EAP Counselor

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. EAP Specialists are responsible for taking inbound calls to provide telephonic assessment and solution-focused consultation to clients calling regarding their behavioral health benefits. In addition to assessment and triage, the successful candidate will engage in short-term problem resolution, authorization, and referrals for routine and crisis callers. The schedule is set as Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM CST. You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. Primary Responsibilities: * Take calls from a queue in a call center environment * Respond to crisis calls, determining member eligibility and benefit coverage, and triaging calls appropriately * Initiate counseling referrals * Provide authorizations for appropriate outpatient care * Document clinical notes and updates in the care management database * Provide clinical expertise to conduct a thorough assessment of risk to self or others, clinical screening for substance abuse and medical co-morbidities for member calls * Use Solution Focused Consultation, Motivational Interviewing, and/or short-term problem resolution to develop an individualized action plan * Solve moderately complex problems and/or conduct moderately complex analyses 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, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a related counseling field * Active, unrestricted independent behavioral health license in your state of residence * 2+ years of experience in a behavioral health setting * Dedicated workspace / home office and secure high speed internet at home * Ability to work Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM CST Preferred Qualifications: * Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP) * EAP experience * Experience working at a managed care organization (MCO) * Experience working in an inpatient setting * Experience working with adults in crisis * Experience working with various age groups * Experience working in a call center setting * Experience with crisis management * Dual diagnosis experience with mental health and substance abuse * Experience working in an environment that required coordination of benefits and utilization of multiple groups and resources for patients *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 hourly pay for this role will range from $29.00 - $52.00 per hour 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.