Behavioral Health Care Advocate - Utilization Management - Remote

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.

As a Behavioral / Mental Health Care Advocate you will be responsible for case management and utilization review of behavioral health and substance abuse cases. You'll have a direct impact on the lives of our members as you recommend and manage the appropriate level of care throughout the entire treatment plan.

What makes your clinical career greater with UnitedHealth Group? You can improve the health of others and help heal the health care system. You will work within an incredible team culture; a clinical and business collaboration that is learning and evolving every day. And, when you contribute, you'll open doors for yourself that simply do not exist in any other organization, anywhere.

Position is fully remote, with a required schedule of Monday-Friday, 9:00am-6:00pm CT

You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:
Day to day management and administration of behavioral health benefits for facility-based care
Utilize clinical assessments to determining appropriate levels of care
Evaluate if additional clinical services are needed
Effectively coordinate benefits and transitions between various levels of care
Identify ways to add value to treatment plans and consult with facility staff to improve outcomes
Actively assist in identifying appropriate community-based services for discharge planning for the duration of the course of care

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:
Independently licensed clinician, with a Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or related behavioral health discipline
Licenses must be independent, active, and unrestricted in the state you reside in
2+ years of experience in a related mental health environment
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs (Word, Outlook, Internet)
Willing to work occasional holidays (dictated by business need)
Dedicated home office space with access to reliable high speed internet service

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in an inpatient setting
Experience working in an environment that required coordination of benefits and utilization of multiple groups and resources for patients
Experience working with Commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid lines of business
Dual diagnosis experience with mental health and substance abuse
Proven excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing
Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

*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 $60,200 - $107,400 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 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.