Behavioral Health Care Advocate - UM

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.

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

• Responsible for handling inbound calls, from providers and members in a call center / cue based 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 in fast paced environment

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.

• Master’s degree in psychology, Social Work or Marriage and Family Therapy, LPCC, or PhD/PsyD
• Active, unrestricted independent clinical license in the State of CA: LP, LCSW, LMFT, LPC along with CA residency
• 2+ years of experience in behavioral health
• Live in and be a legal resident of California for the duration of employment
• Ability to work 8:30am-5pm PST
• Ability to work rotating holidays
• Dedicated office space and access to high-speed internet service in your home

• 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 United Health 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 $58,800 to $105,000 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At United Health 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.

United Health 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.

United Health Group is a drug‑free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.