Behavioral Intake Counselor

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 diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.  

The Behavioral Intake Counselor (BIC) is a master’s level, clinical position for the County of San Diego’s 24/7 Access and Crisis Line (ACL) which provides free, confidential access to behavioral health services and crisis intervention for the 3.3 million San Diegans. 

As the clinical work is done strictly on the telephone and computer (chat), this position requires a very unique set of clinical skills more astute than those required for face-to- face interactions as there are no visual cues from which to draw upon in order to help paint a comprehensive clinical picture.  Clinicians need to rely on their graduate education in psychology/sociology or related field, formal clinical training, and experience to exercise discretion and clinical judgment when providing access to appropriate behavior health services and crisis work.  Clinicians need to quickly triage calls/chats in the queue to ensure safety and meet contractual performance standards. Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively with the high precision and intensity similar to that of an emergency department- everyone has a crucial, time sensitive task to complete which is integral to the success of the entire operations. This is a fast paced, clinically heavy position not for the faint of heart but it’s equally rewarding as one can play a pivotal role in someone’s journey to recovery and literally save lives.

Behavioral Health Access –Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services within the system of care.  ACL clinician needs to quickly establish an emotional connection with the individual seeking help, identify their need(s), conduct a behavioral health screening which includes an adapted ASAM screening, recognize and properly follow up on any risk factors, and help provide linkage to the most appropriate type and level of care based on the collective screenings and preferences of the caller/chatter. ACL clinician needs to quickly establish an emotional connection with the individual seeking help, identify their need(s), conduct a behavioral health screening which includes an adapted ASAM screening, recognize and properly follow up on any risk factors, and help provide linkage to the most appropriate type and level of care based on the collective screenings and preferences of the caller/chatter.

Crisis Work– Mental or Emotional Distress; Intimate Partner Abuse; Child/Elder Abuse; Suicide prevention, intervention and postvention etc. This service meets National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) standards for risk assessment and engagement of individuals at imminent risk of suicide. ACL clinician needs to quickly establish a therapeutic alliance, seek to help de-escalate the individual using brief solution focused therapy, motivational interviewing skills and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) to ensure safety using the least invasive intervention up to and including initializing active rescue services. Once de-escalated, clinician will collaboratively work with the individual to explore next steps and treatment options. This service meets National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) standards for risk assessment and engagement of individuals at imminent risk of suicide. ACL clinician needs to quickly establish a therapeutic alliance, seek to help de-escalate the individual using brief solution focused therapy, motivational interviewing skills and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) to ensure safety using the least invasive intervention up to and including initializing active rescue services. Once de-escalated, clinician will collaboratively work with the individual to explore next steps and treatment options. This service meets National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) standards for risk assessment and engagement of individuals at imminent risk of suicide. ACL clinician needs to quickly establish a therapeutic alliance, seek to help de-escalate the individual using brief solution focused therapy, motivational interviewing skills and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) to ensure safety using the least invasive intervention up to and including initializing active rescue services. Once de-escalated, clinician will collaboratively work with the individual to explore next steps and treatment options. This service meets National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) standards for risk assessment and engagement of individuals at imminent risk of suicide. ACL clinician needs to quickly establish a therapeutic alliance, seek to help de-escalate the individual using brief solution focused therapy, motivational interviewing skills and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) to ensure safety using the least invasive intervention up to and including initializing active rescue services. Once de-escalated, clinician will collaboratively work with the individual to explore next steps and treatment options.This service meets National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) standards for risk assessment and engagement of individuals at imminent risk of suicide. ACL clinician needs to quickly establish a therapeutic alliance, seek to help de-escalate the individual using brief solution focused therapy, motivational interviewing skills and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) to ensure safety using the least invasive intervention up to and including initializing active rescue services. Once de-escalated, clinician will collaboratively work with the individual to explore next steps and treatment options.

Schedule: A set schedule will be determined at the time of hire. Up to 40 hours per week, scheduled based on departmental needs. Work may occur on any day or time of the week, as our office is open 24 hours \7 days a week.  Work hours depend on business needs.  Schedule will be determined upon hire.

You will enjoy the flexibility to telecommute* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Uphold and model Our Cultural Values 
• Adhere to all applicable laws and ethics and Optum\UHG organizational policies (HIPAA, Exceptions to confidentiality, Reporting Abuse, Duty to Warn etc.)
• Answer calls/chats/texts within standard service levels 
• Apply sound clinical judgement and consult with fellow clinical professionals when indicated
• Triage calls/chats/texts based on presenting mental health and/or substance use disorder symptoms
• Conduct appropriate behavioral health screenings, including suicide, homicide (when indicated) and adapted ASAM
• Provide customized, behavioral health referrals  
• Conduct crisis work and ensure safety 
• Document all interaction in a succinct, clinical manner in the designated database; documentation must adhere to Dept. of Health Clinical Service (DHCS) requirements
• Access and enter accurate relevant clinical information into Medi-Cal beneficiary electronic health record (EHR)
• Meet or exceed individualized performance goals or metrics as determined by leadership
• Participate in the monthly self and peer monitoring process
• Complete mandatory ongoing continuing education and cultural trainings
• Problem solves technical issues
• Ability to work in fast paced environment and be adaptable to change.
• Elevate operational issues/concerns to supervisor or manager
• Adapt to changes and maintain flexibility as processes and policies are implemented to ensure compliance and quality standards
• Performs other duties as assigned

What are the reasons to consider working for UnitedHealth Group?  Put it all together – competitive base pay, a full and comprehensive benefit program, performance rewards, and a management team who demonstrates their commitment to your success. Some of our offerings include:

• Paid Time Off which you start to accrue with your first pay period plus 8 Paid Holidays
• Medical Plan options along with participation in a Health Spending Account or a Health Saving account
• Dental, Vision, Life& AD&D Insurance along with Short-term disability and Long-Term Disability coverage
• 401(k) Savings Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Education Reimbursement
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Voluntary Benefits (pet insurance, legal insurance, LTC Insurance, etc.)
• More information can be downloaded at: http://uhg.hr/uhgbenefits

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 (license not required) or Doctorate within human services such as psychology, sociology
• 1+ years of experience in Behavioral Health field with direct client contact with diverse multi-ethnic/socioeconomic populations, myriads of psychological disorders and addictions
• 1+ years of computer proficiency experience in Microsoft Office
• 1+ years of computer proficiency experience including MS Word, Excel and Outlook and be able to use multiple web applications
• Have a “cleared” status if registered with a licensing entity such as the Board of Behavioral Science (ie; not on probation and no pending corrective actions)
• Access to a designated quiet workspace in your home (separated from non-workspace areas) with the ability to secure Protected Health Information (PHI)

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ months of experience having the ability to access and enter accurate relevant clinical information into Medi-Cal beneficiary electronic health record (EHR)
• Community mental health experience
• Substance use disorder experience
• Call center experience
• Specialty services/certifications (Intimate Partner Abuse, Gambling Addiction etc.)
• Working with diverse multi-ethnic/socioeconomic populations; myriads of psychological disorders and addictions Native American, Chaldean, Military etc.
• Knowledge of managed care principles or managed care experience preferred
• Bilingual: Spanish, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Arabic, Farsi

• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

   

Soft Skills: 

• Ability to work independently and maintain good judgment and accountability 

• Demonstrated ability to work well with health care providers 

• Strong organizational and time management skills 

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks to meet all deadlines 

• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to speak clearly and concisely, conveying information in a manner that others can understand, as well as ability to understand and interpret information from others 

*All Telecommuters 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 hourly pay for this role will range from $23.41 to $41.83 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. 

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. 

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.

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