - Field based, Watertown NY (2390136)

Behavioral Health Advocate - Field based, Watertown NY - 2390136

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 in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The overall purpose of the Behavioral Health Advocate (BHA) is to improve the enrollee’s ability to remain stable in the community and out of the hospital. BHAs engage people in the treatment process and assist them to access the appropriate community services so they can pursue their treatment goals in the community and avoid institutionalization. This 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 is primarily a field-based position providing case management and care coordination for adult Medicaid members in and around Watertown, NY (Jefferson County). You will spend 80% of the time meeting with members at hospitals, clinical facilities, community sites, and/or in their homes. The remaining 20% is spent working remotely at home. Due to business needs, permanent residency in the Watertown area is required. The schedule is Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm -- no weekends, evenings, or holidays.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Identify and provide community service linkage
• Assist enrollees with aftercare appointments
• Provide subsequent member follow-up as determined by individual member needs
• Work with enrollees to identify gaps in care or obstacles to care and problem solve for successful connection to needed services
• Review IP Census each day to determine which enrollees on the census are re-admits within the last 12 months
• Go to facility meetings with treatment team to develop a successful aftercare plan
• Manage the aftercare follow-up of identified high risk enrollees (manage follow-up calls/outreach and documentation)
• Meet with community providers/facilities as company liaison to foster good rapport and relationships and to identify new programs

As part of your employment with Optum, you'll enjoy a robust total rewards package that includes:

• Comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, 401(k) matching, and a wide range of life and wellness resources to support your overall well-being
• Paid time off and paid company holidays
• Continuing education support, including CEU and licensure reimbursement
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel
• Opportunities to make a meaningful impact by supporting your local community and partnering with area resources

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 or Doctoral degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related field
• Active, unrestricted, independent license the State of New York as an LMHC, LMFT, LCSW, or LP
• 2+ years of experience in a related mental health environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, Excel, and Teams
• Dedicated, distraction-free home office / workspace with access to install secure, high-speed internet at home

Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation that will allow daily travel throughout an assigned territory to meet with members

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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
• Community Mental Health experience
• Field Based experience
• Experience working with low-income populations
• Experience working with the aged, blind, or disabled
• Working knowledge of New York city and state agencies and practices including APS, ACS, AOT, ACT, Health Home, Forensics, etc.

*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, certificates, 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 $60,200 - $107,400 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 help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are 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 and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

UnitedHealth Group is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or accommodation for any part of the application process, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io to be connected to Recruitment Services. Recruitment Services hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.

UnitedHealth Group is a registered service mark of UnitedHealth Group, Inc. The UnitedHealth Group name with the dimensional logo, as well as the dimensional logo alone, are both service marks for the UnitedHealth Group, Inc.

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.