Behavioral Health Advocate, Field based - Brooklyn

UnitedHealth Group Inc. • New York, NY

45d • Hybrid

About The Position

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. The overall purpose of the Behavioral Health Care Advocate is to improve the enrollee's ability to remain stable in the community and out of the hospital. Care Advocates engage people in the treatment process and assist them to access the appropriate community services so they can pursue their treatment goals in the community and avoid institutionalization. This position is also designed to be a direct clinical liaison between health plan staff and the clinical network. The program fosters a collegial and mutually beneficial relationship between the providers and payers of medical and behavioral health services. This is a field-based position working with adults enrolled in the Medicaid program. You will spend 80% of the time meeting with enrollees at hospitals, clinical facilities, community sites, and in their homes. The remaining 20% is spent working remotely at home. The schedule is Monday - Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, with no weekends, evenings, or holidays. Current residency in Brooklyn is required. Due to business needs, residency in Southwest, South, or East Brooklyn is preferred.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or Marriage and Family Counseling; OR Licensed Ph.D.; OR Registered Nurse with 5+ years of Behavioral Health experience
• Active, unrestricted, independent license the State of New York:
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
• Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Licensed Psychologist (LP)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• 2+ years of experience in a related mental health environment
• Demonstrated proficiency with computers and solid working knowledge of Excel spreadsheets
• Dedicated, distraction-free home office / workspace with access to install secure, high-speed internet at home
• Access to reliable transportation that will allow daily travel throughout an assigned territory to meet with enrollees
• Reside in Brooklyn

Nice To Haves

• Medical/Behavioral setting experience (i.e., hospital, managed care organization, or joint medical/behavioral outpatient practice)
• Dual diagnosis experience with mental health and substance abuse
• Case Management experience
• Community health experience
• Field based experience
• Experience working with low-income populations
• Experience working with the aged, blind, or disabled
• Working knowledge of city and state agencies and practices including APS, ACS, AOT, ACT, Health Home, Forensic and others
• Reside in Southwest, South, or East Brooklyn

Responsibilities

• Identify and provide community service linkage
• Assist enrollees with aftercare appointments
• Provide subsequent member follow-up as determined by individual member needs
• Work with enrollees to identify gaps in care or obstacles to care and problem solve for successful connection to needed services
• Review IP Census each day to determine which enrollees on the census are re-admits within the last 12 months
• Go to facility meetings with treatment team to develop a successful aftercare plan
• Manage the aftercare follow-up of identified high risk enrollees (manage follow-up calls/outreach and documentation)
• Meet with community providers/facilities as company liaison to foster good rapport and relationships and to identify new programs

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, 401(k) matching, and a wide range of life and wellness resources to support your overall well-being
• Paid time off and paid company holidays
• Continuing education support, including CEU and licensure reimbursement
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel
• Opportunities to make a meaningful impact by supporting your local community and partnering with area resources

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Insurance Carriers and Related Activities
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees