Behavioral Health Care Manager I

Carelon, a proud member of the Elevance Health family of companies, is a healthcare services organization that takes a whole-health approach to making care more integrated, personalized, and affordable. We put people at the center—connecting physical, behavioral, social, and pharmacy services, along with clinical expertise, research, operations, and advanced technology to help care work better, together.

Among us are specialty-care physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, engineers, data scientists, and other dedicated and caring health professionals. While our roles may differ, our purpose is shared: to make a positive impact on whole health.

Location: The ideal candidate will need to reside within the distance of one our Georgia offices. Atlanta and Columbus, GA.

Virtual: This role enables associates to work virtually full-time, except for required in-person training sessions, providing maximum flexibility and autonomy. This approach promotes productivity, supports work-life integration, and ensures essential face-to-face onboarding and skill development. Alternate locations may be considered if candidates reside within a commuting distance from an office. Please note, the team does meet once a quarter in person for team meetings.

• Please note that per our policy on hybrid/virtual work, candidates not within a reasonable commuting distance from the posting location(s) will not be considered for employment, unless accommodation is granted as required by law. 

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8AM to 5PM EST. No weekends or holidays.

The Behavioral Health Care Manager I will be responsible for managing psychiatric and substance abuse or substance abuse disorder facility-based and outpatient professional treatment health benefits through telephonic or written review.

How you will make an impact:

• Uses appropriate screening criteria knowledge and clinical judgment to assess member needs to ensure access to medically necessary quality behavioral healthcare in a cost effective setting in accordance with UM Clinical Guidelines and contract.

• Refers cases to Peer Reviewers as appropriate.

• Performs psychiatric and substance abuse or substance abuse disorder assessment coordination implementation case planning monitoring and evaluating to promote quality member outcomes to optimize member health benefits and to promote effective use of health benefits and community resources.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Requires MA/MS in social work counseling or a related behavioral health field or a degree in nursing, and minimum of 3 years of experience with facility-based and/or outpatient psychiatric and substance abuse or substance abuse disorder treatment; or any combination of education and experience which would provide an equivalent background.

• Current active unrestricted license, such as RN LCSW LPC (as allowed by applicable state laws) LMFT or Clinical Psychologist to practice as a health professional within the scope of licensure in in the state of Georgia required.

• Licensure is a requirement for this position.

Preferred Skills, Capabilities and Experiences:

• Previous experience in utilization management with a broad range of experience with complex psychiatric/substance abuse cases preferred.

For URAC accredited areas, the following professional competencies apply: Associates in this role are expected to have strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills, problem-solving skills, facilitation skills, and analytical skills.