Behavioral Health Advocate, Field-Based - Southwest VA

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.

The Behavioral Health Advocate will wear many hats and work in a variety of environments. Sometimes, you'll interact with members leaving the hospital, possibly with new medications or diagnoses. Or perhaps you'll perform home visits, assisting members with safe, effective transitions from care environments to where they live. You may also act as an intermediary between providers and members, serving in numerous roles, such as educator, evaluator, service coordinator, community resource researcher and more. The result? Fewer hospitalizations, ER visits and costly service gaps, and a less stressed, more effective health care system for us all.

This is a hybrid field-based position based in Southwest Virginia. The Behavioral Health Advocate will spend approximately 25% of the week in the community meeting with members in their homes, community centers, hospitals, or providers' offices and the remainder of the week working remotely from their home. Candidates must reside in Southwest Virginia. Preferred locations include Bristol, Wise, Marion, Abingdon, Wytheville, and surrounding areas. Candidates residing in areas near Roanoke, Salem, and Bedford may be considered if business needs allow. The schedule is Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm, and includes a weekend and holiday rotation.

Primary Responsibilities :

Visit Medicaid members in their homes and / or other settings, including community centers, hospitals, or providers' offices

Provide a complete continuum of quality care through close communication with members via in-person or on-phone interaction

Support members with condition education, medication reviews, and connections to resources such as Home Health Aides or Meals on Wheels

Assist members with the transition from a care facility back to their home

Why consider working for UnitedHealth Group? For starters, competitive base pay, performance rewards, and a management team who is committed to your success. Some of our benefits include :

Full Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits

Life and AD&D Insurance plus Short- and Long-Term Disability Coverage

401(k) and Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Generous PTO and paid Company Holidays

Continuing Education and License Renewal Fee reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program and Calm app subscription

Employee Discounts including Peloton and gym memberships

Employee Referral Bonus Program

And more!

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 :

Licensed Master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or Marriage and Family Counseling; or Licensed Ph.D.

Active, unrestricted, independent license in Virginia : LCSW, LMFT, LPC, or LP

1+ years of experience working in behavioral health

Proficient computer skills and good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Outlook

Driver's license and access to reliable transportation that will allow you to travel within an assigned territory in Southwest Virginia

Access to secure, high-speed internet (Broadband Cable, DSL, or Fiber) and a dedicated, distraction-free workspace at home

Preferred Qualifications :

1+ years of experience working with Medicaid population

1+ years of Community Mental Health experience

1+ years of experience working with local and state community resources in Virginia

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

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

Experience working with Medicaid funded programs

Experience working with youth and adults who have serious behavioral health needs

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 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.

UnitedHealth 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.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.