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 Care Advocate you will be responsible for case management and utilization review of behavioral health and substance abuse cases. You'll have a direct impact on the lives of our members as you recommend and manage the appropriate level of care throughout the entire treatment plan. If you are located in Tennessee, you will have the flexibility to work remotely* as you take on some tough challenges. **Primary Responsibilities:** + Crisis line coverage in rotation with other team members, taking calls from members, providers and others, reviewing clinical data for medical necessity, and authorizing services as appropriate + Case load management, to include: reviewing initial and concurrent requests for services, assessing requests and clinical data against medical necessity criteria in guidelines, issuing authorizations, consulting with physicians on denials, and following member cases through to completion, ensuring members receive the care they need, when they need it, in the most appropriate and least restrictive setting + Review of members’ medical records from providers to determine if mental health and substance abuse services delivered are medically necessary, if they are coordinated with other services and providers, if providers have individualized treatment plans for members, etc. + Speaking with members to complete clinical assessments, impact member engagement, assist in care coordination, etc. + Work as part of a multidisciplinary team in a company dedicated to Integrated Healthcare in TN 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:** + Independently licensed Masters - level mental health professional, licensed Ph.D. or Registered Nurse with 3+ years of recent behavioral health focus + License must be active and unrestricted in the state of Tennessee + 2+ years of clinical experience in a related mental / behavioral health setting, post independent license + Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, ability to learn and navigate multiple proprietary software applications; typing proficiency + Access to high-speed internet in home (broadband, cable, fiber optic) + Access to a designated quiet workspace in your home (separated from non-workspace areas) with the ability to secure Protected Health Information (PHI) + Permanent residence in the state of Tennessee **Preferred Qualifications** : + Experience with Medicare/Medicaid members and providers (specific TennCare experience) + Experience in a managed care environment + Experience in an inpatient setting + Crisis line or experience with triaging behavioral health crisis calls / situations + Experience with the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and best practice standards for treatment + Knowledge of or ability to research and connect with community resources, including ability to utilize features of search engines as well as Intranet to discern available resources for any caller + Familiarity with recovery and resiliency model + Proven bilingual skills *All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth 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 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $58,800 to $105,000 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. _At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission._ _UnitedHealth 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._ _UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment._