Behavioral Health Advocate (RN) - Field based, Virginia

Behavioral Health Advocate RN

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 Behavioral Health Advocate RN 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 BHA RN 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 30% field work visiting members in their homes, hospitals, providers' offices, or community centers. Mileage reimbursement is included. Residency in Virginia is required. NOVA, Richmond, and Tidewater areas are preferred due to business needs.

The schedule is Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm.

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

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:

• Registered Nurse (RN) with an active, unrestricted Virginia Compact License
• 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
• Driver's license and access to reliable transportation that will allow you to travel within an assigned territory
• Dedicated, distraction-free workspace and secure, high-speed internet at home
• Reside in Virginia

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 Northern Virginia (NOVA)
• Reside in the Tidewater area
• Reside in Central Virginia (e.g., Richmond, Glen Allen, Henrico)

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). The salary for this role will range from $60,200 to $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 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. UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.