Behavioral Health Care Advocate Utilization Management - Remote - Remote Eligible

Behavioral / Mental Health Care Advocate

The Optum family of businesses is seeking a Behavioral / Mental Health Care Advocate to join our team. As a member of the Optum Behavioral Care team, you'll be an integral part of our vision to make healthcare better for everyone. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale.

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.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Day to day management and administration of behavioral health benefits for facility-based care
• Utilize clinical assessments to determine 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 Master’s degree in psychology, Social Work, Counseling or Marriage or Family Counseling, or Licensed Ph.D., or Psy.D, or an RN with 2+ years of experience in behavioral health
• Current, Active, independent, and unrestricted Licenses in the state of North Carolina (LCSW, LMFT, LCMHC, Ph.D, or Psy.D)
• 2+ years of experience in a related mental health setting
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite programs (Word, Outlook, Internet)
• Willing to work up to 4 holidays per year on a rotating basis (depending on business need)
• 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 requires 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
• Experience determining levels of care
• 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

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). 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.