Caseworker (Full Time)

For those who want to invent the future of health care, here's your opportunity. We’re going beyond basic care to health programs integrated across the entire continuum of care. Position in this function is responsible for coordinating social services for Optum Arizona employed and network members. Collaborates with the accountable employed PCP or Network Provider to ensure a quality patient experience through fostering a caring culture that demonstrates excellent customer service while achieving Optum Arizona strategic financial goals and population management goals. Collaborates with healthcare delivery stakeholders and members in managing social services needs within the community. Develops individualized care plans that optimize the psychosocial and financial factors impacting transitions of care. Acts as a resource for the member and the health care delivery team in the outpatient setting, identifying and managing referrals to community resources. Ensures appropriate standards of care are implemented and in compliance with all state and federal regulations, standards of practice, corporate policies and procedures. Collaborates with multi-disciplinary team to ensure appropriate care planning and referral processing for all members referred to the program.

Primary Responsibilities Foster a workplace culture that is consistent with the overall organization’s mission, vision, guiding principles and values.

Provide patient care (direct and indirect) with exemplary customer service to internal and external customers.

Assist with the coordination of patient care under the guidance of the primary care provider, act as liaison in person or by telephone for the health plan.

Identify, assist, coordinate and initiate referrals for social service programs including financial, psychosocial, community and state supportive services.

Duties include but are not limited to formulation and management of a social service plan of care throughout the continuum of care as a single point of contact for outpatient social services; document all member assessments and services provided in the electronic medical record, including referrals to social service programs and follow‑up documentation to ensure the referral was received by the social services agency.

Contact patient and/or caregiver to initiate the plan of care within three business days for routine referrals; within two business days for ASAP referrals and within one business day for urgent referrals.

Serve as a subject‑matter expert in community resourcing.

Maintain, facilitate and promote department protocols, processes, policies and standards, including but not limited to new and existing patient management and other specialty‑specific protocols as signed by the department head or designee.

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you, provide clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role and offer development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications Master’s degree in Social Work.

Unrestricted State of Arizona Social Work license or eligibility for an immediate provisional license.

Two years of related social work experience in an acute care setting, clinic, home health or case management setting.

Working knowledge of social work theory/practice and the ability to utilize a variety of diagnostic tools/techniques, including DSM V.

Understanding of state and community‑based programs, including rules and regulations applicable to these programs.

Knowledge of advanced directives, POLST and legal regulations, including but not limited to reporting of abuse.

Proven communication skills, excellent phone etiquette and customer service skills.

Demonstrated ability to build and maintain a community resource database.

Proven basic computer skills, including Word, Excel, Windows‑based applications and experience working with electronic medical records.

Valid Arizona driver’s license, auto insurance and a motor vehicle in good working condition.

Preferred Qualifications Proven understanding of managed care.

Pay is based on several factors including, but not limited to, local labor markets, education, work experience and certifications. In addition to salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). The salary range for this role is $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. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health, 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 to delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes.

OptumCare 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, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or any other legally protected class under any applicable law. We comply with the Uniformity of Federal Labor Law.

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