Telecommute Behavioral Health Advocate - Foster Care

$5,000 Sign‑On Bonus for External Candidates!

The regionally based, locally hired Behavioral Health Advocate (BHA) will be the single point of contact for children, youth, caregivers, Children’s Protective Services (CPS), and related agencies to coordinate a child or youth in our Virginia program. Navigators must have experience working within the foster care system and knowledge of services used by foster‑care children and youth, especially behavioral health services.

The BHA will meet with CPS, complete assessments, attend internal clinical rounds, make recommendations to the child and family team, and ensure essential medical and behavioral health services are provided. Navigators will reach out to providers when needed and update information on the EHR.

Behavioral Health Advocates are responsible for coordinating and managing medical and behavioral health services delivered to youth who are in foster care. The BHA serves as the primary point of contact for the youth, their family, the state child welfare contractor, foster parents or group home placements, and network providers.

Charlottesville, Wythesville, Roanoke

This is a work‑at‑home position with travel up to 25‑50% in local areas of the Commonwealth of VA (travel will not be required until COVID‑19 restrictions are lifted). Must live in VA and be independently licensed in the Commonwealth of VA.

Schedule is Monday‑Friday.

• Providing care coordination and serving as the single point of contact for children, family, state foster care contractor, and/or the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ)
• Conducting assessments of the child’s needs in collaboration with identified supports
• Developing a plan of care in collaboration with the youth, family, state foster care contractor, and foster care placement to address member needs
• Reviewing and revising the plan of care as needed based upon the needs of the member
• Providing outreach to network providers to ensure the delivery of appropriate services to meet member needs and coordinating services among providers
• Working collaboratively with service providers, families, state child welfare contractor, and child placing agencies to identify and access resources to meet the needs of members and support foster care placements
• Working with network providers to ensure timely access to services and coordinate service needs
• Providing outreach and coaching to members, families and foster care placement to encourage and treatment and service adherence
• Working with the member, family, state foster care contractor, and foster care placement to identify and address gaps in services
• Responding promptly to emerging issues that impact services to the youth
• Providing education to members, families and foster care placements regarding relevant medical and behavioral topics
• Seeking consultation and support from other members of core and extended care team as needed (such as RN, Medical Director, Provider and Community Liaisons)

• Licensed master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or Marriage or Family Counseling, or Licensed Ph.D., or an RN with 2+ years of experience in behavioral health
• Current, unrestricted, independent VA license (LCSW, LMFT, RN, LPC, LP)
• 2+ years of experience in behavioral health
• Experience working with children, youth and young adults in foster care or juvenile justice
• Demonstrated understanding and experience in trauma‑informed care and working with a system of care
• Care planning and care management experience
• Proficient with Microsoft Office based applications and the ability to learn in a web‑based virtual environment
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time in VA once COVID‑19 restrictions are lifted
• Access to high‑speed internet from home (Broadband Cable, DSL, Fiber) and a dedicated workspace from home
• Full COVID‑19 vaccination is an essential requirement of this role. Candidates located in states that mandate COVID‑19 booster doses must also comply with those state requirements. United Health Group will adhere to all federal, state and local regulations as well as all client requirements and will obtain necessary proof of vaccination and boosters when applicable prior to employment to ensure compliance.