Behavioral Healthcare Advocate

Company: UnitedHealth Group
Location: San Diego
Posted on: May 17, 2025

Job Description:

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. Join us to make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. 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.You have high standards. So do we. Here at UnitedHealth Group, this includes offering an innovative new standard for care management. It goes beyond counseling services and verified referrals to programs integrated across the entire continuum of care. That means you'll have an opportunity to make an impact on a huge scale - as part of an incredible team culture that's defining the future of behavioral health care.Positions in this function are responsible for facilitating and providing linkage to behavioral health services within the system of care to justice-involved populations. Provides clinical services such as behavioral health screenings, short-term case management, coordination, and consultation with behavioral health treatment providers, San Diego Probation, and ancillary services.Primary Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive behavioral health screenings in various settings, including jails.
• Review behavioral health history to coordinate services and ensure appropriate care levels for clients.
• Identify, establish contacts, and facilitate enrollment in community resources for justice-involved populations.
• Lead coordination of care linkage for post-release offenders to community behavioral health and ancillary services.
• Provide short-term clinical case management to ensure continuity of behavioral health and medical services.
• Assist BHST Care Advocates in daily operations and duties.
• Navigate and advocate within the behavioral health system on behalf of clients.
• Engage clients in screening processes and collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to develop case plans and provide linkage based on individual needs.
• Use motivational interviewing techniques to help clients identify and understand intrinsic goals and facilitate behavior change.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, providing education and consultation regarding behavioral health linkage.
• Consult with California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation personnel, San Diego Sheriff's Department, probation officers, and community treatment providers.
• Troubleshoot internal and external problems as they arise.
• Assess safety risks, provide crisis intervention, and conduct behavioral health screenings.
• Review clinical screenings and levels of care requests.
• Orient Probation partners to the behavioral health system of care.
• Provide ongoing education to providers, consumers, and stakeholders about the behavioral health system of care.
• Suggest improvements for department functioning and care coordination.
• Maintain timely clinical documentation in electronic health records.
• Utilize technological systems to support service delivery, including Cerner EHR and Probation Case Management System.
• Adhere to HIPAA regulations and other pertinent policies.
• Perform other duties as required.You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that challenges you and provides clear pathways for success and development.Required Qualifications:
  • Independently licensed, Master's level mental health professional (e.g., LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, Psy.D.) in California, or an RN with psychiatric nursing experience.
  • At least 3 years of experience providing direct clinical care in behavioral health, including assessment, case management, and crisis intervention.
  • Experience in community behavioral health settings.
  • Ability to travel up to 25% and work onsite at community centers or probation offices within the county.
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.Preferred Qualifications:
    • Inpatient experience.
    • Experience with dual diagnosis (mental health and substance abuse).
    • Experience coordinating benefits across multiple groups and resources.
    • Experience working with justice-involved individuals.
    • Knowledge of the San Diego system of care.
    • Bilingual in Spanish and English.The salary range for this role is $59,500 to $116,600 annually, based on full-time employment and various factors including experience and certifications. UnitedHealth Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, incentive programs, stock purchase options, and a 401(k). Benefits are subject to eligibility.Our mission is to help people live healthier lives and improve the health system for everyone. We are committed to addressing health disparities and promoting health equity, especially for marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We also strive to mitigate our environmental impact.UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug-free workplace. Candidates must pass a drug test before employment.
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Keywords: UnitedHealth Group, Escondido , Behavioral Healthcare Advocate, Healthcare , San Diego, California