Behavioral Health Care Advocate - UM - Remote

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.

At Optum Health, you will perform within an innovative culture that's focused on transformational change in the health care system. You will leverage your skills across a diverse and multi‑faceted business. And you will make contributions that will have an impact that's greater than you've ever imagined.

The Strategic Outpatient Engagement & Management (STEM) Care Advocate will complete telephonic clinical reviews directly with Providers to ensure members are getting the most effective and efficient care promoting best practices in the outpatient psychotherapy and community‑based treatment setting.

This position is inbound‑queue based, and is fully remote, with a Monday‑Friday, 10:30am - 7:00pm CST schedule

You’ll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

• Focus on outpatient commercial, Medicaid and Medicare behavioral health services
• Conduct outpatient reviews to determine appropriate care
• Assess if member care meets coverage guidelines
• Shape member treatment in partnership with providers to ensure best practices
• Administer benefits and review treatment plans

• Active, unrestricted, Independent Level Clinician in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or Marriage or Family Counseling with 2+ years of experience in behavioral health
• Active, unrestricted independent licensure in state of residence
• 2+ years of experience in a behavioral health setting
• Outpatient psychotherapy and community‑based treatment experience
• Proven MS Office proficiency (Word, Excel, Outlook, Internet)
• Distraction‑free space in home to use as a home office
• Access to high‑speed internet (DSL or Cable)

• 2+ years of demonstrated experience (post licensure) in a related mental health environment including outpatient services
• Experience working with EMRs (electronic medical records)
• Experience in managed care
• Experience conducting clinical review to determine appropriate levels of care
• Demonstrated telephonic/office‑based experience
• Telephone queue experience
• Utilization review/management experience

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 401(k) contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). The salary for this role will range from $60,200 - $107,400 annually based on full‑time employment.

We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

This posting will remain open for at least 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may close early due to volume of applicants.

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.