Peer Support Specialist

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.  

Combine two of the fastest-growing fields on the planet with a culture of performance, collaboration and opportunity and this is what you get. Leading edge technology in an industry that's improving the lives of millions. Here, innovation isn't about another gadget, it's about making health care data available wherever and whenever people need it, safely and reliably. There's no room for error. Join us and start doing your life's best work.(sm)

This position works with the clinical team to implement care coordination when requested, which may include  Peer Support Specialist as well as other community-based services designed to stabilize the consumer's condition. They collaborate with Care Managers, providers, and community agencies and organizations to facilitate access to and transition between services. The  Peer Support Specialist is instrumental in assisting in reducing higher levels of services such as ER admissions or Inpatient psychiatric admissions.

Schedule: Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Central Standard Time. A 40-hour work week, the schedule is to be determined by hiring manager upon hire. This position is a field-based position with and home-based office. You will have the flexibility to work from home when not in the field.

Location : Lincoln, Nebraska and surrounding communities within a 60-mile radius. Local travel up to 75% and mileage is reimbursed at current government rate.

Primary Responsibilities :

• Use his/her own Recovery LIVED experience and training to assist families and consumers with defining their Recovery goals, and developing the skills and knowledge needed for the consumer's recovery
• Experience working with consumers that have co-occurring Disorder, i.e., Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder
• Support the creation and assist with the implementation of a comprehensive Training and Education program with peers, families, Providers and staff
• Establish and maintain strong collaborative relationships with existing Consumer and Family organizations, so members of those organizations become actively involved with Optum/Health Plan activities
• Communicate Plan information to consumers and Consumer-operated organizations and with families and family organizations. In addition to communicating, a wide array of other topics including Clinical policies, analysis of data and Program evaluation
• Identify and outreach to community and leaders of ethnic minority groups to identify and develop programs that are both culturally competent and use recovery and resiliency
• As directed, serve as a designated member of Internal subcommittees
• Participate in Optum and Health Plan Quality Review processes
• Enable us to communicate effectively with consumers and their families about all aspects of the Mental Healthcare Delivery system as well as their rights and responsibilities
• As requested, provide support to consumers or family members in making needed appointments
• Work with the Clinical Program Managers and the Clinical team to implement intensive, enhanced care coordination when requested, which may include peer support as well as other community-based services designed to stabilize the consumer's condition, including working with the consumer in the development of a WRAP plan and a Crisis plan
• Be available to provide direct support to consumers being discharged from 24-hour care or to refer them to a support group
• Assist and support consumers and family members with Grievance processes
• Collaborate with Care Managers, Providers, and Community agencies and organizations to facilitate access to and transition between services
• Collaborate with Care Managers, providers, and community agencies and organizations to identify consumers who may benefit from peer support
• Respond to concerns and questions from consumers and families
• Participate in Treatment planning with consumers and families who request that support
• Work with community agencies along with and/or on behalf of consumers and families
• Provide feedback about Treatment planning development based on their interactions with other consumers and families
• Advocate on behalf of the consumers and families
• Provide peer support to consumers and family members at critical points in their treatment process
• Experience working with diverse populations in behavioral health settings
• Enter documentation of all interactions into the documentation platform
• Serve as liaison between Optum, the Health Plan and those who use services
• Recruit and support consumers, parents and family members to participate in all phases of the operation of Optum and the Health Plan, from the Governing Body and Mental Health Advisory Board to Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement (QA/PI) Committees and all other critical initiatives
• Extensive work experience within own function
• Work is frequently completed without established procedures
• Works independently
• Ability to effectively engage, support, and respond to members experiencing acute or severe mental health challenges and/or substance and alcohol use concerns, using empathy, de‑escalation, and appropriate intervention strategies. May act as a resource for others
• Performs other duties as assigned

What are the reasons to consider working for UnitedHealth Group? Put it all together - competitive base pay, a full and comprehensive benefit program, performance rewards, and a management team who demonstrates their commitment to your success. Some of our offerings include:

• Paid Time Off which you start to accrue with your first pay period plus 8 Paid Holidays
• Medical Plan options along with participation in a Health Spending Account or a Health Saving account
• Dental, Vision, Life& AD&D Insurance along with Short-term disability and Long-Term Disability coverage
• 401(k) Savings Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Education Reimbursement
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Voluntary Benefits (pet insurance, legal insurance, LTC Insurance, etc.)

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear directions on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED
• Possess an active/current Certified Peer Recovery Specialist or Certified Peer Support Specialist) certification in the state of Nebraska or be able to obtain their certification within 12 months of employment
• 1+ years of working knowledge of community resources 
• 1+ years of experience with the Medicaid population 
• 1+ years of experience with demonstrated understanding of the principles of recovery and resiliency and  own lived   experience
• 1+ years of experience with demonstrated ability to understand, assess, and respond to the behaviors of individuals experiencing mental health and substance use disorders
• 1+ years of computer proficiency experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and be able to access multiple web applications
• 6+ months of experience working with diverse populations
• Access to a designated quiet workspace in your home (separated from non-workspace areas) with the ability to secure Protected Health Information (PHI)
• Live in a location that can receive a UnitedHealth Group approved high-speed internet connection or leverage an existing high-speed internet service
• Ability to travel 75% of the time within 60 miles of territory assigned
• Reside within commutable distance to Lincoln, Nebraska, and surrounding communities
• Access to reliable transportation, with a current and non-restricted state of Nebraska driver's license and state-required insurance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate's degree
• Ability to facilitate training events
• 6+ months of work experience within the Native communities aware of health disparities, educational access, economic development, cultural preservation, and representation
• Knowledge of the importance of culturally responsive and respectful engagement with tribal nations.

Soft Skills:

• Ability to work independently and maintain good judgment and accountability 
• Demonstrated ability to work well with health care team 
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks to meet all deadlines
•   Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to speak clearly and concisely, conveying information in a manner that others can understand, as well as ability to understand and interpret information from others 

*All Telecommuters 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 $20.38 to $36.44 per hour 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.

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.

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