Behavioral Health Advocate - Field based, Virginia

Behavioral Health Advocate (BHA)

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.

As a Behavioral Health Advocate (BHA), you'll 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. Other times 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 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.

BHAs provide care coordination for adults and children in the SMI/SUD population. BHAs are based out of a home office and spend up to 25% of the week in the community meeting with members in their homes, community centers, hospitals, or providers' offices. The schedule is Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm.

* Due to business needs, residency in one of two areas is required: NOVA (Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, etc.) or Charlottesville (Fluvanna, Rockinham, Orange, Crozet, Greene, Waynesboro, etc.) *

Primary Responsibilities:

• Visit Medicaid members in their homes and/or other settings, including community centers, hospitals, or providers' offices
• Provide a complete continuum of quality care through close communication with members via in-person or on-phone interaction
• Support members with condition education, medication reviews, and connections to resources such as Home Health Aides or Meals on Wheels
• Assist members with the transition from a care facility back to their home
• 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 and care management

Total Rewards Package:

• Competitive salaries
• 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:

• Licensed Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or Marriage and Family Counseling; or Licensed Ph.D.
• Active, unrestricted, independent license in Virginia: LCSW, LMFT, LPC, or LP
• 1+ years of experience in behavioral health
• Proficient computer skills including good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Outlook
• Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation that will allow you to travel within an assigned territory
• Access to secure, high-speed internet (Broadband Cable, DSL, or Fiber) and a dedicated, distraction-free workspace at home
• Reside in Northern Virginia or the Charlottesville, VA area

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1+ years of experience working with Medicaid population
• 1+ years of Community Mental Health experience
• 1+ years of experience working with local and state community resources in Virginia
• 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 in an environment that required coordination of benefits and utilization of multiple groups and resources for patients
• Experience working with Medicaid funded programs
• Experience working with youth and adults who have serious behavioral health needs

*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). 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.

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.