Behavioral Health Care Advocate – UM

Optum CA is seeking a Behavioral Health Care Advocate to join our team in California. Optum is a clinician-led care organization that is changing the way clinicians work and live.

As a member of the Optum Care Delivery team, you’ll be an integral part of our vision to make healthcare better for everyone.

At Optum, you’ll have the clinical resources, data and support of a global organization behind you so you can help your patients live healthier lives. Here, you’ll work alongside talented peers in a collaborative environment that is guided by diversity and inclusion while driving towards the Quadruple Aim. We believe you deserve an exceptional career, and will empower you to live your best life at work and at home. Experience the fulfillment of advancing the health of your community with the excitement of contributing new practice ideas and initiatives that could help improve care for millions of patients across the country. Because together, we have the power to make health care better for everyone. Join us and discover how rewarding medicine can be while Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

If you are located in California, you will have the flexibility to work remotely* as you take on some tough challenges.

Position Highlights & Primary Responsibilities:

• Responsible for handling inbound calls, from providers and members in a call center environment
• Conduct initial clinical assessments and determine appropriate levels of care, based on medical necessity
• Explain and administer benefits according to plan descriptions for all levels of care (OP, IOP,PHP,RTC,IP)
• Ability to quickly assess and meet time sensitive deadlines within the Utilization management setting
• Ability to manage and resolve complex or escalated callers/issues

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 or Marriage and Family Therapy, LPCC, or PhD/PsyD
• Clinical license in the state of California required. Current, unrestricted license
• 2+ years of experience in behavioral health
• Dedicated office space and access to high-speed internet service in your home
• Ability to work 8am-5pm PST and ability to cover holidays as needed on rotating basis 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Dual diagnosis experience with mental health and substance abuse
• Experience in working in an environment that required coordinating benefits and utilizing various resources to meet patient needs
• Experience with utilizing computer applications and softphone to complete all primary work responsibilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite Program (Word, Teams, Outlook, Excel, etc.)

*All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy.

California Residents Only: The salary range for this role is $58,300 to $114,300 annually. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. UnitedHealth Group complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers 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 UnitedHealth Group, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.  

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: OptumCare is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

OptumCare is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.