Licensed Behavioral Healthcare Advocate - Utilization Management - Remote anywhere in USA

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.As a Behavioral / Mental Health Care Advocate you will be responsible for utilization review of behavioral health and substance abuse cases. You'll have a direct impact on the lives of our members as you recommend and manage the appropriate level of care throughout the entire treatment plan.Schedule: Monday - Friday, daytime business hours. The position requires you to work 4 holidays per year. Ability to work as early as 7am Central or as late as 7pm Central may be required in the future depending on business need. This is not a “queue” based position but may require working in a “queue” in the future.You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.Primary Responsibilities:

Day to day management and administration of behavioral health benefits for facility-based care

Utilize clinical assessments to determining appropriate levels of care

Evaluate additional clinical services are needed

Effectively coordinate benefits and transitions between various levels of care

Identify ways to add value to treatment plans and consult with facility staff to improve outcomes

Actively assist in identifying appropriate community-based services for discharge planning for the duration of the course of 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:

Independently licensed clinician, with a Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or related behavioral health discipline, OR an RN with 2+ years of experience in behavioral health. Licenses must be independent, active, and unrestricted in your state of residence

2+ years of experience in a related mental health environment

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs (Word, Outlook, Internet)

Willing to work 4 holidays per year

Dedicated space in home for home office

Access to high-speed internet from home (Broadband Cable, DSL, Fiber)

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in an inpatient setting

Experience working in an environment that required coordination of benefits and utilization of multiple groups and resources for patients

Experience working with Commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid lines of business

Dual diagnosis experience with mental health and substance abuse

Demonstrated ability to handle calls in a queue, inbound or outbound

Proven excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing

Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

Experience determining levels of care

All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter PolicyCalifornia, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Washington or Washington, D.C. 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.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.Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer 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.UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.