Behavioral Health Care Advocate - Virginia

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.

As a Behavioral Health Advocate (BHA), you'll 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. Other times 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 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.

BHAs provide care coordination for adults and children in the SMI/SUD population. BHAs are based out of a home office and spend up to 25% of the week in the community meeting with members in their homes, community centers, hospitals, or providers' offices. The schedule is Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm. 
 

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
• Work with network providers to ensure timely access to services and coordinate service needs
• Seek consultation and support from other members of core and extended care team as needed such as RN, Medical Director, Provider and Community Liaisons
• Perform care planning and care management

As part of your employment with Optum, you'll enjoy a robust total rewards package that includes:

• 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
   

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 in behavioral health
• Proficient computer skills including good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Outlook
• Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation that will allow you to travel within an assigned territory 

• 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 ben