State Hospital Behavioral Care Navigator – Hybrid in Washington

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.

You have high standards. So do we. Here at UnitedHealth Group, this includes offering an innovative new standard for care management. It goes beyond counseling services and verified referrals to programs integrated across the entire continuum of care. That means you’ll have an opportunity to make an impact on a huge scale – as part of an incredible team culture that’s defining the future of behavioral health care.

The overall purpose of the Behavioral Health State Hospital Liaison role is to help individuals live their lives to the fullest by ensuring work with the BH-ASO crisis services staff to identify alternatives for placement.  Accommodate hospitals in outlying counties that do not offer Single Bed Certifications, by establishing Memorandum of Understanding with larger hospitals to accept admissions as an out-of-region placement.

Overall, the Behavioral Health State Hospital Liaison will assess, facilitate discharge planning placement while considering member choice, including those identified in an MH advance directive, and availability of community and natural supports.

***Approximately 10% of the week is spent in the community, meeting with members in hospitals, facilities, or homes. The remainder of the week is spent working remotely at home. Washington residency is required.***

Primary Responsibilities:

• Respond to State Hospital and Long-term Community Bed admissions using best efforts to expedite discharges by utilizing alternative community resources and mental health services
• Complete documentation required to address discharge planning requirements and consumer transitions
• Support successful transition of individuals from higher levels of care back into a rural home or community setting
• Assist members and their families/caregivers with connections to appropriate psychiatric, medical, and psychosocial referrals and services as needed
• Identify and remove barriers to procurement, delivery, participation in and success of services.
• Provide supportive follow-up, and monitoring of members in the community
• Meet with consumers in-person at the state hospital or other state psychiatric care facilities as may be necessary during the role
• Establish and foster positive relationships with interdisciplinary teams, participate in medical-behavioral integration activities and discussions, quarterly learning sessions, and attend member care team meetings
• Participate jointly in rounds, discussions, supervision and staffing with both internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborate with providers to determine acuity of behavioral health concerns, barriers and progress, and coordinate appropriate services for discharges to lower levels of care supporting community tenure
• Maintain approved workload and support metrics and outcomes
• Work with the Health Plan on reporting requirements, maintaining data integrity, and appropriately escalate complex needs cases to ensure appropriate transitions in 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:

• Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral health, nursing, or social services field
• 3+ years of experience in a related mental health care management environment supporting coordination of supports across systems of care
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, and internet)
• Dedicated workspace and access to high-speed internet via cable/DSL/fiber service in your home
• Washington state residency and the ability to fulfill field requirements in and around Tacoma/Pierce County as required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in a behavioral health or Social Work field of study
• Experience in community mental health or joint medical/behavioral outpatient practice
• Dual diagnosis experience with mental health and substance abuse
• Case management or benefit coordination experience
• Experience working with low-income populations (Medicaid, DSNP, marginalized individuals who have persistent social determinant of health barriers, criminal justice involvement, etc.)
• Managed care or utilization management experience is desirable
• Proven excellent customer service, interpersonal and problem-solving skills 
• Proven ability to handle sensitive issues with peers, members, and providers in a confidential manner
• Demonstrate initiative in achieving individual, team, and organizational goals and objectives
• Demonstrated solid oral and written communication skills

*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 $48,700 to $87,000 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.

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.