Behavioral Health Care Advocate, NJ Field Based

UnitedHealth Group • Ocean Township, NJ

16h • 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 Field Based 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 members in the treatment process and assist with accessing 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 position combines telephonic work at home with in-person meetings at local facilities and community locations. The schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

A clinical license in New Jersey is required. Residency in New Jersey is also required; Southern and Eastern New Jersey are preferred. Candidates residing in the greater Philadelphia area may be considered based on business needs.

Requirements

• Licensed Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or Marriage and Family Counseling; Licensed Ph.D.; or RN with recent Behavioral Health experience
• Active, unrestricted, independent clinical license in New Jersey:
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Licensed Psychologist (LP)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• 3+ years of experience in behavioral health
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams
• Access to install secure, high-speed internet and a dedicated, distraction-free workspace at home
• Valid drivers license and access to reliable transportation that will allow you to travel within an assigned territory

Nice To Haves

• Inpatient experience
• Managed Care experience
• Community Mental Health experience
• Dual diagnosis experience with mental health and substance abuse
• Discharge Planning experience
• Case Management experience
• Field based experience
• Experience working with low-income, aged, blind, or disabled populations
• Working knowledge of city and state agencies and practices to include APS, ACS, AOT, ACT, Health Home, Forensic and others
• Experience working in an environment that required coordinating benefits and utilizing multiple groups and resources for patients
• Reside in Southern or Eastern New Jersey
• Bilingual in Spanish
• All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy.

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 identify new programs

Benefits

• 40-hour work week. No nights, weekends, holidays, or being on call!
• Competitive salaries
• Comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Paid Time Off, and 401K
• CEU and license renewal fee reimbursement
• Mileage reimbursement
• Ability to support your local community and partner with area resources

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level