Job Description

The Optum family of businesses, is seeking a Behavioral Health Care Advocate to join our team in Washington state. As a member of the Optum Behavioral Care team, you'll be an integral part of our vision to make healthcare better for everyone.
As a Behavioral Health Care Advocate, you will focus on care coordination for members in all levels of identified as needing behavioral health supports utilizing an integrated care delivery model of care supporting whole person care and helping the member with referrals and linkage to supports promoting their overall health and wellness. You'll have a direct impact on the lives of our members as you facilitate care coordination services and assist in the team's overall performance driving quality, member centric, supportive care integration and tenure in the community through effective identification of barriers in their care needs, referrals and linkage to ongoing supports, and assisting the team to provide clinical interventions and supports for the members.
The business hours for this position are between 8:00-5:00PM PST. Position will require flexibility with starting and ending times based on supporting business needs. There may be opportunity with adjustments to work schedule to promote balance of work and home life.
***If you are located in Washington, you will have the flexibility to work remotely* as you take on some tough challenges. Licensure and residency in Washington is required***
Primary Responsibilities:

• Individual contributor (no direct reports) supporting WA Medicaid and WA DSNP Medicare with behavioral health only services as dictated by member's benefit plan
• Manage complex comorbid behavioral, substance use, and medical comorbidities by effectively implementing care plans, development of treatment plans, and linkage with needed supports for optimal community tenure
• Work across-teams collaboratively working towards achieving shared member goals and care needs
• Support member care through case staffing to ensure quality, consistency, and adherence to contractual obligations
• Work with members referred for services by providing clinical oversight
• Participate in scheduled and ad-hoc community partner meetings representing member needs, identifying gaps in care and network service needs
• Assist with special projects, committee work, team specific activities and other duties as assigned
• Assist in resolution of escalated cases that may be referred for services
• Collaborate with team members and leadership to ensure effective coordination of cases and proactively identify and resolve issues
• Review patient assessments and determine / recommend appropriate levels of care
• Administer benefits and review treatment plans as needed
• Coordinate benefits and transitions of care for members in various areas of care
• Identify ways to add value to treatment plans, care plans, and organizational initiatives
• Oversee the facility-based and community-based care experience for members assigned

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:

• Master's degree in psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or Marriage or Family Counseling or an RN with 3+ years of experience in behavioral health
• Washington residency and licensure
• Active, unrestricted clinical license that allows you to practice independently without supervision (LMHC, LICSW, LMFT) or RN license with 3+ years of experience in behavioral health
• 2+ years post-masters experience in a related mental health environment
• Experience with Case Management for behavioral, substance use, and complex medical needs
• Experience providing clinical behavioral health services
• Proven ability to meet or exceed performance productivity
• Proven ability to multitask between different systems and cases
• Proficient Microsoft skills including Teams, Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Access to install high-speed internet and a dedicated, distraction-free workspace at home

Preferred Qualifications:

• Dual diagnosis experience with mental health/substance use and medical needs
• Experience working in an environment that required coordination of services for members, benefits review, and coordination of multiple services and resources for members
• Experience working within Managed Care Organization or Inpatient Behavioral Health desired
• Demonstrated familiarity and experience developing plans of care, coordination with community agencies to facilitate transitions in care, and ability to build rapport with members to engage in healthcare needs
• Clinical expertise in directing / managing members who may have challenges with behavioral health, substance abuse, medical, social determinants of health, and legal issues through intervention skills while maintaining business appropriate integrity
• Proven ability to maintain comprehensive electronic records

Explore opportunities at Optum Behavioral Care. We're revolutionizing behavioral health care delivery for individuals, clinicians and the entire health care system. Together, we are bringing high-end medical service, compassionate care and industry leading solutions to our most vulnerable patient populations. Our holistic approach addresses the physical, mental and social needs of our patients wherever they may be - helping patients access and navigate care anytime and anywhere. We're connecting care to create a seamless health journey for patients across care settings. Join our team, it's your chance to improve the lives of millions while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
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 $58,800 to $105,000 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. 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.
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, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

Skills Required